Legal Officer

Central Coast Salary Range:  $281,107 - $449,771

​​​​​​​While candidates from anywhere in California are welcome to apply, there is a strong preference for those who reside on the Central Coast (Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties). This role may offer opportunities for remote work; however, familiarity with and proximity to our local customers is valued.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Legal Officer serves as a key member of the CenCal Health Senior Leadership Team and the top legal authority for CenCal Health. Core responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1. Providing strategic legal leadership and oversight of all legal functions, including litigation management, escalated employee relations matters (including investigations and resolutions), compliance with public agency laws, and supervision of outside counsel.
2. Providing supervision and leadership to the Legal team, including General Counsel, responsible for a broad array of legal services, including support of vendor and provider contracting, Brown Act compliance, Public Records Act (PRA) responses, and regulatory guidance.
3. Performing other duties as assigned.

This role operates with a high degree discretion and judgment, leading legal functions with a strong focus on integrity, service, and solutions-oriented counsel. It requires strong strategic and legal acumen, the ability to influence at all levels of the organization, and the capability to balance and translate competing organizational risks into practical solutions.

Duties & Responsibilities

1. Providing strategic legal leadership and oversight of all legal functions, including litigation management, escalated employee relations matters (including investigations and resolutions), compliance with public agency laws, and supervision of outside counsel, with duties including but not limited to:

• Providing legal counsel and strategic guidance to the CEO, Executive Team, and Board of Directors.
• Overseeing and managing litigation matters, including coordination with outside counsel and internal stakeholders.
• Leading resolution of escalated employee relations matters, including conducting or overseeing sensitive investigations and ensuring legal risk mitigation.
• Guiding legal aspects of vendor and provider contracting, including risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and negotiation strategies.
• Coordinating with People Operations, Compliance, and other departments to provide sound legal advice on labor and employment law, regulatory matters, and enterprise risk.
• Representing CenCal Health in legal proceedings, administrative hearings, or negotiations as needed.
• Managing relationships with outside counsel, including scope of services, budgeting, and performance.
• Providing education and training on legal matters to Board Members, leadership, and staff.

2. Providing supervision and leadership to the Legal team, including General Counsel, responsible for a broad array of legal services, including support of vendor and provider contracting, Brown Act compliance, Public Records Act (PRA) responses, and regulatory guidance, with duties including but not limited to:

• Supervising the General Counsel and legal team, setting goals and ensuring timely, effective legal support across the organization.
• Providing strategic guidance to Legal Department to support provider and vendor contracting processes, in collaboration with Compliance, to mitigate organizational risk and support organizational objectives.
• Ensuring organizational compliance with the Brown Act and the California Public Records Act (PRA); oversee public meeting legal support and timely response to PRA requests.
• Developing and implementing policies and procedures to improve legal operations and ensure adherence to applicable laws and standards.

3. Performing other duties as assigned.

Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership

Motivates others to create extraordinary results, and unite people to turn challenges into successes by embracing ‘The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership’ of The Leadership Challenge:

1. Model the Way:

• Clarify values by finding your voice and affirming shared values
• Set the example by aligning actions with shared values

2. Inspire a Shared Vision

• Envision the future by imagining exciting and ennobling possibilities
• Enlist others in a common vision by appealing to shared aspirations

3. Challenge the Process

• Search for opportunities by seizing the initiative and my looking outward for innovative ways to improve
• Experiment and take risks by consistently generating small wins and learning from experience

4. Enable Others to Act

• Foster collaboration by building trust and facilitating relationships
• Strengthen others by increasing self-determination and developing competence

5. Encourage the Heart

• Recognize contributions by showing appreciation for individual excellence
• Celebrate the values and victories by creating a spirit of community

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• In-depth knowledge of federal and California laws relevant to public agencies, managed care organizations, and healthcare delivery systems, including Medi-Cal, the Knox-Keene Act, and HIPAA.
• Expertise in public agency legal frameworks, including the Ralph M. Brown Act, Public Records Act (PRA), Political Reform Act, and conflict of interest laws.
• Strong understanding of administrative law, employment and labor law, contract law, and regulatory enforcement.
• Familiarity with board governance practices, government procurement requirements, and ethical obligations applicable to public entities.
• Knowledge of legal risk management principles, litigation processes, and the roles and responsibilities of in-house and outside counsel.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex legal information clearly and persuasively to non-legal audiences.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills, including the ability to coach, mentor, and hold legal staff accountable for high performance and ethical standards.
• Proficient in developing and implementing legal strategies that align with organizational priorities and promote risk-informed decision-making.
• Skilled in contract drafting, negotiation, and interpretation in the context of healthcare, public agency, and vendor/provider agreements.
• Advanced strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to anticipate legal implications of business decisions and proactively mitigate risks.
• Competent in managing outside counsel relationships and legal budgets effectively.
• Skilled in navigating politically sensitive situations with tact, diplomacy, and professionalism.
• Ability to lead a high-functioning legal team and integrate legal guidance into enterprise-level initiatives and day-to-day operations.
• Ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy, integrity, and discretion in handling sensitive and high-risk matters.
• Ability to influence and collaborate with executive leadership, regulators, and board members on legal and strategic matters.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment while maintaining a high standard of legal and ethical conduct.
• Ability to develop consensus, resolve conflict, and lead through influence without relying solely on formal authority.
• Ability to interpret laws and regulations and translate them into operational guidance, training, and policy development.

Education & Experience

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active member in good standing with the State Bar of California.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible legal experience, including at least five (5) years in a leadership role. Experience in a legal leadership role within a California public entity or local health plan preferred.
• Prior experience in health care law, preferably with a focus on Medicaid/Medi-Cal, managed care, or public health plans.
• Experience advising or working within public agencies or entities, with working knowledge of the Brown Act and Public Records Act, managing litigation, conducting or overseeing investigations, and working with outside counsel.
• A combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the role effectively may be considered.