Senior Associate General Counsel - Regulatory

AHCCCS is Arizona’s Medicaid agency, a nationally acclaimed model among Medicaid programs and a recipient of multiple awards for excellence in workplace effectiveness and flexibility. Employees are passionate about their work, committed to high performance, and dedicated to serving the citizens of Arizona. The agency offers high employee engagement and satisfaction, supportive leadership, and flexible work environments, including remote work opportunities.

About the role

The Senior Associate General Counsel provides legal advice to the AHCCCS Administration regarding the AHCCCS Program and assists with oversight and guidance to the regulatory unit and various divisions within the Agency. This position works collaboratively to provide legal counsel and representation to clients and development of regulatory and policy initiatives, including rulemaking. The role may be performed remotely (Virtual Office or telecommute) based on unit needs and leadership discretion.

Responsibilities

• Provides legal counsel and business advice to various divisions within the agency on a day-to-day basis.
• Performs legal research, provides legal advice, and prepares related legal documents consistent with state and federal law as part of 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 regulatory and policy matters.
• Reviews, negotiates, and prepares diverse contracts and intergovernmental agreements to ensure compliance with procurement requirements; interprets contracts and advises and represents the agency in contract disputes and negotiations.
• Performs review of proposed and current state and federal statutes and regulations, policy proposals, policies and procedures, sensitive correspondence, contractual provisions, administrative and judicial matters, and other materials affecting the program and advises the Administration regarding potential impacts.
• Supervises professional and administrative staff to provide support and leadership.
• Reviews and/or prepares case status reports and statistical reports on an ongoing basis.
• Reviews Administrative Law Judge Recommended Decisions and assists with the preparation of Director Decisions and Final Decisions.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school.
• Current license to practice law in the state of Arizona (must maintain a valid license as a condition of employment).
• Minimum of three years of experience in health law, Medicare/Medicaid healthcare finance, or prior experience representing state or federal agencies.
• Experience in leadership of business, program, and operational units of a large organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least two years of supervisory experience.

Skills

• Knowledge of administrative hearing and rule-making process, legal research methods, and principles.
• Understanding of legal aspects of healthcare, managed care programs, entitlement programs (Title XIX and Title XXI), grant programs, and funding.
• Familiarity with trust law, ethical standards for lawyers and public employees, Arizona public records law, and relevant federal and state laws and regulations.
• Experience with HIPAA privacy laws, Part 2 Privacy provisions (42 CFR Part 2), and procedural due process.
• Strong skills in writing complex legal documents, legal research, interpersonal communication, negotiation, and project management.
• Ability to analyze and present legal positions clearly, plan and prioritize multiple projects, and work independently or as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Successfully pass fingerprint background check, prior employment verifications, and reference checks.
• Travel may be required for State business.
• If driving is required, must complete driver training and possess a valid driver’s license.

Benefits

• 10 paid holidays per year.
• Paid vacation (13 days/year) and sick time (12 days/year), accrued from the first day.
• Paid Parental Leave: up to 12 weeks per year for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child.
• Other leaves: bereavement, civic duty, and military.
• Top-ranked retirement program with lifetime pension benefits.
• Affordable insurance plans: medical, dental, life, and disability.
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (if qualifications are met).
• RideShare and Public Transit Subsidy.
• Learning and career development opportunities.
• Option for full-time or part-time remote work schedule.

Pay

$90,000 - $100,000