Associate General Counsel

AZ Dept. of Economic Security; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

AZ Dept. of Economic Security (DES) Office of the General Counsel is seeking an experienced Associate General Counsel to provide comprehensive legal counsel across contracts, eligibility determinations, appeals, and compliance actions.

The role supports DES priorities and ensures lawful, transparent, and responsible operations. The position involves advising on policy development, rulemaking, public records, and risk mitigation, with collaboration across divisions and leadership.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely, practical, and risk-informed legal advice to leadership and executive stakeholders.
• Conduct complex legal research applying statutes, regulations, case law, and administrative guidance.
• Review, draft, and advise on contracts, intergovernmental agreements, and procurement documents.
• Provide legal guidance on eligibility determinations, administrative appeals, and claims disputes; support litigation strategy and administrative hearings as needed.
• Advise on audits, compliance actions, and corrective measures; identify legal risks and mitigation strategies.
• Draft, review, and interpret policies, procedures, and administrative rules.
• Provide legal guidance on public records requests and disclosure obligations.
• Serve as a liaison between OGC and DES divisions; collaborate with leadership and program staff.
• Participate in departmental initiatives to understand DES programs, operations, and statewide impact.
• Identify and implement legal best practices to enhance program effectiveness, accessibility, and community impact.
• Develop and deliver legal training to staff, fostering compliance and accountability.
• Manage a high-volume, complex workload in a hybrid/remote environment.

Skills

Self-Direction

Communication

Collaboration

Perform Under Pressure

Judgment & Analysis

Public Service Commitment

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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Strategic Legal Counsel - Provide timely, practical, and risk-informed legal advice to leadership and executive stakeholders to ensure compliance with federal and state law and alignment with DES priorities.
• Legal Research and Analysis - Conduct complex legal research and apply statutes, regulations, case law, and administrative guidance to support sound legal and operational decision-making.
• Contracts and Procurement - Review, draft, and advise on contracts, intergovernmental agreements, and procurement documents, ensuring legal sufficiency and risk mitigation.
• Eligibility, Appeals, and Claims - Provide legal guidance on eligibility determinations, administrative appeals, and claims disputes; support litigation strategy and administrative hearings as needed.
• Compliance and Risk Management - Advise on audits, compliance actions, and corrective measures; identify legal risks and recommend proactive mitigation strategies.
• Policy Development and Rulemaking - Draft, review, and interpret policies, procedures, and administrative rules to ensure alignment with statutory authority and best practices.
• Public Records and Transparency - Provide legal guidance on public records requests and disclosure obligations, ensuring compliance while protecting confidential information.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration - Serve as a key liaison between OGC and the assigned DES Division; collaborate with leadership, program staff, and other DES divisions; respond to inquiries from executive and division leadership.
• Organizational Engagement - Participate in departmental initiatives to build a comprehensive understanding of DES programs, operations, and statewide impact.
• Best Practices and Continuous Improvement - Identify and implement legal best practices that enhance program effectiveness, accessibility, and community impact.
• Training and Guidance - Develop and deliver legal training to staff, fostering a culture of compliance, accountability, and informed decision-making.
• Performance and Workload Management - Manage a high-volume, complex workload in a dynamic environment while meeting performance expectations and supporting hybrid/remote operations.

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.

Requirements

• Possession of, and ability to maintain a current valid license to practice law in the State of Arizona.
• Valid Arizona Driver's License.