What are the responsibilities and job description for the In-House Legal Counsel position at Utah Navajo Health System?
Description
Position Overview:
UNHS is seeking a talented and dedicated In-House Legal Attorney to join our team. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in ensuring that our organization remains compliant with employment laws and regulations, including Navajo Nation Employment laws.
The candidate will have several responsibilities, including advising on legal matters related to healthcare operations, such as patient privacy and data security (HIPAA), healthcare fraud and abuse laws, and compliance with Medicare and Medicaid requirements. He or she will assist in contract negotiations, manage litigation and disputes, and provide legal guidance on issues such as healthcare licensing and accreditation. The candidate will help UNHS navigate the healthcare laws while safeguarding the organization's interests, promoting ethical practices, and ensuring the delivery of quality patient care.
This position will also focus on providing training and education to our staff on legal matters related to employment and compliance.
- Location: All sites of Utah Navajo Health System
- Full-Time Position
- Benefits: full coverage of health insurance, 5% of gross income contributed to a 403-b retirement account, vacation leave, PTO leave, holiday pay, life insurance, option for dental insurance, short/long term disability, life insurance and wellness benefits
Requirements
- Employment Law: Advising and representing UNHS on a wide range of employment law matters, including but not limited to, discrimination, wage and hour issues, workplace harassment, and employee rights.
- Navajo Nation Employment Law Compliance: Ensuring that UNHS complies with Navajo Nation Employment laws and regulations and staying updated on any changes or amendments to such laws.
- Staff Training and Education: Developing and conducting training programs and workshops to educate UNHS staff on employment laws, compliance, and best practices.
- Legal Counsel: Providing legal counsel to UNHS leadership and departments on various legal issues, contracts, and risk management.
- Documentation and Reporting: Maintaining accurate records, documents, and reports related to legal matters and compliance activities.
- Legal Research: Conducting legal research to stay informed about changes in employment laws, regulations, and industry trends.
- Risk Management: The candidate will lead UNHS’ Risk Management program to minimize risk and improve quality within the organization.
Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
- Ability to be licensed by the Utah Bar and Navajo Bar is highly preferred.
- 5 years of experience practicing law, with a focus on employment law and healthcare.
- Knowledge of Navajo Nation Employment law is a plus.
- Working closely with Health Boards and tribal counsel commissions.
- Strong communication, negotiation, and analytical skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Cultural sensitivity and an understanding of the unique needs of Navajo Nation communities.
As a Tribal Organization the Utah Navajo Health System, Inc. (UNHS) treats patients with high risk and underlying chronic medical conditions. Therefore, UNHS requires its employees to show proof of immunization prior to their employment with UNHS or during their employment. Below is a list of immunizations/vaccinations required to be employed or to continue employment with UNHS.
The immunizations/vaccinations include but not limited to following:
- MMR (Measles Rubeola, Mumps, Rubella): Documentation of two MMR vaccines (OR) Documentation of MMR titers.
- Complete Hepatitis B vaccine series (3 doses), documented proof of titers indicating immunity, or a declination that may be signed upon arrival.
- Proof of up-to-date PPD skin testing, if previously negative (OR) Proof of positive PPD skin test with the most recent chest x-ray and treatment history.
- Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap).
- Varicella titers, history of varicella or varicella immunization series.
- Influenza vaccine for the current year.
- COVID-19 vaccine
- Any other vaccinations as requested.