As the State agency responsible for the administration of the Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance programs, and the behavioral health system, attorneys employed by AHCCCS are required to be capable of providing legal services related to the complex state and federal laws related to those programs as well as providing legal services relating to legal issues facing state agencies. Under the direction of the Deputy Assistant Director/Chief Deputy General Counsel, the Deputy General Counsel overseeing the litigation team will provide strategic legal counsel to the Agency on a variety of complex high profile subjects and serve as a leadership manager of the Office of General Counsel, providing oversight, guidance, and direction of the litigation team including administrative and professional staff.
The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.
Salary- $120,000 - $140,000
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)
Major duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• 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.
Pre-Employment Requirements
Minimum:
• Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school.
• Must obtain a current license to practice law in the state of Arizona within 4 months of hiring (if applicable and must maintain a valid license to practice law in the state of Arizona as a condition of employment.
• Three or more years of management experience providing direct supervision and overseeing activities of professional staff.
Preferred:
• 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.
Lifetime Pension Benefit Program
• Administered through the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)
• Defined benefit plan that provides for life-long income upon retirement.
• Required participation for Long-Term Disability (LTD) and ASRS Retirement plan.
• Pre-taxed payroll contributions begin after a 27-week waiting period (prior contributions may waive the waiting period).
Deferred Retirement Compensation Program
• Voluntary participation.
• Program administered through Nationwide.
• Tax-deferred retirement investments through payroll deductions.
• Successfully pass fingerprint background check, prior employment verifications and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• Travel may be required for State business. Employees who drive on state business must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12.)
If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.
All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
Retirement
Among the many benefits of a career with the State of Arizona, there are:
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid Vacation and Sick time off (13 and 12 days per year respectively) - start earning it your 1st day (prorated for part-time employees)
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child. Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here.
• 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
By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.
Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page