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General Counsel Division, Health and Human Services Section

The Oregon Department of Justice is seeking applicants for an attorney position in the Health and Human Services Section of the General Counsel Division.  This position may be either a Portland or Salem-based or a combination of both, with opportunities for some remote work.  The Health and Human Services Section advises state agencies in the healthcare industry. This recruitment focuses on representing the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS), Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) on complex transactions and the regulation of risk-bearing health plans.

Work in the Health and Human Services Section is fast paced, challenging and rewarding. The section is made up of talented and dedicated lawyers and provides a collegial and supportive work environment. Our lawyers are at the forefront of health care legal issues for Oregon and help shape Oregon’s health care policies.

The Health and Human Service Section will consider qualified candidates interested in a combination of the following responsibilities and other duties as assigned:

• Represent OHA’s Medicaid managed care healthcare delivery system, from procurement and drafting of complex healthcare contracts to development of, and advice on, CMS waivers, administrative rules and regulatory compliance;
• Represent the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, transferred by 2021 legislation from DCBS to OHA;
• Advise OHA and DFR on health plan transactions and regulation including mergers and acquisitions, rate setting, financial risk allocation, insolvency, receiverships, and accounting requirements of managed care delivery systems and health plans;
• Advise OHA on implementing HB 2326 (2021), regulating material change transactions in healthcare;
• Recruit, engage, collaborate with and supervise outside counsel (Special Assistant Attorneys General) assisting with the projects described above.  This includes negotiating fees and budgets, managing conflicts of interest and coordinating legal work;
• Provide written and oral legal advice on the clients' authority and other statutory issues;
• Assist client agencies in drafting administrative rules, notices and orders; and
• Advise client agencies on public records and meetings issues.

The ideal candidate for this position will be able to demonstrate at least three years of relevant experience in healthcare delivery systems and/or complex transactional work and possess a strong background in Medicaid and health insurance.

Questions regarding this position may be directed to Jeff Wahl, Attorney-in-Charge, Health and Human Services Section, at 503-947-4540.

Required

• Active membership and in good standing with the Oregon State Bar by the time of appointment;
• At least three years of experience in health plans and transactional work in the healthcare industry;
• Experience with Medicaid programs, especially managed care;
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and contributing to an inclusive working environment where diverse individual experiences and perspectives are valued and supported;
• Possess superior analytical, advocacy, research, verbal communication, and writing skills;
• Strong work ethic; and
• Collaborative work history with lawyers, non-lawyers, policy makers and stakeholders.

The State of Oregon is requiring all executive branch employees to complete their COVID-19 vaccination series by October 18, 2021 unless the employee receives a medical or religious exception/exemption/accommodation. New employees must submit vaccination documentation or be approved for an exception/exemption/accommodation by October 18, 2021. For more information, visit https://www.oregon.gov/das/HR/Documents/50.000.03-COVID-19-Vaccination-Requirements.pdf.

Desired Experience

• A commitment to public service, and excellent academic credentials; and
• Keen legal judgment, including balancing the theoretical and practical aspects of general counsel practice.

Applicants most closely matching the requirements and needs of the position will be invited to interview.  This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.

Application Process

• Follow the "Apply" link above. 
• Attach your resume.
• Attach your cover letter.
• Attach a writing sample suitable for assessing analytical and writing ability. The writing sample should be a legal memo, not a litigation filing. (Not required from attorneys currently working for the Oregon Department of Justice.)

This OAJA-represented position will be filled at either the Assistant Attorney General or Senior Assistant Attorney General level, salary range $7,374-$14,260 per month, depending primarily on years of legal practice experience and other factors.

Working for the Department of Justice

Assistant Attorneys General, on behalf of the Attorney General, represent the State of Oregon and state-elected and appointed officials, agencies, boards and commissions in most civil and many criminal proceedings.  The Department offers a broad range of opportunities for attorneys to work on significant and complex issues that face our state and make a difference to the citizens of Oregon while providing unparalleled career satisfaction and professional prospects.

Diversity is a core value of the Department of Justice and the department’s General Counsel Division.  We are working to build and maintain a diverse, inclusive and equitable work environment.  Every employee expands our diversity through varied experiences and perspectives, and by contributing to the range of ways to understand and communicate with one another, identify challenges, and work cooperatively. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.  The Department of Justice is an equal opportunity employer, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, veteran, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age or disability, and is committed to workplace diversity.

Oregon Department of Justice

1162 Court St NE

Salem OR, 97301

DOJ.recruitment@doj.state.or.us

Phone: (503) 947-4328

Fax: (503) 373-0367