Deputy General Counsel I

Oklahoma State Government; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 67,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) seeks a Deputy General Counsel I to provide expert legal support to the Medicaid Division, ensure compliance with state and federal laws, and support the SoonerSelect program.

Responsibilities include research, drafting, discovery, and representing OHCA in administrative and court hearings, with collaboration across units and with the Attorney General's Office. JD required; Oklahoma Bar license required.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Oklahoma Bar license required.
• Experience with Medicaid or healthcare law preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with legal research, document review, drafting, and discovery.
• Analyze state and federal Medicaid law and waiver language.
• Take on first- and second-chair responsibilities in hearings.
• Coordinate with the Attorney General's Office on opinions.

Skills

Legal research

Drafting

Communication

Collaboration

Policy analysis

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Deputy General Counsel I

Agency: 807 HEALTH CARE AUTHORITY

Full/Part-Time: Full time

Job Type: Regular

Compensation: $78,465/ year

Location: 4345 N Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73105

Salary: $78.465/year

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday

Primary Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

At the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA), your work matters. Every day, our team helps ensure Oklahomans have access to better health and better care. Guided by our core values, Passion for Purpose, Trust & Transparency, Empowerment & Accountability, Best-in-Class, Outcome-Driven, and Servant Leadership, we foster a workplace where people feel supported, respected, and empowered to make an impact. Learn more about OHCA.

Let’s Talk Benefits

• Generous state-paid benefit allowance to offset insurance premiums.
• A wide selection of insurance plans with no pre-existing condition exclusions.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for health care and dependent care.
• Retirement Savings Plan with employer contributions.
• 11 paid holidays annually.
• 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave in the first year.
• Longevity Bonus recognizing years of public service.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility and tuition reimbursement.
• Wellness benefits, including an on-site gym and fitness center discounts.

Agency/Division Information

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) works to ensure Oklahomans have access to better health and better care. The agency’s core values include passion for purpose, trust and transparency, empowerment and accountability, best in class and outcome-driven, and servant leadership. As part of the interview process, candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview at our Oklahoma City office.

Position Purpose

The Deputy General Counsel I provides expert legal support and strategic counsel to the Oklahoma Health Care Authority's (OHCA) Medicaid Division. The role is responsible for ensuring compliance with state and federal laws, supporting the SoonerSelect program, and handling legal matters such as research, drafting, and discovery. This position involves collaborating with stakeholders, analyzing legislative impact, and participating in administrative and court hearings. The Deputy General Counsel I plays a critical role in guiding legal strategies, protecting the agency’s interests, and contributing to the effective operation of OHCA’s mission to improve health outcomes for Oklahomans.

Essential Functions May Include

• Assist senior attorneys with legal research, document review, drafting, and discovery.
• Research state and federal law relating to the Medicaid program; draft and review State Plan and waiver language; attend policy initiative meetings with stakeholders.
• Analyze, review, and determine the impact of proposed legislation.
• Take on first- and second-chair responsibility in administrative hearings for member and provider appeals.
• Coordinate with the Office of the Attorney General concerning Attorney General Opinion requests.
• Monitor privacy policies and training materials, ensuring compliance with federal and state law.
• Review and revise privacy-related forms, including HIPAA waivers, to ensure compliance with federal and state law.
• Serve as the principal contact for legal advice and assistance to the Business Enterprises (BE), Communications, and other administrative units as assigned.
• Provide Open Meetings Act and Open Records Act advice to various OHCA committees.
• Take on second-chair responsibility in state and federal court proceedings, including drafting pleadings and discovery, motions hearings, depositions, and trial.
• Contract review, procurement analysis and advice.
• Legal support and counsel to the Chief of Compliance and Contracts.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competency Requirements

The Deputy General Counsel I requires in-depth knowledge of state and federal legislation, strong legal research and drafting skills, and the ability to handle complex administrative hearings and legal proceedings. The position demands excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with stakeholders, as well as the ability to provide strategic legal guidance and compliance oversight. Key Korn Ferry competencies for this role include Decision Quality, for making sound legal judgments, and Manages Complexity, to navigate multifaceted legal issues and align them with agency objectives.

Education and/or Experience

• A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school, a license to practice law in the State of Oklahoma, and membership in Oklahoma Bar Association.

Preference Qualifications Include

• Certifications in any of the following areas: Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC), Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US), Project Management Professional (PMP), Mediation or Arbitration Certification, or Certified in Procurement Management.
• Experience with AI assisted legal research, document review, and current legal technology.
• Additional Bar Memberships

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Work is typically performed in an office setting with climate-controlled settings and exposure to moderate noise levels. In the course of performing job duties, employees are required to speak, stand, walk, and reach with their hands and arms. This position requires extended periods of sitting and daily use of computers and phones. Employees must be willing to complete all job-related travel associated with this position. Being present at the office is an essential function of this position.

Accommodation Statement

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority complies with applicable State and Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, disability, age, national origin, or genetic information. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Civil Rights Coordinator at 405-522-7335.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.