Description

The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) is seeking an experienced Attorney to serve as a Deputy General Counsel within the Office of the General Counsel (OGC). This position is designed to fill either a regulatory/policy-focused or litigation-focused leadership role, depending on the selected candidate's background, skills, and experience. 

The successful candidate will provide senior-level legal advice and representation related to the Medicaid Program, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the State's behavioral health system. This role includes supervision of attorneys, professional staff, and administrative staff, close collaboration with Agency leadership, and responsibility for highly complex legal, regulatory, and policy matters. Remote work within Arizona may be available based on business needs and performance.  

Major Duties and Responsibilities 

• Provide legal research, analysis, and advice on complex state and federal laws governing Medicaid, CHIP, behavioral health, managed care, procurement, privacy, public records, administrative procedure act, eligibility, business and compliance matters. 
• Supervise, mentor, and manage attorneys, paralegals, and administrative staff; ensure high-quality, timely, and accurate work products. 
• Collaborate closely with OGC leadership, AHCCCS Leadership, AHCCCS Administration staff, state and federal agencies, advocacy organizations, and external partners on legal, policy, and programmatic initiatives. 
• Review proposed and existing state and federal statutes, regulations, policies, and other materials; advise AHCCCS leadership, the Governor's Office, and other stakeholders regarding legal and operational impacts. 
• Represent AHCCCS in complex litigation and administrative proceedings before state and federal courts and agencies; oversee and coordinate with outside counsel as appropriate. 
• Negotiate, draft, review, and interpret complex contracts and intergovernmental agreements, including major managed care procurements; advise on and manage contract disputes. 
• Assist with drafting and negotiating the Medicaid State Plan, Section 1115 Demonstration Waiver documents, and related amendments. 
• Assist with the development, drafting, and oversight of administrative rules consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act and Agency objectives. 
• Draft, review, and ensure timely issuance of Director's Decisions following Administrative Law Judge Recommended Decisions.  
• Draft high profile, complex, and sensitive correspondence on behalf of AHCCCS Leadership 
• Perform other related duties as assigned. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

Knowledge of: 

• Federal and state laws related to Medicaid (Title XIX), CHIP (Title XXI), and state behavioral health programs. 
• Administrative law, civil litigation, rulemaking, health care compliance, procurement, and the legislative process. 
• Managed care delivery systems, provider reimbursement, privacy and confidentiality laws (including HIPAA), and public records requirements. 

Skills and Abilities: 

• Senior-level oral and written communication skills with the ability to explain complex legal issues clearly and concisely. 
• Strong leadership skills and ability to lead a team of professional and administrative staff, with experience in performance management and development, complex problem-solving and decision-making skills.         
• Drafting complex legal documents, opinions, contracts, pleadings, and policy analyses. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and skills in conflict management and resolution 
• Advanced negotiation, analytical reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. 
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects independently under tight and shifting deadlines. 

This job announcement consolidates the duties, qualifications, and expectations outlined in the Deputy General Counsel - Regulatory and Deputy General Counsel – Litigation position descriptions. Final assignment (regulatory or litigation focus) will be based on candidate qualifications and Agency needs.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications 

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school. 
• Active license to practice law in the State of Arizona (must be maintained as a condition of employment). 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Five to seven years of experience in health law, Medicaid/Medicare, health care finance, or representing state or federal agencies. 
• Two or more years of supervisory or management experience overseeing and leading professional and administrative staff. 
• Experience advising or supporting large, complex government programs or organizations.