AHCCCS

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

Salary: $110,000 - $130,000 

Grade: 01

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

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 & federal laws related to those programs as well as providing legal services relating to virtually all other legal issues facing state agencies.

This position has the potential to work remotely from home full time in a Virtual Office (VO) setting or may Telecommute based on the needs of the unit and at the discretion of leadership.

Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Perform legal research, provide legal advice, and prepare related legal documents arising from AHCCCS divisions, regarding compliance with state and federal law regarding the administration of the program, including but not limited to the administration of the public behavioral health delivery system, protection of the rights of persons with serious mental illness, correct claiming of federal financial participation, requirements for managed care contracting.
• Provide legal representation to the Agency in court relating to complex litigation regarding the administration of the behavioral health system and the administration of the Medicaid and CHIP programs and representing the agency before administrative and regulatory agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Civil Rights, and Departmental Appeals Board; oversee the work of outside counsel.
• Supervise professional staff, including attorneys and paralegals. Provide support, leadership, and ensure the success of members of assigned units within the Office of the General Counsel.
• Supervise the preparation and ensure the timely issuance of Director’s Decisions upon receipt of Administrative Law Judge Recommended Decisions.
• Negotiate and prepare diverse contracts - including many of the largest procurements in the State, namely managed care contracts for physical, behavioral and long-term care services - and intergovernmental agreements - including complex intergovernmental fund transfers; ensure compliance with procurement requirements; interpret contracts and advise and represent the agency in contract disputes.
• Assist with the drafting and negotiation of the Medicaid State plan and the section 1115 waiver documents.
• Assist with the drafting of formal administrative rules consistent with program requirements and agency objectives.
• Review of proposed state and federal statutes and regulations affecting the program and advise the administration, legislators, and Governor's Office on potential impacts.

Knowledge:
• Health care compliance
• AHCCCS programs, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program and state-based behavioral health programs
• Regulation of managed care delivery systems and health care provider reimbursement
• Rules of procedure related to judicial and administrative matters in complex litigation
• Processes and procedures relating to State and federal administrative rulemaking
• Public records and health information privacy
• Ethical standards applicable to lawyers and public employees

Skills:
• Writing/preparing complex documents/reports
• Extracting, utilizing relevant information and research authorities and applying them to complex facts
• Extracting relevant facts from exceedingly complex problems/cases/assignments
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Effective negotiation skills
• Strong project management skills including project development, organization and prioritization
• Computer systems skills, including advanced Microsoft Office skills
• Preparation of complex legal documents including pleadings, motions, discovery, affidavits or declarations
• Presenting cases and persuading administrative and judicial decision-makers through various stages of legal representation

Abilities:
• Present legal positions clearly and logically in written and oral form
• Identify and perform analysis/synthesis of complex issue, presenting recommendations and reports
• Plan, prioritize and organize multiple projects and tasks
• Communicate complex issues verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner
• Work effectively and professionally with AHCCCS, other state agency personnel and third parties
• Read and comprehend complex State and Federal laws and regulations and other requirements
• Work independently and with minimal supervision, including the preparation of correspondence, memos, pleadings and other papers
• Accurately complete complex assignments in a timely fashion
• Perform under pressure and short time frames, as necessary
• Appropriately apply professional ethics rules into practice

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:
• 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.

• 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).

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

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.

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by emailing careers@azahcccs.gov.
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.