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The State of Kansas

Chief Legal Counsel

The State of Kansas, Topeka, Kansas, United States,


Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy

Job Posting closes:

Open until filled

Required documents uploaded by:

Open until filled

Kansas Department of Health and Environment:

Our agency is led by Secretary Janet Stanek, who was appointed by Gov. Kelly in Dec 2021. KDHE is comprised of three divisions: Public Health, Environment, and Health Care Finance (which includes the State’s Medicaid program, KanCare). We are the only agency in the nation to have these three entities under one roof which allows us to take a holistic approach to improving and protecting the health and well-being of all Kansans.

About the Position

Who can apply:

Anyone (External)

Classified/Unclassified Service:

Unclassified

Full-Time/Part-Time:

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary:

Regular

Work Schedule:

Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm (Flexible schedules available)

Eligible to Receive Benefits:

Yes

Veterans' Preference Eligible:

Yes

Compensation:

Annual Pay Range:

$99,000 - $121,000

Employment Benefits

Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage

Sick & Vacation leave

Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave

Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)

Fitness Centers in select locations

Employee discounts with the STAR Program

Retirement and deferred compensation programs

Position Summary & Responsibilities

Position Summary:

The position (K0227454) provides and ensures legal advice, assistance, and representation to the Secretary, the agency, and its Divisions including Public Health, Environment, Medicaid, and KDHE Human Resources personnel concerning agency matters. Participates in case negotiations, represents the agency in administrative and judicial hearings, including appellate courts. Works with considerable independence in performing all legal work related to assignments in an agency having legal issues of moderate to high complexity.

Manages the day-to-day operation of the Legal Department and assigns, coordinates, and supervises the work of the licensed and support staff of the legal section. Ensures that the Legal Department is knowledgeable of the laws, regulations, and policies that affect agency operations including federal and state law, regulations, and policies. Interfaces with other government entities having jurisdiction in these matters and other persons outside the agency including attorneys, investigators, witnesses, and technical consultants. Maintains regular communication and consultation with the Governor's Office legal counsel as required.

Works with considerable independence in ensuring that the Legal Section provides quality legal services, documents, and representation to the agency. Drafts and reviews administrative and legal documents including legal memoranda and all documents supporting litigation with respect to KDHE divisions and offices.

Qualifications

Education:

Juris Doctor or equivalent from an accredited law school in the United States.

Licensing & Certification:

Valid Driver's License - Incumbent is required to have and maintain a valid driver's license when operating a state vehicle, a private vehicle, or a rental vehicle for the benefit of the State.

Law License - Certificate of admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Kansas or temporary permit to practice law issued by the Supreme Court of Kansas.

Minimum Qualifications:

Active member of the Kansas Bar in good standing or with the ability to receive a law license in Kansas upon application or motion.

At least 6 years of progressive legal experience as an attorney practicing in either public health, environmental, or Medicaid areas. The legal experience should include supervision of junior attorneys and representation of a governmental agency in administrative or judicial venues.

Evidence of excellent oral and written communications abilities.

Evidence of excellent legal analytical abilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

10+ years of progressive and verifiable legal experience as an attorney in either public health, environmental, or Medicaid areas that includes administrative, judicial, and appellate litigation on behalf of a state or federal governmental agency.

Experience handling matters before federal oversight agencies such as CMS, HHS, CDC, and EPA.

Experience in providing legal advice to senior and executive staff of a governmental agency.

A minimum of 5 years of supervision of junior attorneys who have a range of experiences.

Experience with records requests under FOIA or KORA.

Experience in drafting and negotiating contracts and agreements concerning data access, services, and/or goods from a third party, memorandums of understanding with other governmental agencies, requests for proposals, and similar documents common in governmental legal practices involving public health, environmental, and Medicaid matters.

Experience with drafting, promulgating, and defending administrative regulations and policies.

Experience with personnel matters including civil rights and ADA complaints.

Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.

Proofreading, editing, attention to detail.

Recruiter Contact Information

Name:

Hope Stover

Email:

Hope.Stover@ks.gov

Mailing Address:

1000 SW Jackson St. Suite 580 Topeka, KS 66612

Job Application Process

First Sign in or register as a New User.

Complete or update your contact information on the Careers> My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications.

Upload required documents listed below for the Careers> My Job Applications page. *This information is included on all your job applications.

Start your draft job application, upload other required documents, and Submit when it is complete.

Manage your draft and submitted applications on the Careers> My Job Applications page.

Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.

Email – sent to the Preferred email on the My Contact Information page

Notifications – view the Careers> My Job Notifications page

Required Documents for this Application to be Complete

Upload these on the Careers - My Job Applications page

Transcripts

DD214 (if you are claiming Veteran’s Preference)

Upload these on the Attachments step in your Job Application

Resume

Cover Letter

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability, or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.

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