Location: 4345 N Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73105

Salary: $78,465.00/year

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday

Primary Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Agency/Division Information  

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) works to ensure Oklahomans have access to better health and better care. The agency’s core values include passion for purpose, trust and transparency, empowerment and accountability, best in class and outcome-driven, and servant leadership. As part of the interview process, candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview at our Oklahoma City office.  

Position Purpose  

The Contracts Counsel serves as a primary legal advisor for the Oklahoma Health Care Authority’s procurement and contracting functions. This position is responsible for drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex agency agreements; ensuring contracts are legally sufficient and compliant with applicable requirements; and protecting the agency from legal, operational, and financial risk. 

The position works closely with the Professional Services Contracts division, vendor management specialists, procurement personnel, agency leadership, and other internal stakeholders to support the development, execution, administration, and enforcement of agency contracts. The Contracts Counsel ensures contracting activities align with applicable state and federal laws, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services requirements, state procurement requirements, and agency policies and procedures. 

Essential Functions May Include:  

• Drafts, reviews, and revises a wide variety of agency agreements, including professional services contracts, information technology and technology-related agreements, memorandums of understanding, data use agreements, and other contractual documents. Ensures contract language accurately reflects the agreement of the parties and protects the agency’s legal and financial interests. 

• Leads and participates in the negotiation of complex contracts with managed care entities, healthcare providers, vendors, and other state agencies. Evaluates proposed terms, advises agency stakeholders regarding legal risks, and negotiates appropriate terms and protections on behalf of the agency. 

• Reviews contracts for compliance with applicable federal Medicaid laws and regulations, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services requirements and guidance, state statutes, state purchasing requirements, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, the Oklahoma Administrative Code, and internal agency policies and procedures. 

• Conducts comprehensive legal reviews of agency contracting and procurement procedures to determine legal sufficiency. Identifies procedural gaps and areas of legal risk and recommends improvements to strengthen compliance and support an effective contracting process. 

• Provides ongoing legal counsel and guidance to the Professional Services Contracts division and vendor management specialists regarding contract development, interpretation, administration, and enforcement. 

• Advises agency staff regarding vendor performance disputes, alleged breaches of contract, unallowable costs, corrective action plans, contractual remedies, and other legal issues arising during contract administration. 

• Collaborates with procurement personnel, program staff, agency leadership, and other internal stakeholders to address legal questions and resolve contracting issues. 

• Other duties as assigned.  

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competency Requirements 

This position requires knowledge of contract law, public procurement requirements, administrative law, and applicable state and federal healthcare laws and regulations. It requires skill in drafting, reviewing, interpreting, and negotiating complex contracts; conducting legal research and analysis; identifying legal, financial, regulatory, and operational risks; and providing clear, practical guidance to legal and non-legal stakeholders. The position also requires the ability to manage complex and interconnected legal and business considerations, make sound and timely decisions based on applicable requirements and agency interests, and communicate complex legal issues, risks, and contract terms clearly and effectively. 

**To be considered for this position your application must include a resume/CV with complete work and education history.**

Education and/or Experience:  

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school, a license to practice law in State of Oklahoma, and membership in Oklahoma Bar Association. 

Preference Qualifications Include:  

• Experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex professional services, healthcare, technology, or government contracts.  

• Experience advising on public procurement, vendor management, or contract administration matters.  

• Knowledge of federal Medicaid requirements, CMS guidance, HIPAA, or other healthcare regulatory requirements.  

• Experience working for a state agency, healthcare organization, managed care organization, or other public-sector entity.  

• Experience identifying and addressing legal, regulatory, financial, and operational risks in contracts.  

• Experience advising organizational leadership and non-legal stakeholders on complex legal matters. 

Physical Demands and Work Environment 

Work is typically performed in an office setting with climate-controlled settings and exposure to moderate noise levels. In the course of performing job duties, employees are required to speak, stand, walk, and reach with their hands and arms. This position requires extended periods of sitting and daily use of computers and phones. Employees must be willing to complete all job-related travel associated with this position. Being present at the office is an essential function of this position.  

Accommodation Statement  

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority complies with applicable State and Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, disability, age, national origin, or genetic information. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Civil Rights Coordinator at 405-522-7335.  

Notice to applicants:

Please add OHCAHR@okhca.org  to the address book or “safe-senders” list in your email.  All correspondence will come from this address.  Be sure to check your junk folder.  If you have questions about the status of your application, you can contact the HR team at 405-522-7093.

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.

Current State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through Workday Jobs Hub.