Deputy Associate General Counsel for Program Review Division (CMS)

Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services•Denver, CO

About The Position

The HHS Office of the General Counsel seeks a senior supervisory attorney for the CMS Division's Program Review Group. The position provides high-level legal advice on Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, CLIA, private insurance reforms, drug pricing, CMS Innovation Center models, and other CMS initiatives. It leads a legal team and coordinates with senior OGC, CMS, and HHS leadership, exercising independent judgment and supporting strategic, legally sound decision-making across programs. The Deputy Associate General Counsel advises CMS on major healthcare regulations, guidance, and legislation; leads and manages experienced attorneys and support staff; and serves as a senior legal advisor to CMS and HHS leadership on complex issues of statutory interpretation, regulatory design, and program implementation. The role also oversees program review support for CMS-related litigation and contributes to Division-level strategic planning, resource allocation, and workload management. The position requires a J.D. or LL.B. and a license authorizing the applicant to practice law in a qualifying U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants must demonstrate the specified Technical Qualifications and Executive Core Qualifications in a resume limited to two pages. Prior supervisory experience and experience with CMS or HHS programs are preferred. The position is in the Senior Executive Service and may involve geographic, organizational, and functional reassignment.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Must possess a J.D. or LL.B. degree.
Must be licensed and authorized to practice law under the laws of a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territorial court established under the U.S. Constitution; specified judicial status or good standing may qualify in lieu of active status in some jurisdictions.
Must meet the qualification requirements by the announcement's closing date.
Must demonstrate the required Executive Core Qualifications and Technical Qualifications in a resume not exceeding two pages.
Technical Qualification 1: Substantial practice and demonstrated expertise with laws governing CMS programs, such as Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and private insurance market reforms; extensive administrative-law experience, including the APA and CRA; experience guiding a large team providing advice on complex and novel legal issues; and experience coordinating with CMS, CMSD, and OGC leadership on challenging, cross-cutting, time-sensitive matters.
Technical Qualification 2: Demonstrated leadership and excellence directing regulatory lawyers and support personnel, setting priorities, and ensuring the organization meets client needs while handling a large volume of complex, high-priority rulemakings, guidance, initiatives, and assignments.
Executive Core Qualification 1: Demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government and commitment to uphold the Constitution, the rule of law, and service to the American people.
Executive Core Qualification 2: Demonstrated ability to manage resources strategically and efficiently, budget effectively, reduce wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.
Executive Core Qualification 3: Demonstrated knowledge, ability, and technical competence to produce exceptional-quality work effectively and reliably.
Executive Core Qualification 4: Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group, promote high performance and accountability, lead through change when necessary, and hold individuals accountable.
Executive Core Qualification 5: Demonstrated ability to achieve individual and organizational results aligned with superiors' stated goals.
Subject to a one-year supervisory probationary period unless already completed.
Must complete a Declaration for Federal Employment when requested.
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must certify Selective Service registration or exemption.
Selected applicants are subject to reasonable-suspicion and post-accident drug testing upon hiring.
Must file a Public Financial Disclosure Report within 30 days of appointment and annually thereafter, as required.
May be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance before entering on duty.
Foreign education used to meet qualification requirements must be evaluated as equivalent to an accredited U.S. education program, or receive full credit at an accredited U.S. college or university.

Nice To Haves

Prior supervisory experience.
Experience with CMS or HHS programs.
SES membership, successful completion of an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program, or SES reinstatement eligibility may allow an applicant to provide proof of eligibility in place of responding to the ECQs.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic, high-level legal counsel to CMS on regulations, guidance, and legislation affecting Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, CLIA, private insurance markets, Health Benefit Exchanges, consumer surprise billing protections, drug pricing and rebate programs, and CMS Innovation Center models.
Lead and manage a team of experienced attorneys and support staff, including setting legal strategy, assigning and overseeing work, and mentoring attorneys.
Exercise supervisory responsibility for hiring, performance management, and professional development.
Advise on novel and high-stakes legal issues, identify matters with broad policy or political sensitivity, and elevate issues to senior leadership as appropriate.
Promote consistent and defensible legal interpretations across CMS, OGC, and HHS.
Advise CMS and HHS leadership on statutory interpretation, regulatory design, and program implementation.
Engage with the Associate General Counsel, Deputy General Counsels, the General Counsel, and senior policy officials.
Oversee program review support for CMS-related litigation and coordinate with litigation teams on regulatory policy, legal risk assessment, and defense strategy.
Contribute to Division-level strategic planning, resource allocation, and workload management.
Direct the effective use of personnel and resources in support of CMS's mission and national healthcare priorities.

Benefits

Comprehensive federal employee benefits package for eligible employees and their families.
May be eligible for performance bonuses and performance-based pay adjustments.
Opportunity to volunteer for temporary Federal Civilian Detailee assignments supporting humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities.

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