Associate General Counsel

AZ Dept. of Economic Security•Phoenix, AZ

15h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Associate General Counsel. This role partners closely with Division leadership to ensure that programs and operations are conducted in a manner that supports its mission, is accountable, compliant, transparent, responsive, inclusive, equitable, and participatory. This position provides comprehensive legal counsel across a broad range of matters, including contracts, eligibility determinations, appeals, claims disputes, compliance actions, policy development, rulemaking, public records, and risk mitigation.

Requirements

Possession of, and ability to maintain a current valid license to practice law in the State of Arizona.
Valid Arizona Driver's License.
Knowledge of Federal and Arizona laws, rules, and regulations, particularly in public benefits.
Knowledge of legal aspects of healthcare, including administrative law, the Administrative Procedure Act, civil litigation, rulemaking, healthcare compliance, and the legislative process.
Knowledge of judicial and administrative processes, procedures, and legal terminology.
Knowledge of legal research methodologies and legal writing (e.g., memoranda, pleadings, reports).
Knowledge of ethical requirements of government lawyers and managing client expectations.
Skilled in self-direction and initiative: Independently managing workload and proactively addressing legal issues.
Skilled in communication: Clearly conveying complex legal concepts in both written and verbal formats to diverse audiences.
Skilled in collaboration and emotional intelligence: Effectively working with leadership, staff, and stakeholders while demonstrating professionalism and empathy.
Ability to perform under pressure: Manage competing priorities and time-sensitive matters with composure and focus.
Ability to analyze and exercise judgment: Identify legal issues, evaluate risks, and deliver well-reasoned recommendations.
Ability to demonstrate commitment to public service: Support programs that improve lives and strengthen Arizona communities.

Responsibilities

Provide timely, practical, and risk-informed legal advice to leadership and executive stakeholders to ensure compliance with federal and state law and alignment with DES priorities.
Conduct complex legal research and apply statutes, regulations, case law, and administrative guidance to support sound legal and operational decision-making.
Review, draft, and advise on contracts, intergovernmental agreements, and procurement documents, ensuring legal sufficiency and risk mitigation.
Provide legal guidance on eligibility determinations, administrative appeals, and claims disputes; support litigation strategy and administrative hearings as needed.
Advise on audits, compliance actions, and corrective measures; identify legal risks and recommend proactive mitigation strategies.
Draft, review, and interpret policies, procedures, and administrative rules to ensure alignment with statutory authority and best practices.
Provide legal guidance on public records requests and disclosure obligations, ensuring compliance while protecting confidential information.
Serve as a key liaison between OGC and the assigned DES Division; collaborate with leadership, program staff, and other DES divisions; respond to inquiries from executive and division leadership.
Participate in departmental initiatives to build a comprehensive understanding of DES programs, operations, and statewide impact.
Identify and implement legal best practices that enhance program effectiveness, accessibility, and community impact.
Develop and deliver legal training to staff, fostering a culture of compliance, accountability, and informed decision-making.
Manage a high-volume, complex workload in a dynamic environment while meeting performance expectations and supporting hybrid/remote operations.