DEPARMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Office of the Director
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Salary: $110,000 – $125,000 Annually 

Grade: 01

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

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 looking for a passionate and dedicated attorney to join our team as an Associate General Counsel (AGC). This is a unique opportunity for a motivated self-starter to make a real difference in the lives of others by supporting vital social service programs. If you're a naturally inquisitive problem-solver who isn't afraid of hard work and values the flexibility of remote work, we want to hear from you.

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, 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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

As an AGC, you'll be at the forefront of supporting our agency's mission. You'll work closely with the Office of the General Counsel to handle a variety of legal matters, including:

• Coordinating legal services and preparing legal opinions, contracts, and reports.
• Supporting the Office of the Attorney General on litigated matters and ensuring compliance with discovery requests.
• Conducting legal research, reading and interpreting statutes, case law, rules, and regulations.
• Providing advice and consultation on matters related to health and human services law, ensuring the agency's compliance with state and federal requirements.

Knowledge of:
• Federal and State laws, rules, and regulations, with an emphasis on public benefits and healthcare law.
• Judicial and administrative forums, including related procedures and legal terminology.
• Legal research methods and techniques, as well as the ability to draft legal pleadings, memoranda, and reports.

Skills in:
• Self-Direction and Initiative: You can plan, organize, and manage your workload independently, demonstrating a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Communication: You're skilled in clearly and concisely communicating complex legal information, both verbally and in writing, to a variety of audiences.
• Collaboration and Empathy: You're a team player who can effectively coordinate with clients, witnesses, and other agency representatives to gather information and provide support.

Ability to:
• Thrive under pressure: You're able to manage a high volume of work in time-sensitive situations, remaining calm and focused when it's necessary to put in extra effort.
• Analyze and make sound judgments: You have a keen ability to independently identify legal issues and prepare thorough, cohesive analyses.
• Dedication to Public Service: You find genuine value in supporting social service programs and are driven by a desire to contribute to the greater good.

N/A

• Possession of Arizona State Bar License to practice law in good standing.
• 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.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
• 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.
• 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).

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 us at 480-536-3791 or OODHRstaffing@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 480-536-3791 or OODHRStaffing@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.