The Associate Counsel is responsible for representing Central Health in legal matters and providing legal advice and counsel to the organization and its leaders related to healthcare delivery operations, contracting for healthcare services and/or Central Health’s practice of medicine and related operations as directed by the Deputy Chief Legal Officer.

The Associate Counsel will support Central Health’s Medical Executive Board and its P&T, credentialing, quality, peer review and clinical service line subcommittees. The Associate Counsel will also advise on and support the ongoing operation of Central Health’s practice of medicine and its clinical operations, including matters that warrant consideration or awareness by the Medical Executive Board. The Associate Counsel will develop and implement programs, systems, policies and procedures to help prevent and mitigate legal risks associated with Central Health’s functions as a health care organization. This role will work closely with operations, strategy, clinical services, and privacy departments as well as clinical, legal and operations leadership of Central Health.

This position is considered Hybrid, which means that individuals in this position may work both at an approved offsite location and onsite at a primary location or multiple locations based on business needs and as directed by the Deputy Chief Legal Officer.

Essential Functions:

• Perform under general guidance and supervision with accountability for specific organizational and individual goals.
• Participate in the development, deployment and management of clinical services to Central Health’s covered
  population through a variety of methods including contracted services and direct service delivery through Central
  Health’s practice of medicine.
• Support and advise the Medical Executive Board and its subcommittees, including medical staff governance and
  bylaws, pharmacy and therapeutics, credentialing and privileging, and other sub-committee functions of the
  Medical Executive Board.
• Advise on matters related to Central Health’s local indigent coverage plan and its service offerings in a manner
  that is consistent with organizational expectations and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Support Central Health contracting activities (including annual contract renewals, periodic amendments,
  performance management, notices, and terminations), including drafting, revising and negotiating a wide variety
  of complex documents including professional services agreements, educational and other affiliations, data sharing
  agreements, vendor contracts and healthcare provider employment arrangements.
• Research and review federal, state and local laws and regulations, including applicable proposed legislation and
  regulations as needed, to advise clinical and operational leadership fully and effectively.
• Collaborate with other legal, procurement and compliance leaders and contractors supporting Central Health to
  ensure a coordinated approach to Central Health legal matters and an efficient use of time and resources.
• Support the creation and implementation of programs, policies, operational processes and controls that build a
  culture of compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to assess, advise and support the rapid development of healthcare services.
• Ability to thrive in a complex and dynamic work environment with multidisciplinary, cross-functional
  teams and matrixed team structures.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple complex projects with varying deadlines and limited
  resources.
• Ability to effectively understand and communicate legal considerations related to service delivery and
  the practice of medicine.
• Ability to apply critical thinking to generate and assess potential legal and practical solutions and to
  anticipate client needs in advance.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations concerning county indigent healthcare programs, practice of
  medicine, healthcare contracting, data privacy, and/or public procurement.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with ability to interface effectively and build relationships internally
  and externally with a wide range of people including colleagues, physicians, healthcare executives,
  community organizations and assigned staff.
• Uses problem solving, leadership, conflict management, and team building skills to ensure a
  productive work environment, achievement of goals, and the promotion of a desirable workplace and
  a culture of collaboration, professionalism and respect.
• Ability to develop and maintain a culture of compliance, collaboration, courtesy, customer service
  and professionalism.
• Adheres to all local, state and federal laws and regulations and Central Health policies.

REQUIRED EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree and Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school

PREFERRED EDUCATION: Master’s degree in a healthcare-related discipline.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• 3 years of legal experience in health care with demonstrated experience and practical knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations, with particular strength in healthcare contracting, regulatory and clinical operations issues, and/or healthcare compliance.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• 5 years of combined legal experience in a public sector, safety net healthcare system working with a range of entities which may include federally qualified health centers, integrated delivery systems, health plans, healthcare districts, public health departments, hospitals, and physician specialty groups.
• 1 year of experience of health care entity accreditation process and requirements, as well as federal, state and local regulations and statutes associated with the delivery of care and billing of private insurers and federal and state health care programs.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURE: License to practice law in the State of Texas