Chief Legal and Compliance Officer

Make an impact. Join an organization committed to improving the health and lives of underserved families. We are seeking a dedicated attorney to join our community health center in our newly created full-time role of Chief Legal and Compliance Officer in Orange, California. Job duties include: 

• Serve as the organization’s principal in-house legal advisor. Is a member of the Executive Committee, providing legal advice and compliance guidance to the CEO, Board of Directors, leaders and the caregivers of the organization. Attend monthly Board meetings. 
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and Board of Directors providing advice on legal issues affecting the operations of the health center, including but not limited to, governance, finance & tax, labor & employment, advocacy, HIPAA & privacy, FTCA, licensure, contracts.
• Function as the organization’s Risk Manager. Conducts regular risk assessments. Identify and mitigate risks throughout the organization. Review, investigate, develop corrective actions plans as needed; develop practices to mitigate recurrence of occurrences. Deploy strategies to minimize legal exposure while supporting the mission and operational objectives of the health center. 
• Serve as the organization’s Privacy Officer. Oversee and ensure compliance with HIPAA and other applicable privacy rules and regulations. Audit ongoing compliance. Conduct investigations of potential violations and report instances of non-compliance when appropriate. Maintain appropriate attorney-client privilege and confidentiality. 
• Maintain compliance with Federal Tort Claims Act requirements. Audit regularly for compliance with FTCA rules. Prepare annual FTCA deeming application. 
• Ensure continuous liability insurance coverage at appropriate and required levels for all aspects of the organization. Prepare annual insurance renewal applications. Regularly Review policy coverages for adequacy. Ensure compliance with policy requirements.
• Support the Human Resources functions of the organization by advising on employment law matters and all other facets of HR. Review and aid in updating the Employee Handbook and related policies. 
• Review, negotiate, and approve contracts, agreements, leases, vendor arrangements, affiliation agreements, business associate agreements, and other legal instruments.
• Remain current on HRSA, Medi-Cal, Medicaid, and Medicare rules and regulations. Develop and maintain a compliance plan and strategy around these requirements. Participate in the development of Changes In Project Scope. Support preparation for and actively participate in Operational Site Visits. 
• Ensure all licenses, permits, and regulatory enrollments are submitted timely and maintained on a continuous basis. Ensure regulatory bodies are notified of changes as required.
• Coordinate management of claims, incidents, litigation, subpoenas, regulatory inquiries and other significant risk events. Support caregivers when being deposed. 
• Regularly review all internal policies and procedures to ensure relevance to ongoing operations and compliance with regulations.
• Chair the organization’s Safety and Just Culture Committee
• Serve as a Trustee of the organization’s retirement plan. 

Who We Are. We are a collaborative community practice, with locations in Fullerton, Anaheim, Orange, and the High Desert. We believe that all should have access to high-quality comprehensive medical care, regardless of ability to pay. Our health centers use a team-based model of care that includes primary care, family medicine, obstetrics, women’s health, oral and vision care, preventative and educational health, mental health, patient advocacy, case management, specialty care, and community health. Nearly all our patients live at or below 200% Federal Poverty level and are best served in a language other than English. We have provided care to low-income families since the 1980s, maintaining a commitment to serving our most vulnerable neighbors with high-quality, nationally recognized care. We take pride in being both part of a larger movement grown out of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s along with carrying forward the legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph in caring for our dear neighbors. Our work is rooted in our values of Justice, Excellence, Dignity, and Compassion. Our growing team consists of approximately 150 outstanding caregivers, and our annual budget is approximately $23 million. 

You'd be a great fit here if the following applies to you:

• You are mission-centered – you are committed to improving the health      of underserved communities
• You are people-centered – you exhibit warmth, friendliness, calm,      and take initiative to solve problems
• You treat others with dignity and respect
• You have high regard for ethical practices, and patience
• You are collaborative, adaptive, and diligent
• You know the balance of being light-hearted, professional, and can      prioritize competing tasks
• You can use computers (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook) and are open      to learning what you do not know
• You are reliable
• You strive toward excellence

St. Jude Neighborhood Health Centers is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to developing a diverse workforce and cultivating an inclusive environment. We value diversity and believe that we are strengthened by the differences in our experiences, thinking, culture, and background. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any protected basis.

St. Jude Neighborhood Health Centers follows the Religious and Ethical Directives for Catholic Healthcare. We do not participate in activities that would end or diminish life. We do not provide non-medically indicated contraception, abortions, or assist in life-ending procedures.

Requirements

Education: 

Juris doctor degree from an accredited law school and admission to practice in California. 

Experience: 

Minimum two years’ experience in a compliance and/or general counsel role.

Preferred Experience (not required):

Experience working within a healthcare organization.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Advanced knowledge risk management and compliance best practices. 

Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills;

Knowledge of HIPAA rules & regulations within a healthcare setting. 

Knowledge of California employment laws and regulations.

The ability to translate legal concepts into reports and presentations that are meaningful, comprehendible, and useful for audiences.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team; excellent networking and relationship building skills.

Ability to multi-task and prioritize effectively.

Demonstrates interpersonal/cultural sensitivity and work with a diverse team.

Salary Range: $149,008.00 to $209,110.00

Healthcare & Childcare Benefits: 

(available first of the month following start date)

• Medical (Blue Shield HMO)

• Dental (Guardian PPO)

• Vision (Guardian PPO/VSP)

• FSA - Pre-tax benefit for health care expenses

• FSA Dependent Care - Pre-tax benefit to put toward childcare or other dependent expenses

• Mental Health - Employee Assistance Program & access to meditation resources through Calm

Financial Wellness - Retirement & Investment:

• 401(k) (Vanguard) - eligible first of the month following 30 days, with company match after 1 year of service

• Profit-sharing

Other Benefits:

• Pet Insurance

• Tuition Reimbursement