Deputy General Counsel

The core values of Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Inc. (CHC/SEK) are dignity and stewardship. Each staff member is expected to perform their job duties in a way that preserves dignity for our patients and maintains good stewardship of CHC/SEK?s resources.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Deputy General Counsel assists CHC/SEK?s Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) with regulatory and transactional matters. As necessary and directed by CHC/SEK?s CCO, this position serves as a subject matter expert, educational resource, and problem solver for CHC/SEK staff on all aspects of regulatory issues and healthcare transactions. This position will function as the lead within CHC/SEK?s Compliance Department for all legal (law student) interns at CHC/SEK.

.ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Drafts and reviews contracts and transactions for CHC/SEK which are in line with federal and state laws including, but not limited to, clinical services agreements, vendor agreements, business acquisitions, and lease agreements, as assigned.
• Provides key legal support for transactional and strategic initiatives, including conducting due diligence, drafting transactional documents, and collaborating with outside counsel, as necessary.
• Provides key legal support for legal matters/complaints including state and federal administrative claims, state and federal lawsuits, associated tasks, and collaborating with outside counsel, as necessary.
• Drafts, reviews, and recommends appropriate forms and structure for transactions and service lines, and assesses liability involved with transactions and service lines, as assigned.
• Works collaboratively with other members of CHC/SEK?s Compliance Department in connection with 340b pharmacy, credentialing and contracting, health information, risk management, and quality-based matters.
• Assists in preparation of corporate governance documents.
• Collaborates with CHC/SEK directors and managers on regulatory issues including, but not limited to, HIPAA, FERPA, FTCA, reimbursement, fraud and abuse, Safe Harbor, Stark, and Anti-kickback issues.
• Assists with the preparation, review, and revision of system policies and procedures.
• Prepares and provides educational presentations on topics relating to regulatory compliance.
• Actively consults with CHC/SEK departments as requested.
• Helps monitor health care transaction and regulatory legislation, and participates in work groups to operationalize changes in legislation that affect CHC/SEK.
• Participates in or coordinates special projects, as requested.
• Completes legal research, as requested.
• Maintains a legal consultant role with outside organizations, as needed and assigned, for the completion of projects.
• Serves as a mentor within CHC/SEK?s Compliance Department of all legal interns (law students) at CHC/SEK.
• Performs all duties, services, and documentation in full compliance with CHC/SEK policies and procedures.

The essential functions listed are not an exhaustive list of every task the employee is required to complete. Employees are expected to perform all other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctorated (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Currently licensed to practice law in the State of Kansas.
• Able to and expected to obtain a license to practice law in the State of Oklahoma within two (2) years of starting employment.
• Two (2) years of experience as a practicing attorney preferred.
• Experience in a healthcare setting within a legal, compliance, and/or risk management department preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Social and cultural sensitivity appropriate to ethnically and economically diverse patient-and employee-base.
• Communicates through appropriate channels.
• Ability to handle emergency situations calmly and effectively.
• Must be computer literate and be proficient with the organization?s credentialing software and project management tools.
• Must be able to maintain good inter-personal relationships with co-workers, other members of the health care team and the organization.
• Provide customer service in accordance with the organization?s mission.
• Be courteous and respectful when interacting with co-workers and others outside the organization.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with the organization?s policy and procedure and HIPAA requirements.
• Ability to generate creative solutions and work independently.
• Must be able to work in a fast paced, high demand environment.
• Stay up to date and primary resource for health care and employment related laws and regulations.

WORKING CONDITIONS

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands and fingers to operate computer keyboard, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Computer work is frequent. Good lighting and comfortable temperature of ventilation at all times.