Assistant General Counsel
CurrentIn this role I provide leadership on legal and policy issues to agency senior staff in the area of complex benefits administration, including the Medicaid, TANF and SNAP programs. I review and analyze the impact of state and federal statutory changes and proposed legislation on populations the agency serves, and make recommendations on state-level policy. I advise caseworkers on specific legal issues involving benefit cases with an emphasis on the due process issues involved in serving disabled, at-risk and low-income populations. I also assist in developing proactive training material and information to increase caseworker understanding and analytical competency while building trust between field staff and the legal division.I advise adult protective services on exploitation, abuse and neglect cases, and assist with guardianship of adults needing protective action. I review a high volume of various types of trusts to analyze compliance with state and federal policy, and assist families and outside counsel on special needs planning, supplemental needs trust design, and asset availability for benefit eligibility determinations.I advise the agency director on administrative appeals and constitutional rights concerns at the individual case level and relating to agency policies and procedures. This includes researching and drafting administrative appeal opinions. I also advise leadership and represent the agency in state and federal court litigation over benefit eligibility determinations and challenges to policy