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.

ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL

Job Location:

Address:  Office of the General Counsel (OGC)
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Posting Details:

Salary: $110,000-$135,000 

Grade: 1

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Job Summary:

Would you like to be part of a team that helps Arizonans thrive?

At the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES), we strengthen individuals, families, and communities to improve quality of life across the state. We are committed to service, community, and teamwork—and we are looking for professionals who share that commitment.

The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Associate General Counsel to advise the Department’s Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). It is DDD’s mission to empower individuals with developmental disabilities to lead self-directed, healthy and meaningful lives. This role partners closely with Division leadership to ensure that programs and operations are conducted in a manner that supports its mission, is accountable, compliant, transparent, responsive, inclusive, equitable, and participatory.

This position provides comprehensive legal counsel across a broad range of matters, including contracts, eligibility determinations, appeals, claims disputes, compliance actions, policy development, rulemaking, public records, and risk mitigation.

DES supports a flexible work culture grounded in trust and performance. This position may be eligible for remote work within Arizona, based on business needs and performance expectations. All work must be performed within Arizona unless otherwise authorized.

Job Duties:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

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, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of
• Federal and Arizona laws, rules, and regulations, particularly in public benefits
• Legal aspects of healthcare, including administrative law,