Associate General Counsel

Arizona Department of Economic Security; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Arizona Department of Economic Security seeks an experienced Associate General Counsel to provide comprehensive legal counsel spanning contracts, eligibility determinations, appeals, public records, and risk mitigation.

The role partners with DES leadership and division staff to ensure compliance, transparency, and accountability, supporting program objectives and statewide impact in a dynamic public-service environment.

Qualifications

• Licensed to practice law in Arizona (active).
• Experience with federal and Arizona public benefits law desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely, practical legal advice to DES leadership to ensure compliance with federal and state law.
• Conduct complex legal research applying statutes, regulations, and case law to support decisions.
• Review, draft, and advise on contracts, intergovernmental agreements, and procurement documents.
• Offer guidance on eligibility determinations, appeals, and claims disputes; support hearings as needed.
• Advise on audits, compliance actions, and risk mitigation; develop policy and rulemaking guidance.
• Deliver legal training to staff to foster a culture of compliance and accountability.

Skills

Self-Direction

Communication

Collaboration

Under Pressure

Judgment

Public Service

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

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 include but are not limited to:

• 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.