Associate General Counsel, Distinguished

Blue Shield of California • Oakland, CA

10d • $219,340 - $359,476 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate General Counsel, Distinguished, supports Blue Shield of California and Promise Health Plan’s government programs, including Medicare, Medi-Cal (Medicaid), and Duals Special Needs Plans (DSNP). Reporting to the Managing Associate General Counsel, Government Programs, this role provides legal advice and counsel on a broad range of health law issues. The position includes working on Promise Health Plan regulatory filings, supporting the day-to-day operations of the Medicare and Medi-Cal lines of business, and providing legal support to Compliance teams. The successful candidate will adapt to change, master new responsibilities quickly, demonstrate strong business acumen, and pursue excellence.

The role operates under a hybrid workplace model, with most teams expected to work in the office two days each week. Employees living more than 50 miles from an office location will determine in-office time with their manager based on business needs.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
• Active membership in good standing of the California bar, or an active license in good standing with the bar of any U.S. state or the District of Columbia, while maintaining or being eligible to obtain Registered In-House Counsel status with the State Bar of California.
• At least 8 years of experience providing legal advice in relevant areas of law, such as corporate, privacy, health care regulatory, litigation, or contracts, at a top law firm or in-house corporate law department.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and relationship-building skills to collaborate with and influence internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong independent judgment, problem-solving, critical-thinking, and analytical skills, as well as high integrity.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, multitask, and deliver high-quality work in a highly regulated, demanding, and constantly changing corporate environment.
• Ability to lead individuals and teams and work independently and collaboratively, applying people-management and mentoring skills.
• Expertise providing legal advice to managed care organizations.
• Knowledge of the Knox-Keene Health Care Service Plan Act and understanding of Medicare rules and regulations (CMS), Department of Health Care Services contracts, and associated Medi-Cal all plan letters.
• Experience interpreting and analyzing statutes, regulations, and sub-regulatory guidance.
• Experience interacting with the Department of Managed Health Care and providing clients with regulatory advice on Department filings.
• Strong ability to provide risk assessment and risk mitigation support.

Nice To Haves

• A focus on Medicare, Medi-Cal, and DSNP when providing legal advice to managed care organizations.

Responsibilities

• Research and advise all levels of the company on legal, regulatory, and contractual matters for government programs, including Medi-Cal and Medicare.
• Manage outside counsel work and ensure adherence to the outside counsel budget.
• Review and advise on vendor agreements for Blue Shield’s Medicare line of business and Promise Health Plan’s Medi-Cal line of business, and support key regulatory filings for those lines of business.
• Create, foster, and maintain relationships with internal and external constituents that enhance the Company’s reputation as a health plan, employer, and corporate citizen.
• Work directly with Medicare and Medi-Cal Compliance teams to provide legal and regulatory guidance on regulatory audits and notifications to regulators.
• Advise Medicare and Medi-Cal business units on strategic projects and initiatives.
• Work with Law Department leadership to define and execute Law Department operational plans.
• Support the Network Legal Team for government programs to ensure regulatory requirements are met when contracting with providers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree