ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL

State of Arizona; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

ASRS retirement

10 paid holidays

Paid vacation and sick leave

Parental Leave

Deferred compensation

Wellness plans

Tuition Reimbursement

Infant at Work Program

Transit subsidy

Career advancement

Job summary

State of Arizona, Department of Economic Security, Office of the General Counsel, seeks an experienced Associate General Counsel to provide comprehensive legal counsel across contracts, eligibility determinations, appeals, and compliance actions. The role partners with division leadership to ensure programs operate transparently, accountably, and equitably for Arizonans.

The position covers policy development, rulemaking, public records, and risk mitigation, with a focus on healthcare law and

Qualifications

• Knowledge of federal and Arizona laws, rules, and regulations, particularly in public benefits.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive legal counsel across contracts, eligibility determinations, appeals, claims disputes, compliance actions, policy development, rulemaking, public records, and risk mitigation.
• Support policy development, rulemaking and compliance actions.
• Advise on program operations to ensure accountability, transparency, and equity.
• Collaborate with division leadership to align actions with mission and public service goals.

Skills

Self-Direction

Communication

Collaboration

Emotional Intelligence

Judgment

Job description

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES), we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals that are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov; or click on the link here to view ‘Our DES’ video. Come join the DES Team!

The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Associate General Counsel. This role partners closely with Division leadership to ensure that programs and operations are conducted in a manner that supports its mission, is accountable, compliant, transparent, responsive, inclusive, equitable, and participatory.

This position provides comprehensive legal counsel across a broad range of matters, including contracts, eligibility determinations, appeals, claims disputes, compliance actions, policy development, rulemaking, public records, and risk mitigation.

The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child.
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page.

Retirement

State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the State sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.

On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

Knowledge of:

• Federal and Arizona laws, rules, and regulations, particularly in public benefits.
• Legal aspects of healthcare, including administrative law, the Administrative Procedure Act, civil litigation, rulemaking, healthcare compliance, and the legislative process.
• Judicial and administrative processes, procedures, and legal terminology.
• Legal research methodologies and legal writing (e.g., memoranda, pleadings, reports).
• Ethical requirements of government lawyers and managing client expectations

Skilled in:

• Self-Direction and Initiative: Independently managing workload and proactively addressing legal issues.
• Communication: Clearly conveying complex legal concepts in both written and verbal formats to diverse audiences.
• Collaboration and Emotional Intelligence: Effectively working with leadership, staff, and stakeholders while demonstrating professionalism and empathy.

Ability to:

• Perform Under Pressure: Manage competing priorities and time-sensitive matters with composure and focus.
• Analyze and Exercise Judgment: Identify legal issues, evaluate risks, and deliver well-reasoned recommendations.
• Demonstrate Commitment to Public Service: Support programs that improve lives and strengthen Arizona communities.

Selective Preference(s)

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in the practice of law; two of which encompassed direct litigation experience or advice and consultation related to state and federal laws, healthcare law, rules, regulations, policy, and sub-regulatory guidance regarding health and human services, home and community-based services, and/or public benefits.