Contracts Counsel

State of Oklahoma•Oklahoma City, OK

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Contracts Counsel serves as a primary legal advisor for the Oklahoma Health Care Authority’s procurement and contracting functions. The position drafts, reviews, and negotiates complex agency agreements; ensures contracts are legally sufficient and compliant with applicable requirements; and protects the agency from legal, operational, and financial risk. The role works closely with the Professional Services Contracts division, vendor management specialists, procurement personnel, agency leadership, and other internal stakeholders to support the development, execution, administration, and enforcement of agency contracts. Contracting activities must align with applicable state and federal laws, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services requirements, state procurement requirements, and agency policies and procedures. The position is based at 4345 N Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Work is typically performed in an office setting, and being present at the office is an essential function. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with primary hours from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Job-related travel is required. The annual salary is $78,465. The position is full-time and regular.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
License to practice law in the State of Oklahoma.
Membership in the Oklahoma Bar Association.
Knowledge of contract law, public procurement requirements, administrative law, and applicable state and federal healthcare laws and regulations.
Skill in drafting, reviewing, interpreting, and negotiating complex contracts; conducting legal research and analysis; identifying legal, financial, regulatory, and operational risks; and providing clear, practical guidance to legal and non-legal stakeholders.
Ability to manage complex and interconnected legal and business considerations, make sound and timely decisions based on applicable requirements and agency interests, and communicate complex legal issues, risks, and contract terms clearly and effectively.
Submit an application that includes a resume/CV with complete work and education history.
Willingness to complete all job-related travel.
Ability to meet the position’s physical demands, including speaking, standing, walking, reaching, extended sitting, and daily computer and phone use.

Nice To Haves

Experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex professional services, healthcare, technology, or government contracts.
Experience advising on public procurement, vendor management, or contract administration matters.
Knowledge of federal Medicaid requirements, CMS guidance, HIPAA, or other healthcare regulatory requirements.
Experience working for a state agency, healthcare organization, managed care organization, or other public-sector entity.
Experience identifying and addressing legal, regulatory, financial, and operational risks in contracts.
Experience advising organizational leadership and non-legal stakeholders on complex legal matters.

Responsibilities

Draft, review, and revise agency agreements, including professional services contracts, information technology and technology-related agreements, memorandums of understanding, data use agreements, and other contractual documents.
Ensure contract language reflects the parties’ agreement and protects the agency’s legal and financial interests.
Lead and participate in negotiations of complex contracts with managed care entities, healthcare providers, vendors, and other state agencies.
Evaluate proposed contract terms, advise stakeholders about legal risks, and negotiate appropriate terms and protections for the agency.
Review contracts for compliance with federal Medicaid laws and regulations, CMS requirements and guidance, state statutes, state purchasing requirements, HIPAA, the Oklahoma Administrative Code, and internal agency policies and procedures.
Conduct legal reviews of agency contracting and procurement procedures to determine legal sufficiency, identify procedural gaps and legal risks, and recommend improvements.
Provide ongoing legal guidance to the Professional Services Contracts division and vendor management specialists on contract development, interpretation, administration, and enforcement.
Advise agency staff on vendor performance disputes, alleged contract breaches, unallowable costs, corrective action plans, contractual remedies, and other contract-administration legal issues.
Collaborate with procurement personnel, program staff, agency leadership, and other stakeholders to address legal questions and resolve contracting issues.
Perform other duties as assigned.