Attorney-Adviser (General)

Defense Health Agency • San Antonio, TX

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Serves as an Attorney-Adviser (General) in the Defense Health Agency (DHA) Office of General Counsel in San Antonio, Texas. The position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. The attorney oversees affirmative claims work, including resolving billing disputes and maximizing recoveries from commercial health insurers. The role develops and implements goals, plans, vision, and standards for the Claims team, and improves claims processing in response to changes in statutes, regulations, or mission requirements. The attorney analyzes facts and legal authorities to protect the government’s interests, prepares draft legislation and regulations, responds to written requests, conducts legal research, and provides legal advice. The position also assigns work to subordinate attorneys and paralegals. Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination and background investigation. The employee must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance. Business travel may be required up to 5% of the time.

Requirements

• Graduate from an American Bar Association-accredited law school with a first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.).
• Be an active member in good standing of the Bar of a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia; bar-status documentation must be dated within three months of application submission.
• For GS-14, have at least three years of professional legal experience acquired after admission to the Bar, commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.
• Meet applicable time-in-grade requirements if currently employed as a federal attorney: 52 weeks at the next lower grade within 30 days of the announcement closing date, or prior service at the same or higher grade. Time-in-grade may be waived for current federal employees at management’s discretion.
• Demonstrate skill in identifying legal issues related to civil claims, insurance, or financial recoveries.
• Demonstrate the ability to prepare litigation reports and briefings.
• Demonstrate oral and written advocacy skills.
• Be able to effectively, professionally, and ethically manage a heavy caseload of clients with complex legal needs.
• Provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
• If using foreign education to qualify, provide an evaluation showing equivalency to an accredited U.S. education program or qualifying credit from a U.S.-accredited college or university.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.

Nice To Haves

• Veteran’s preference eligibility is considered a positive factor for attorney hiring; eligible applicants should include supporting documentation with their application.
• Military spouse preference may be claimed.

Responsibilities

• Oversee planning, supervision, and quality of work of affirmative claims personnel.
• Resolve billing disputes and maximize recoveries from commercial health insurers.
• Develop vision, goals, plans, and standards for the Claims team.
• Implement goals and plans and see them through to completion.
• Initiate revisions and improvements to claims processing in response to statutory, regulatory, or mission adjustments.
• Prepare draft legislation, rules, and regulations in response to changes in relevant statutes and claims policy.
• Analyze underlying facts and legal authorities to protect the best interests of the government.
• Draft formal responses to written requests, perform legal research, and provide advice.
• Assign work to subordinate attorneys and paralegals based on priorities, assignments, and capabilities.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package, with benefits available to employees and their families; specific eligibility depends on position type.
• Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.

What This Job Offers

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