Deputy General Counsel - Litigation

Job Overview
**Must reside in the State of Arizona.

**This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

A career in public service awaits you. COME JOIN OUR TEAM!

A great benefit of working for the State of Arizona is a fantastic work/life balance. State employees enjoy challenging work, popular remote work options, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and career growth opportunities.

As the State agency responsible for the administration of the Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance programs, and the behavioral health system, the Deputy General Counsel provides legal advice to the AHCCCS Administration regarding the AHCCCS Program and is responsible for oversight, guidance, and direction to the assigned reporting units, including attorney and administrative staff.

The position may offer the ability to work remotely within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

As the State agency responsible for the administration of the Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance programs, and the behavioral health system, attorneys employed by AHCCCS are required to be capable of providing legal services related to the complex state and federal laws related to those programs as well as providing legal services relating to legal issues facing state agencies. Under the direction of the Deputy Assistant Director/Chief Deputy General Counsel, the Deputy General Counsel overseeing the litigation team will provide strategic legal counsel to the Agency on a variety of complex high profile subjects and serve as a leadership manager of the Office of General Counsel, providing oversight, guidance, and direction of the litigation team including administrative and professional staff.

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.

Major duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Directly supervises and provides strategic leadership and management over the litigation team within the Office of General Counsel, with oversight of their activities and performance to ensure effective operations and to enhance OGC performance, fostering achievement of strategies, goals, and objections and supporting and guiding the culture of the division. Provide guidance, coaching, development of staff, and project management for the litigation team within the Office of General Counsel.
• Provides legal counsel and business advice to various divisions within the agency on a day-to-day business. Perform legal research, provide legal advice, and prepare related legal documents consistent with state and federal law concerning the legal representation of AHCCCS. Drafts complex correspondence on behalf of various divisions and directly interfaces with external public and private entities, including state and federal government officials regarding litigation matters.
• Coordinate, assist, and oversee work performed by outside counsel assigned to various litigation matters for the agency in various judicial and administrative proceedings regarding the administration of the program.
• Coordinate efforts with the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of Office of Arizona Attorney General and other state/ federal law enforcement entities such as the United States Attorney's Office and County Attorneys' Offices on issues related to the administration of the program.
• Respond to discovery requests, subpoenas, and public records requests while ensuring compliance with state and federal privacy, litigation risks, and public record-keeping requirements.
• Assist with the drafting and negotiation of the Medicaid State plan and the section 1115 waiver documents.
• Assist with negotiation and preparation of diverse contracts and intergovernmental agreements; ensure compliance with procurement requirements; interpret contracts and advise and represent the agency in contract disputes.
• Assist with promulgating administrative rules to implement, interpret, or prescribe law or policy, and/or describe the procedures or practice requirements of an agency.
• Assist with the preparation and timely issuance of Director’s Decisions upon receipt of Administrative Law Judge Recommended Decisions.

Qualifications

• Minimum:
• Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school.
• Must obtain a current license to practice law in the state of Arizona within 4 months of hiring (if applicable and must maintain a valid license to practice law in the state of Arizona as a condition of employment.
• Three or more years of management experience providing direct supervision and overseeing activities of professional staff.

Preferred:

• Five to seven years of experience combined in the following areas: 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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $120,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Phoenix, AZ 85007 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Phoenix, AZ 85007: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Phoenix, AZ 85007