What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate General Counsel position at Harris Health?
About Us
Community Health Choice, Inc. (Community) Is a Non-profit Managed Care Organization (MCO), Licensed By The Texas Department Of Insurance. Through Its Network Of More Than 10,000 Providers And 94 Hospitals, Community Serves Over 400,000 Members With The Following Programs
' Medicaid State of Texas Access Reform (STAR) program for low-income children and pregnant women
' Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for the children of low-income parents, which includes CHIP Perinatal benefits for unborn children of pregnant women who do not qualify for Medicaid STAR
' Health Insurance Marketplace Plans that offer individual health coverage that includes preventive care, emergency services, prescription drugs, and hospitalization available to all, regardless of pre-existing conditions.
' Community Health Choice (HMO D-SNP), a Medicare Advantage Dual Special Needs plan for people with both Medicare and Medicaid that combines Medicare Part A and Part B benefits, Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, and Medicaid benefits with additional health benefits like dental, vision, transportation, and more.
Improving Members' experiences is at the heart of every Community position. We strive every day to make sure that our Members have access to the high-quality health care they need and deserve.
Community is accredited by URAC for its health plan operations. We offer care management programs for asthma, diabetes, and high-risk pregnancy. An affiliate of the Harris Health System (Harris Health), Community is financially self-sufficient and receives no financial support from Harris Health or from Harris County taxpayers.
Job Summary
The Associate Counsel is an entry-level legal role that provides foundational support to the Legal Affairs Department at Community Health Choice. The role assists with contract drafting and review, legal research, regulatory monitoring, and preparation of legal correspondence and documents. Working under the supervision of senior attorneys, the Associate Counsel supports Communitys Medicaid, CHIP, Marketplace, and Medicare operations while gaining experience necessary for career progression within the Legal job family.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS AND CORE COMPETENCIES
Contract Review and Drafting
Assist with reviewing, redlining, and drafting routine contracts and agreements.
Support drafting for vendor, provider, confidentiality, and data use agreements.
Verify alignment of contract terms with Community policies and regulatory requirements.
Legal Research and Regulatory Support
Conduct legal research on TAC, TDI, HHSC, CMS, and other governing regulations.
Draft legal memoranda, summaries, and briefing documents.
Track and monitor regulatory changes affecting Community operations.
Operational and Administrative Legal Support
Assist with subpoena responses, open records requests, and general inquiries.
Support litigation preparation and document coordination with external counsel.
Maintain matter management systems, logs, and tracking tools.
Stakeholder Collaboration
Participate in internal meetings to gather information and provide follow-up through research.
Support communication among Legal Affairs, operational departments, Harris Health, and external counsel.
Other Duties as Assigned
Provide additional legal and administrative support as needed.
Reports to Position Title: Sr. Director, Senior Counsel, Legal Affairs or Assistant General Counsel
Qualifications
Education/Specialized Training/Licensure: Doctorate of Jurisprudence (JD) from an accredited law school required.
Active license to practice law in the State of Texas required.
Work Experience (Years and Area): 1-3 Years experience required; Strong legal writing and research skills required.
Experience with contracting, regulatory, managed care, or healthcare industries preferred.
Software Proficiencies: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel)
Other: Ability to manage multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively.
Job Family/Job Title Competencies
Critical Thinking
Organizational Sensitivity
Attention to Detail
Taking Initiative
Interpersonal Skills
Clear and professional verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to explain legal issues in understandable terms to non-legal staff.
Strong listening skills with the ability to summarize and relay information accurately.
High level of professionalism, judgment, and confidentiality.
Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships.