Deputy General Counsel - Litigation

Arizona Department of Administration • Phoenix, AZ

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), Arizona’s Medicaid Agency, is seeking a Deputy General Counsel - Litigation to join the Office of the General Counsel (OGC). This role provides strategic legal counsel to the Agency on complex, high-profile subjects and serves as a leadership manager, overseeing the litigation team. AHCCCS is a nationally acclaimed model among Medicaid programs, recognized for workplace effectiveness, flexibility, high employee engagement, and satisfaction. The agency offers meaningful career opportunities with flexible work environments, including remote work options.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school.
• Must have a current license to practice law in the state of Arizona and must maintain a valid license to practice law in the state of Arizona as a condition of employment.
• Knowledge of Federal and state laws and regulations concerning Title XIX, Title XXI, state based behavioral health programs, and other public benefit programs
• Knowledge of AHCCCS Program and health care entitlement programs
• Knowledge of Legal aspects of health care, including administrative law, the Administrative Procedure Act, civil litigation, rulemaking, health care compliance, and the legislative process
• Knowledge of Privacy and confidentiality provisions, including HIPAA privacy and security provisions
• Knowledge of Personnel management
• Knowledge of Regulation of managed care delivery systems and health plan and provider reimbursement
• Knowledge of Rules of procedure related to judicial and administrative matters in complex litigation
• Knowledge of Public records
• Knowledge of Ethical standards applicable to lawyers and public employees
• Skill in Drafting and preparing complex and sensitive documents, including but not limited to, legal opinions, reports, affidavits, motions, discovery, and declarations
• Skill in Senior level oral and written communications and strong interpersonal skills in one-on-one interactions as well as large groups
• Skill in Leadership, management and supervision of professional and administrative staff
• Skill in Complex negotiation
• Skill in Effectively collaborating with individuals in positions at all levels
• Skill in Conflict management and resolution
• Skill in Organizational skills to coordinate and keep on target multiple complex projects simultaneously
• Skill in Complex analytical, problem solving, and decision-making skills
• Skill in Project management including project development, organization and prioritization
• Skill in Computer systems skills, paperless office skills
• Skill in Attention to detail, timeliness, and accuracy
• Skill in Analyzing, presenting issues and providing legal advice related to administrative and judicial matters
• Ability to Identify complex legal, operational, and programmatic issues, and proposed solutions
• Ability to Exercise sound judgment in making decisions and provide sound advice, act professionally and ethically
• Ability to Present legal positions clearly and logically in written and oral form
• Ability to Perform analysis/synthesis of complex issues, presenting recommendations and reports
• Ability to Plan, prioritize and organize multiple complex projects and tasks
• Ability to Communicate complex issues verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner
• Ability to Effectively lead, motivate, and develop staff to achieve program goals and strategies and improve operations
• Ability to Effectively resolve employee relations needs
• Ability to Assist in developing process improvements
• Ability to Work independently, accurately and timely complete complex assignments, and perform under pressure and short timeframes with shifting priorities

Nice To Haves

• Five to seven years of experience combined in the following areas: Health law, Medicare/Medicaid healthcare finance, or prior experience representing state or federal agencies
• Leadership of business, program, and operational units of a large organization.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervises and provides strategic leadership and management over the litigation team within the Office of General Counsel, with oversight of their activities and performance to ensure effective operations and to enhance OGC performance, fostering achievement of strategies, goals, and objections and supporting and guiding the culture of the division.
• Provide guidance, coaching, development of staff, and project management for the litigation team within the Office of General Counsel.
• Provides legal counsel and business advice to various divisions within the agency on a day-to-day business.
• Perform legal research, provide legal advice, and prepare related legal documents consistent with state and federal law concerning the legal representation of AHCCCS.
• Drafts complex correspondence on behalf of various divisions and directly interfaces with external public and private entities, including state and federal government officials regarding litigation matters.
• Coordinate, assist, and oversee work performed by outside counsel assigned to various litigation matters for the agency in various judicial and administrative proceedings regarding the administration of the program.
• Coordinate efforts with the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of Office of Arizona Attorney General and other state/ federal law enforcement entities such as the United States Attorney's Office and County Attorneys' Offices on issues related to the administration of the program.
• Respond to discovery requests, subpoenas, and public records requests while ensuring compliance with state and federal privacy, litigation risks, and public record-keeping requirements.
• Assist with the drafting and negotiation of the Medicaid State plan and the section 1115 waiver documents.
• Assist with negotiation and preparation of diverse contracts and intergovernmental agreements; ensure compliance with procurement requirements; interpret contracts and advise and represent the agency in contract disputes.
• Assist with promulgating administrative rules to implement, interpret, or prescribe law or policy, and/or describe the procedures or practice requirements of an agency.
• Assist with the preparation and timely issuance of Director’s Decisions upon receipt of Administrative Law Judge Recommended Decisions.

Benefits

• 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid Vacation and Sick time off (13 and 12 days per year respectively)
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child.
• Other Leaves - Bereavement, civic duty, and military.
• A top-ranked retirement program with lifetime pension benefits
• A robust and affordable insurance plan, including medical, dental, life, and disability insurance
• Participation eligibility in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (must meet qualifications)
• RideShare and Public Transit Subsidy
• A variety of learning and career development opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior