Deputy Associate General Counsel for Program Enforcement (CMS)

Full Job Description

The HHS Office of the General Counsel seeks a senior legal executive to serve as Deputy Associate General Counsel for the Program Enforcement Group within the CMS Division.

The DAGC leads a large team handling high-impact appeals before the Departmental Appeals Board, federal court litigation, and bankruptcy matters.

The role provides strategic leadership, oversees major cases, and works closely with CMS, OGC, and federal partners to advance HHS priorities and protect Medicare and Medicaid.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Technical Qualifications (TQ) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES.

Resumes over the 2-page limit, will not be reviewed beyond page 2 or may be disqualified.

Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s).

If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position.

There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or the Technical Qualifications (TQs).

TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications.

TQ 1: Demonstrated experience handling and overseeing complex legal and factual issues.

Requires experience in enforcement litigation, including review and evaluation of cases, strategy development, briefing, oral advocacy and settlement negotiations and appeal recommendations.

TQ 2: Demonstrated leadership experience directing an effective cadre of lawyers and supporting personnel, setting appropriate priorities, and ensuring that the organization meets clients' needs for a high functioning litigation group handling a large volume of complex, high priority litigation.

EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): In addition to the Technical Qualification Requirements listed above, all new entrants into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the following five mandatory ECQs.

If your 2-page resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and TQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position.

There are five ECQs: ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding - This core qualification requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people.

ECQ 2: Driving Efficiency - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.

ECQ 3: Merit and Competence - This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.

ECQ 4: Leading People - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture.

This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable.

ECQ 5: Achieving Results - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.

Note: If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), or have SES reinstatement eligibility, you do not need to respond to the ECQs.

Instead, you should attach proof (e.g., SF-50, Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB)) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES. Major Duties:

This position offers a unique opportunity to lead the recently established Program Enforcement Group within the CMS Division of the Office of the General Counsel.

The role is ideal for a senior attorney who wants to shape how CMS enforces its programs, responds to fraud and abuse, and defends its decisions in litigation.

The incumbent will design the group to further develop and strategically position the Program Enforcement Group to handle complex administrative appeals, federal court litigation, and bankruptcy matters.

This includes establishing and refining clear processes for decision-making, case management, and escalation of high-risk or high-impact matters.

The position oversees and mentors a large team of highly experienced attorneys, setting clear expectations, supporting professional development, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing work environment.

The leader of this group will balance hands-on legal work with strategic oversight, stepping in personally on the most significant or sensitive cases.

In addition to managing people and cases, the role works closely with HHS and CMS leadership, the Department of Justice, and other federal partners to align enforcement strategy and ensure consistent legal positions across the agency.

The position plays a key role in shaping policies and procedures protect the integrity of Medicare and Medicaid.

This is a high-visibility leadership role with real impact-suited for someone who wants to shape strategic direction, lead top-tier attorneys, and influence national health care litigation strategy.