Senior Counsel, Medical Risk Management

WHY UT SOUTHWESTERN?

With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the number 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth according to U.S. News & World Report, we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development to align with your future goals. Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on-site childcare, wage, merit increases and so much more. We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you'll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and a rewarding career!

JOB SUMMARY

Experienced Senior Counsel working under minimal supervision to lead a team of nurse risk managers within the Office of Legal Affairs responsible for handling a high volume of patient complaints and grievances in compliance with federal and state regulations and laws. Reporting directly to the Assistant Vice President and Deputy General Counsel Medical Risk Management, this attorney-leader is also responsible for case assessment and favorably resolving complaints and grievances and potential claims at the pre-litigation stage.

BENEFITS

UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing, and include:

• PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
• 100% coverage for preventive healthcare-no copay
• Paid Time Off, available day one
• Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
• Paid Parental Leave Benefit
• Wellness programs
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
• Learn more about these and other UTSW employee benefits!
  

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Required

• Education

J.D. degree from accredited law school

• Experience

5 years of experience as a practicing attorney in the areas of medical malpractice, personal injury litigation, risk management, or health law

• Licenses and Certifications

Must be licensed and in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction and eligible for admission to the State Bar of Texas, with full Texas licensure required within six (6) months of hire

Preferred

• Education

Degree or certificate in nursing, healthcare, health administration, public health, or similar field

• Experience

2 years of experience successfully leading productive, high-functioning teams in a legal or healthcare setting

JOB DUTIES

• Directly supervises, mentors and develops nurse risk managers to administer the patient complaint/grievance process in compliance with CMS Conditions of Participation. Tracks productivity and proactively identifies trends and opportunities for improvement. Advises health system leadership on potential quality and safety risks that may be identified through the complaint/grievance process.
• Assesses patient care complaints and grievances, within the context of applicable legal defenses, immunities, and indemnities, and implements risk reduction strategies and favorably resolves potential legal claims.
• Regularly interacts and collaborates with clinical staff and management to identify, quantify, and mitigate risk liability; strategic thinker who helps clinical staff navigate through legal obligations, potential liabilities, and compliance requirements. This may include real-time and after-hours consultation with physicians, hospital operations managers, and nursing staff to appropriately respond to immediate concerns relating to hospitalized and ambulatory patients.
• Serves as senior legal advisor in medical risk management matters and provides guidance to clinical staff on relevant UT Southwestern health system policies, in the context of applicable laws and regulations.
• Functions as a trusted, visible leader and senior member of Legal Affairs; serves on various medical committees including but not limited to Professional Liability Advisory Committee, Patient Review Committee, and Grievance Committee.
• Provides education and training regarding professional liability and risk reduction strategies within the Health System.
• Responsible for independent litigation management and support as lead University counsel on complaints, agency investigations, audits, and surveys.
• Handles professional liability claims and lawsuits in partnership with the UT System Office of General Counsel, the Office of the Attorney General, and private counsel to ensure University interests are protected.
• Oversees special initiatives, training programs, and projects, as delegated by the Deputy General Counsel.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SECURITY AND EEO STATEMENT

Security
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.

EEO

UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.