ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL

SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement.

Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.

Under the direction of the Vice President/Chief Legal Officer (VP/CLO), the Associate General Counsel is responsible for providing legal services to the organization on a wide array of legal matters, including providing counsel and advice on all aspects related to healthcare provider operations.

• Provides legal advice regarding healthcare-related matters, including federal and state legal and regulatory issues governing the provision of health care, privacy of medical information, risk management, medical staff, employment law, Stark and Anti-Kickback, HIPAA, fraud and abuse laws, and laws related to Medicare/Medicaid.
• Negotiate, draft, and implement a wide variety of complex, multi-party agreements, including agreements with hospitals, physicians, vendors, equipment manufacturers, software companies, managed care companies, third party payers and employees.
• Manage litigation and disputes, including professional liability, employment, workers’ compensation and general liability cases; interact with and coordinate outside legal counsel, as appropriate. Coordinate responses to governmental compliance inquiries, charges and complaints; respond to audits and records requests in response to subpoenas and court orders.
• Provide advice regarding enforcement of disciplinary standards and policies for employees, including recruitment, hiring and discharge of employees; licensing, and credentialing of healthcare professionals.
• Coordinate with other attorneys to provide legal advice and counsel to the organization on strategic business matters, including issues relating to real estate matters, affiliations, services agreements, space and equipment leases and other corporate transactions.
• Keep informed of legislation, trends, issues, and best practices pertaining to assigned areas; review court decisions, proposed legislation, and proposed programs/policies.
• Conduct legal research and analysis and implement special projects as assigned.

Education

• A J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to the practice of law in Alaska or eligible for admission by reciprocity.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience as a practicing attorney in a healthcare environment, health law practice group or law firm.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of:

• General commercial law.
• Healthcare law, including fraud and abuse, Stark and Anti-Kickback laws and regulations, the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Medicare, Medicaid and other government program laws, regulations, and policies.
• Federal and State statutes and regulations affecting healthcare provider operations.
• Laws applicable to Tribal Health Organizations, including the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act.

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent writing, analytical thinking, and communication skills required.
• Ability to draft contracts and legal documents of substantial complexity, and familiarity with all manner of general corporate and commercial agreements.
• Demonstrated excellent leadership, time management and client service skills.
• Superior oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to work in a team environment.
• Highly developed legal analytical skills. Ability to think strategically and creatively, and understand business plans, goals and to relate those plans to legal strategies.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to interface with all levels of management and staff, and with outside vendors and entities.