Description:

Job Summary:
Under the direction of the Assistant Director/General Counsel, the Chief Deputy General Counsel will provide strategic legal counsel and business advice to the Agency and serve as leadership manager of the Office of General Counsel, providing oversight, guidance, and direction of reporting units, including attorney staff. The Office of General Counsel is responsible for the provision of legal advice to the organization, oversight of the Grievance and Appeals System for the AHCCCS Program, the Agency rule-making process, and public records production. This is a hybrid position with the expectation of being in the office three days per week.

The position may offer the ability to work remotely within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

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.

Major duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Directly supervises and provides strategic leadership and management of Deputies General Counsel and their reporting units and of the Business Operations Manager, with oversight of their activities and performance to ensure effective operations and to enhance OGC performance, fostering achievement of strategies, goals and objectives and supporting and guiding the culture of the division. Provides guidance, coaching, development of staff, and project management.
  • Provides legal counsel and business advice to Senior Management as well as the Divisions and Offices of the Agency on a day-to-day basis. Drafts complex correspondence on behalf of Senior Management and directly interfaces with external public and private entities, including state and federal government officials regarding programmatic issues. Serves as a member of the AHCCCS Leadership Team.
  • Collaborates closely with the Assistant Director/General Counsel regarding legal matters including complex litigation, policy issues, Agency initiatives, and programmatic operations and with regard to directing the culture, operations, and strategies for the Office of General Counsel.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge of:
  • Federal and state laws and regulations concerning Title XIX, Title XXI and other public benefit programs
  • AHCCCS Program and health care entitlement programs
  • Legal aspects of health care, including administrative law, the Administrative Procedure Act, civil litigation, rulemaking and the legislative process
  • Privacy and confidentiality provisions, including HIPAA privacy and security provisions
  • Public records law
  • Procurement and records retention
  • Relevant court decisions
  • Ethical standards applicable to lawyers and public employees
  • Personnel management, financial management, state budgeting process
  • Responsibilities of federal and state agencies and channels of decision-making authority
  • Principles and practices of program/project management and effective leadership of professional and administrative teams and subordinate staff

Skills in:
  • Analyzing and solving complex legal issues and problems
  • Drafting complex and sensitive documents
  • Senior level oral and written communications and strong interpersonal skills in one-on-one interactions as well as large groups
  • Leadership, management and supervision of professional and administrative staff
  • Complex negotiation
  • Effectively collaborating with individuals in positions at all levels
  • Effectively leading and/or facilitating a team of professionals from within and/or outside the agency
  • Conflict management and resolution
  • Organizational skills to coordinate and keep on target multiple complex projects simultaneously
  • Proficient in budget and personnel analysis and system design management
  • Complex problem solving and decision-making skills
  • Project management including project development, organization and prioritization
  • Computer systems skills such as Microsoft Office or comparable software program to include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint & Outlook

Ability to:
  • Identify complex legal, operational, and programmatic issues
  • Exercise sound judgment in making decisions and prove sound advice, act professionally and ethically
  • Present legal positions clearly and logically in written and oral form
  • Perform analysis/synthesis of complex issues, presenting recommendations and reports
  • Plan, prioritize and organize multiple complex projects and tasks
  • Communicate complex issues verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner
  • Effectively lead, motivate, and develop staff within the Division, working closely and positively with staff, to achieve program goals and strategies, improve operations, enhance performance and support a spirit of cooperation
  • Effectively resolve employee relations needs
  • Determine goals and objectives for the Division that aligns with the Agency's Strategic Plan
  • Motivate employees to perform well both individually and as teams
  • Assist in plan development for process improvement
  • Work independently, accurately and timely complete complex assignments, and perform under pressure and short timeframes with shifting priorities
  • Work closely, professionally, and positively with the Governor's Office, legislators, stakeholders, state and federal partners, and public and private organizations, including law firms and advocacy groups

Qualifications:
Arizona Driver License

Minimum:
Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school and individual must be admitted to the State Bar of Arizona and licensed to practice law in Arizona.

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. Three or more years of management experience providing direct supervision and overseeing the daily activities of staff