Assistant General Counsel

North Carolina Judicial Branch; North Carolina; Hybrid; USD 91,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work option

Job summary

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Benefits, is seeking an Assistant Agency General Counsel II (NS) to provide legal guidance across the division’s Medicaid operations, draft and review contracts, and support procurement to ensure compliant business practices.

The role collaborates with leadership to address complex legal issues, coordinates litigation matters, and helps safeguard the division’s interests in a highly regulated environment.

Qualifications

• Licensed to practice law in NC.
• Minimum 3 years of professional legal experience.
• Experience with Medicaid or public health programs preferred.
• Ability to interpret federal and state laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice across all business areas of the Division of Health Benefits.
• Conduct legal research and analysis related to Medicaid operations and regulations.
• Draft, review, and revise contracts and agreements for compliance and clarity.
• Support procurement by reviewing terms and preparing compliant documents.
• Analyze laws and court decisions to determine impact on Medicaid programs.
• Assist with contract compliance, obligations, risks, and corrective actions.
• Coordinate with leadership on litigation matters and document preparation.
• Guide data-sharing agreements and public records requests within regulations.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop legal solutions for program goals.
• Maintain legal integrity of division operations and identify issues.

Skills

Legal research

Contract drafting

Regulatory compliance

Procurement support

Litigation coordination

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Tools

Contract management software

Job description

Agency

Dept of Health and Human Services

Division

HEALTH BENEFITS

Job Classification Title

Assistant Agency General Counsel II (NS)

Position Number

60049999

Grade

LG08

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.

Description of Work

The Assistant General Counsel provides legal advice and support to all business areas of the Division of Health Benefits and contributes to the division’s regulatory compliance and operational integrity. It performs legal research and analysis related to Medicaid operations, drafts and reviews contracts, and supports procurement processes to ensure legally sound business practices.

This role assists with contract compliance, litigation coordination, and the development of legal strategies that advance Medicaid program initiatives. It works closely with leadership to address complex legal issues and safeguard the division’s interests within a highly regulated environment. The position also supports the Chief Legal Officer in overseeing legal functions for the Division of Health Benefits.

Key Duties Include

• Provide legal advice and support across all business areas of the Division of Health Benefits.
• Conduct legal research and analysis related to Medicaid operations, regulations, and program activities.
• Draft, review, and revise contracts and agreements to ensure clarity, compliance, and alignment with division needs.
• Support procurement processes by assisting with vendor evaluations, reviewing contract terms, and preparing legally compliant documents.
• Analyze federal and state laws, regulations, and court decisions to determine their impact on Medicaid programs.
• Assist with contract compliance activities, including monitoring obligations, identifying risks, and recommending corrective actions.
• Coordinate with legal leadership on litigation matters and assist in preparing documentation and responses as needed.
• Provide legal guidance related to data‑sharing agreements and public records requests within the division’s regulatory framework.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop legal solutions that support program initiatives and operational goals.
• Contribute to maintaining the legal integrity of division operations by identifying issues and recommending sound legal strategies.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Salary Grade Range: $91,249.00 - $159,686.00

• Demonstrated expert‑level experience evaluating complex legal issues and presenting clear, well‑supported conclusions through structured written opinions and concise oral briefings.

• Proven record interpreting and applying federal and state laws, regulations, and judicial decisions that directly affect Medicaid and other public health care programs.

• Demonstrated success drafting, reviewing, and negotiating detailed contracts and agreements within a health or human services environment to ensure legal sufficiency and compliance.

• Established experience supporting procurement processes by assessing vendor materials, negotiating contractual terms, and preparing legally compliant procurement documents.

• Documented experience guiding legal considerations for data‑sharing agreements and public records requests within regulated operational frameworks.

the Posting Will Close At 11:59 P.M. The Night Before The End Date

This Position Is Funded In Part Through Federal Funds

This Position Is Eligible For A Hybrid Work Option

EHRA: Per G.S. 126-5(c1) (37), This Position Is EXEMPT From All Provisions Of NC General Statute Chapter 126 (State Human Resources Act) With The Exception Of Articles 6 and 7.

About the NC Division of Health Benefits

The Division of Health Benefits (DHB) within NCDHHS is committed to advancing innovative solutions that improve health, promote well-being and foster independence for all North Carolinians. DHB manages and oversees North Carolina Medicaid and other programs that provide access to services and supports for parents, children, seniors, people with intellectual / developmental disabilities, and behavioral health, substance use and traumatic brain injury disorders. With a budget over $27 billion in state and federal funds per fiscal year, DHB ensures that more than 108,000 enrolled providers are reimbursed for delivering covered services to 3.1 million beneficiaries.

All positions in the Division of Health Benefits are exempt from the State Human Resources Act (G.S. 126) except for the provisions of Articles 6 and 7 per HB 372 Section 20.

Compensation and Benefits

The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.

Visit the website for State Benefits.

Supplemental Contact Information

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employerthat embraces an Employment First philosophy, which consists of complying with all federallaws, state laws, and Executive Orders. We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job. For more information about DHHS: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/.

DHHS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.

In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303, our agency supports second‑chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice‑involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified.

Degree/College Credit Verification

Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, degree evaluations, and cover letters may be uploaded with your application.

Veterans’ and National Guard Preference

• Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach aDD-214 Member-4 Form(Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications.
• Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application, if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.
• Applicants who are former members of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service, must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.

ADA Accommodations

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DHHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DHHS will ensure that people with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided with reasonable accommodation. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.

CONTACT INFORMATION

If there are any questions about this posting, please contact Talent Acquisition at [e-mail]. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Licensed to practice law by the North Carolina State Bar and three years of progressively responsible professional legal experience.

NOTE: GS 114-2 and 114-6 make it the duty of the Attorney General of NC to represent the State of North Carolina in all litigation unless another statute specifically states otherwise.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.