Attorney (HCA/OGC #7058)

Posting Details

This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.

This job posting may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

The New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) is a state agency that provides comprehensive, accessible, and high-quality health care services to New Mexico residents. The agency is responsible for managing key services such as Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, and LIHEAP, ensuring uninterrupted support and care for New Mexicans.

Our Vision

• Every New Mexican has access to affordable health care coverage through a coordinated and seamless health care system.

Our Mission

• We ensure that New Mexicans attain their highest level of health by providing whole-person, cost-effective, accessible, and high-quality health care and safety-net services.

Our Goals

• Leverage purchasing power and partnerships to create innovative policies and models of comprehensive health care coverage that improve the health and well-being of New Mexicans and the workforce.
• Achieve health equity by addressing poverty, discrimination, and lack of resources, building a New Mexico where everyone thrives.
• Implement innovative technology and data-driven decision-making to provide unparalleled, convenient access to services and information.
• Build the best team in state government by supporting employees' continuous growth and wellness.

Why does the job exist?

Attorneys in the Health Care Authority (HCA) Office of General Counsel (OGC) support work that touches nearly half of our citizens lives.

The divisions of HCA provide programs critical to the health and well-being of our state including Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, behavioral health programs and services, a comprehensive system of support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and the licensing and oversight of healthcare facilities as well as home and community-based Medicaid waiver program providers. The range of work performed by the HCA means that OGC attorneys have an opportunity to work in a wide variety of areas of healthcare and public health law including historic innovations and reforms.

How does it get done?

The specific focus of each attorney will depend on their past experience and the needs of the divisions they are serving. The work within the OGC can span the entire range of attorney skills and functions including litigation in state and federal court, appearing at administrative hearings, contract review, licensing and regulatory enforcement, rule-making, strategy and planning, appellate work, creating procedures to implement new legislative mandates, and public records responses. Attorneys are responsible for tracking their deadlines, managing a variety of matters, and prioritizing their time based on internal client needs.

Who are the customers?

Attorneys in OCG work directly and collaboratively with their internal division clients. The clients include the Office of the Secretary and the various divisions within HCA: Medical Assistance, Income Support, Child Support, Health Improvement, Developmental Disabilities Supports, Behavioral Health Services, Health Improvement, Healthcare Coverage Innovations, Administrative Services, Information Technology, and Human Resources. All attorneys in OGC are supervised by the HCA Acting Chief General Counsel, Bob Booth.

Ideal Candidate

Our ideal candidate is passionate about supporting the health and well-being of all New Mexicans and protecting our state's safety net services. While attorneys directly serve internal agency clients, they must never forget they are ultimately serving the citizens of the state of New Mexico. A background in health law is helpful but not a necessity if you have strong skills and experiences in other areas and are excited to learn new subject matter. Strong research, technology, organizational, and client communication skills are a must.

Minimum Qualification

Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law. Must be licensed as an attorney by the Supreme Court of New Mexico or qualified to apply for limited practice license.

Employment Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.

Must obtain a Defensive Driving Certificate.

Employment is subject to a pre-employment criminal history background investigation and is conditional pending results.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office setting: late hours, weekends, on-call and callback work may be required. Will be exposed to regular periods of video display terminal and keyboard usage and stressful situations. Travel is required. Possible exposure to irate clientele. Incumbent will work under stress and frequent time constraints.

Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: Ashtyn Lopez, (505) 695-8977. Email

For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Salary : $81,349 - $130,159