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 the General Counsel (OGC)
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: $125,000.00 to $150,000.00 

Grade: 1

Closing Date: September 6, 2026

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 that 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 a General Counsel Attorney. The General Counsel position directly supports the Department's program and operational activities by assignment from the General Counsel, Office of the Director. In the General Counsel's absence, the position may act under the direct supervision of the agency's Director. Directly supports General Counsel Office staff through review of work product prior to dissemination.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
● Strategic Legal Counsel - Provide timely, practical, and risk-informed legal advice to DDD leadership and executive stakeholders to ensure compliance with federal and state law and alignment with DES priorities.
● Legal Research and Analysis - Conduct complex legal research and apply statutes, regulations, case law, and administrative guidance to support sound legal and operational decision-making.
● Contracts and Procurement - Review, draft, and advise on contracts, intergovernmental agreements, and procurement documents, ensuring legal sufficiency and risk mitigation.
● Eligibility, Appeals, and Claims - Provide legal guidance on eligibility determinations, administrative appeals, and claims disputes; support litigation strategy and administrative hearings as needed.
● Compliance and Risk Management - Advise on audits, compliance actions, and corrective measures; identify legal risks and recommend proactive mitigation strategies.
● Policy Development and Rulemaking - Draft, review, and interpret policies, procedures, and administrative rules to ensure alignment with statutory authority and best practices.
● Public Records and Transparency - Provide legal guidance on public records requests and disclosure obligations, ensuring compliance while protecting confidential information.
● Cross-Functional Collaboration - Serve as a key liaison between OGC and DDD; collaborate with leadership, program staff, and other DES divisions; respond to inquiries from executive and division leadership.
● Organizational Engagement - Participate in departmental initiatives to build a comprehensive understanding of DES programs, operations, and statewide impact.
● Best Practices and Continuous Improvement - Identify and implement legal best practices that enhance program effectiveness, accessibility, and community impact.
● Training and Guidance - Develop and deliver legal training to staff, fostering a culture of compliance, accountability, and informed decision-making.
● Performance and Workload Management - Manage a high-volume, complex workload in a dynamic environment while meeting performance expectations and supporting hybrid/remote operations.

Knowledge of:
● Federal and Arizona laws, rules, and regulations, particularly in public benefits.
● Legal aspects of healthcare, including administrative law, the Administrative Procedure Act, civil litigation, rulemaking, healthcare compliance, and the legislative process.
● Judicial and administrative processes, procedures, and legal terminology.
● Legal research methodologies and legal writing (e.g., m