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AHCCCS

Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System
Accountability, Community, Innovation, Leadership, Passion, Quality, Respect, Courage, Teamwork

The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), Arizona’s Medicaid agency, is driven by its mission to deliver comprehensive, cost-effective health care to Arizonans in need. AHCCCS is a nationally acclaimed model among Medicaid programs and a recipient of multiple awards for excellence in workplace effectiveness and flexibility.

AHCCCS employees are passionate about their work, committed to high performance, and dedicated to serving the citizens of Arizona. Among government agencies, AHCCCS is recognized for high employee engagement and satisfaction, supportive leadership, and flexible work environments, including remote work opportunities. With career paths for seasoned professionals in a variety of fields, entry-level positions, and internship opportunities, AHCCCS offers meaningful career opportunities in a competitive industry.

Come join our dynamic and dedicated team.

Attorney

Office of the General Counsel (OGC)

Address: 801 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034

Salary: $95,000 - $100,000

Grade: 01

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

This position has the potential to work from home in a virtual office (VO) setting or may telecommute based on the needs of the unit and at the discretion of leadership.

Job Summary:

Under the direction of a Chief Deputy General Counsel, this position works with significant independence, discretion, authority, and client contact to support all agency state or federal court litigation, notices of claims, and significant administrative hearing proceedings involving high litigation risk such as protests of bid awards, or other matters which present significant litigation risk. Either directly or through subordinate staff, activities will include but not be limited to, development of litigation strategy, assessment of exposure, drafting pleadings, compliance with discovery and disclosure obligations, litigation holds, document review, risk assessments, witness interviews and preparation for testimony, legal research, and management of outside counsel resources.

Major duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Supports all agency state or federal court litigation, notices of claims, and significant administrative hearing proceedings involving high litigation risk such as protests of bid awards, or other matters which present significant litigation risk. Develops litigation strategy, assessment of exposure, drafts pleadings, complies with discovery and disclosure obligations, litigation holds, document review, risk assessments, witness interviews and preparation for testimony, legal research, and management of outside counsel resources.
• Address agency internal compliance risks by conducting audits of agency compliance with agency legal obligations, as well as state and agency policy requirements, investigating alleged or suspected internal compliance failures, providing reports and recommendations to leadership, recommending improvements in administrative policies to increase compliance and mitigate risk, and training employees on compliance requirements.
• Review and analyze trusts associated with applications for benefits, participate in the development and revision of AHCCCS policies, provide legal representation to the agency in various administrative and regulatory matters, assist with the review of ALJ Recommended Decisions and preparation of Director Decisions.
• Supervise and direct subordinate staff (work assignments, setting priorities, hiring, discipline, provide training, approving leave requests, and preparing evaluations).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge:
• Administrative hearing and rule-making process
• Legal research methods and principles and their application
• Legal aspects of health care
• Managed care programs
• Entitlement programs including the Title XIX and Title XXI Programs, grant programs and funding
• Principles and practices to resolve issues involving trust law in general and Arizona law relating to treatment of trusts in particular
• Ethical standards applicable to lawyers and public employees
• Arizona law regarding public records
• Arizona law relevant to rule making
• Federal and state laws and regulations, AHCCCS programs, policies and procedures
• Administrative law, contract law and tort law
• Relevant court decisions, rules of evidence and court rules
• Experience in resolving issues involving the application of State and Federal law as it relates to the treatment of trusts in determining eligibility for AHCCCS and Title XIX programs
• HIPAA privacy laws and regulations; Part 2 Privacy provisions (42 CFR Part 2)
• Substantive and procedural due process

Skills:
• Writing/preparing complex documents/ reports
• Preparation of complex legal documents including pleadings, motions, discovery, affidavits or declarations
• Researching, extracting and utilizing relevant information and applying them to complex facts from complex problems, cases and assignments
• Utilizing interpersonal skills, sound judgment, oral and written communications, effective negotiation skills, and an adaptable, cooperative and persuasive approach
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong legal project management and facilitation skills, including project development, organization and prioritization
• Computer system skills, including advanced Microsoft Office skills and Google Suite
• Leadership and management skills

Abilities:
• Analyze and present legal positions clearly and logically in written and oral form
• Identify and perform analysis/synthesis of complex issues and present recommendations and reports
• Plan, prioritize and organize multiple projects and tasks
• Communicate complex issues verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner
• Utilizing interpersonal skills, sound judgment, oral and written communications, effective negotiation skills, and an adaptable, cooperative and persuasive approach
• Presenting cases and persuading administrative and judicial decision-makers through various stages of legal representation
• Build strong relationships inside and outside of organization
• High level of independent thinking
• Work independently as well as in a team

Qualifications:

Minimum:
• Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school and the ability to maintain a current and valid license to practice law in the State of Arizona (or qualified for admission on motion).

Preferred:
• Minimum of three years experience 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.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• Successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify), applicable to all newly hired State employees.
• 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.) AND have an acceptable driving record for the last 39 months including no DUI, suspension or revocations and less than 8 points on your license. If an Out of State Driver License was held within the last 39 months, a copy of your MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) is required prior to driving for State Business. Employees may be required to use their own transportation as well as maintaining valid motor vehicle insurance and current Arizona vehicle registration; however, mileage will be reimbursed.

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).

Benefits:

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 (pilot program).
• 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 pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Retirement:

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.

Contact Us:

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by emailing .
Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.