Senior Associate General Counsel - Litigation

State of Arizona; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

10 paid holidays per year

Paid Vacation and Sick time

Paid Parental Leave

Comprehensive insurance plan

Retirement program with pension benefits

Job summary

The State of Arizona is seeking a Senior Associate General Counsel to provide legal counsel to the AHCCCS Administration. This role involves collaboration with various divisions to deliver legal advice and representation during administrative hearings.

Ideal candidates will possess a Juris Doctorate and a passion for public service, negotiating legal strategies and achieving favorable outcomes. Strong organizational skills and a commitment to ethical standards are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• Must have a current license to practice law in Arizona.
• Minimum three years of experience in Health law or representing agencies.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice to the AHCCCS Administration.
• Assist with oversight and guidance to the litigation unit.
• Develop litigation strategy and represent the Agency in proceedings.

Skills

Legal research methods

Writing complex legal documents

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Negotiation skills

Education

Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Job description

The AHCCCS Administration is the State agency responsible for the administration of the Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance programs, and the behavioral health system. As part of the Office of General Counsel (OGC) Team, the Senior Associate General Counsel provides legal advice to the AHCCCS Administration regarding the AHCCCS Program and assists with oversight and guidance to the litigation unit and various divisions within the Agency. This position works collaboratively to provide legal counsel and representation to clients, representation of the Agency in administrative hearing proceedings, and development of litigation strategy.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Benefits

• 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid Vacation and Sick time off (13 and 12 days per year respectively) – start earning it your 1st day (prorated for part-time employees)
• Paid Parental Leave – Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child
• Other Leaves – Bereavement, civic duty, and military
• A top-ranked retirement program with lifetime pension benefits
• A robust and affordable insurance plan, including medical, dental, life, and disability insurance
• Participation eligibility in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (must meet qualifications)
• RideShare and Public Transit Subsidy
• A variety of learning and career development opportunities

Remote Work

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Paid Parental Leave

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

Retirement Programs

Lifetime Pension Benefit Program

• Administered through the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)
• Defined benefit plan that provides for lifelong income upon retirement
• Required participation for Long-Term Disability (LTD) and ASRS Retirement plan
• Pre-taxed payroll contributions begin after a 27-week waiting period (prior contributions may waive the waiting period)

Deferred Retirement Compensation Program

• Voluntary participation
• Program administered through Nationwide
• Tax-deferred retirement investments through payroll deductions

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of

• Administrative hearing and rule-making process
• Legal research methods and principles and their application
• Legal aspects of health care
• Managed care programs
• Entitlement programs including the Title XIX and Title XXI Programs, grant programs and funding
• Principles and practices to resolve issues involving trust law in general and Arizona law relating to treatment of trusts in particular
• Ethical standards applicable to lawyers and public employees
• Arizona law regarding public records
• Arizona law relevant to rule making
• Federal and state laws and regulations, AHCCCS programs, policies and procedures
• Administrative law, contract law and tort law
• Relevant court decisions, rules of evidence and court rules
• Experience in resolving issues involving the application of State and Federal law as it relates to the treatment of trusts in determining eligibility for AHCCCS and Title XIX programs
• HIPAA privacy laws and regulations; Part 2 Privacy provisions (42 CFR Part 2)

Skills in

• Writing/preparing complex documents or reports
• Preparation of complex legal documents including pleadings, motions, discovery, affidavits or declarations
• Researching, extracting and utilizing relevant information and applying them to complex facts from complex problems, cases and assignments
• Utilizing interpersonal skills, sound judgment, oral and written communications, effective negotiation skills, and an adaptable, cooperative and persuasive approach
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong legal project management and facilitation skills, including project development, organization and prioritization
• Computer system skills, including advanced Microsoft Office skills and Google Suite
• Leadership and management skills

Abilities to

• Analyze and present legal positions clearly and logically in written and oral form
• Identify and perform analysis/synthesis of complex issues and present recommendations and reports
• Plan, prioritize and organize multiple projects and tasks
• Communicate complex issues verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner
• Utilizing interpersonal skills, sound judgment, oral and written communications, effective negotiation skills, and an adaptable, cooperative and persuasive approach
• Presenting cases and persuading administrative and judicial decision-makers through various stages of legal representation
• Build strong relationships inside and outside of organization
• High level of independent thinking
• Work independently as well as in a team

Preferences

Minimum

• Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school. Must have a current license to practice law in the state of Arizona and maintain a valid license to practice law in the state of Arizona as a condition of employment.

Preferred

• Minimum of three years of experience in Health law, Medicare/Medicaid healthcare finance, or prior experience representing state or federal agencies Leadership of business, program, and operational units of a large organization.