DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Your Partner For A Stronger Arizona.
DES works with families, community organizations, advocates and state and federal partners to realize our collective vision: A thriving Arizona.
DES serves more than 3 million Arizonans. Our Mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life.

Office of Director (OOD)
Office of the General Counsel
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007
www.azdes.gov

Salary: $75,000 - $105,000 Annually 

Grade: 01

Closing Date: 05/14/2024

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES) we strengthen individuals, families and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals who are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov; or click on the link here to view ‘Our DES’ video. Come Join the DES Team!
The Department of Economic Security, Office of the Director (OOD) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as an Associate General Counsel. The Associate General Counsel will, as assigned, coordinate legal services rendered by the Office of the Attorney General, and have primary responsibility for, as well as secondary oversight related to, preparing legal opinions, correspondence, reports, issue papers, contracts, memoranda, and other related legal writings. The Associate General Counsel position further supports the Office of the Attorney General and the agency’s outside counsel on litigated matters and holds an associated responsibility for the agency’s compliance with related discovery requests or mandates. Requires regular consideration of the laws, rules and regulations governing health and human care services, best practices as well as integrated, qualified or otherwise contracted providers. The Associate General Counsel position will include work on comprehensive advice and consultation matters, legal research projects as directed by the Office of the General Counsel, reading and interpreting statutes, case law, rules and regulations, assisting in coordination all stages of litigation, Decision and Orders, and other duties as assigned.
This 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, 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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Supports the Office of the Attorney General and the agency’s outside counsel on litigated matters and holds an associated responsibility for the agency’s compliance with related discovery requests or mandates.
• Assist in coordination of all stages of litigation including notices of claim, pleadings, motion practice, discovery compliance, and/or trial preparation/practice involving the agency, its providers and/or its employees.
• Read and interpret statutes, case law, rules and regulations and assess application(s) of Department policy and procedure, judicial and/or administrative law proceedings, contract(s), acquisition, procurement activities, appellate service practices and the resolution of legal matters.
• Identify enterprise wide matters of concern with attendant guidance, planning and implementing solutions.
• Identify significant litigation and major legal issues affecting the Department and propose recommended courses of action.

Knowledge of:
• Federal and State laws, rules and regulations, codes, public benefits sub regulatory guidance, health care law processes, rules of procedure, and related jurisdictional limits.
• Judicial and administrative forums and tribunals with related procedures including discovery, legal concepts, and terminology.
• Methods, techniques and requirements for legal research as well as drafting legal pleadings and memoranda, rules, guidance, general advice and reports
• Project monitoring and delivery processes including tracking and reporting.
Skills in:
• Training, planning and organizing independent work and that of other legal staff.
• Written and oral communication of legal facts, theories and opinions online and web-based applications and platforms.
• Customer support and coordination of related requests.
Ability to:
• Handle a high volume of work in stressful and time sensitive situations.
• Analyze situations and use excellent judgment in making decisions.
• Independently identify issues and prepare concise analysis of files and legal documentation, incorporating all facts obtained in a thorough, orderly and cohesive manner.
• Interact with and obtain information from client representatives, witnesses, litigants, court officials and representatives of state agencies.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in the practice of law. Minimum of one (1) year of litigation experience related to state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policy, and sub-regulatory guidance related to the provision of health and human services, care, benefits and employment practices.

• This position may require 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. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).
• Possession of, and ability to maintain a current valid license to practice law in the State of Arizona and is a member in good standing.
• Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
• Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance

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

State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the State sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.
On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates.

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact Margaret Guerra at 480.601.1445 or email mguerra@azdes.gov.
The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 480.601.1445. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.