STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Division Legal Director

Recruitment #220708-1288MP-001

Introduction

The State of ConnecticutOffice of the State Comptroller (OSC), is an agency whose mission is to provide accounting and financial services, to administer employee and retiree benefits, to develop accounting policy and exercise accounting oversight, and to prepare financial reports for the state, federal and municipal governments and the public. 

We are recruiting for a full-time State Comptroller Assistant Division Director in the role of Division Legal Director to report directly to the Director of the Healthcare Policy and Benefits Services Division.  On a day-to-day basis, the individual filling this position will be responsible for the providing legal advice and fiduciary oversight for Healthcare Policy Division which administers benefits for 250,000+ members.  Duties include ensuring compliance with state and federal laws (Internal Revenue Code, COBRA, HIPAA and Affordable Care Act, etc.),  identifying processes/practices that need to be revised due to accommodate regulatory changes, procuring and contracting with vendors required to administer employee benefits administered by the agency, participating in planning and oversight of new projects and policy changes associated with the health plans and other employee benefits, preparing all-agency memoranda to communicate policies or program changes, and the administration and oversight of retiree health fund contributions and state employee unemployment.  

This position is a first-shift, 40 hour per week position, located at the newly renovated State Office Building at 165 Capitol Avenue in Hartford, CT.  This state-of-the-art building offers free garage parking, ergonomic workspaces, and telework opportunities.  The OSC offers an excellent salary and benefits package. 

Selection Plan

Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications as indicated to apply for this position.  State employees currently holding the above title or those who have previously attained permanent status in the class may apply for a lateral transfer.  Candidates who have been selected for employment with the Office of the State Comptroller are subject to a detailed background investigation, including a fingerprint supported state and federal criminal history record check along with reference checks. Selection for employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of the background investigation.

In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process.  Please ensure that your application is complete prior to submitting.  NOTE:  At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: a cover letter, resume, performance reviews, supervisory references, attendance records, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency. Questions about these required documents should be directed to the hiring agency's human resources office:  bonnie.schlechtweg@ct.gov.

This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQ’s) which will be sent to you via email after the closing date. Please regularly check your email for notifications, including your SPAM/JUNK folders. You must reply by the deadline indicated on the notification or you will be automatically disqualified from consideration.

Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements and preferred qualifications of the position.

All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period.  It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception.  Requests should be made to DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Office of the State Comptroller, this class is accountable for assisting in administering the programs and activities of a major division with statewide impact.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Assists in directing the planning and organizing of functions within a division; assists in coordinating, planning, and managing division activities; assists in formulating program goals and objectives; assists in developing related policy; assists in implementation of new procedures and procedural revisions; assists in interpreting and administering pertinent laws; evaluates staff; assists in preparing division budgets; maintains contacts with individuals both within and outside of division who might impact on program activities; may coordinate subpoena responses and Freedom of Information requests; may assist in directing retirement benefits functions; may assist in directing employee benefits functions; may assist in directing timely processing of all state payrolls and related documents; may assist in directing auditing, validation, and payment of all claims against the state; may assist in directing maintenance of official accounting records of the state; may develop and maintain guidelines for pension division orders (QDROs) for those retirement systems administered by the Retirement Services Division; may interpret state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to retirement or employee benefits; may provide counsel to state agency staff with respect to retirement benefits in connection with the resolution of labor disputes; may prepare contracts for services required by SERC and the State Comptroller to administer employee or retiree benefits; may assist in the coordination of various pension or health care delivery systems, including health promotion and wellness initiatives; may act as the Retirement Services Division liaison to the Attorney General’s Office; performs other related duties as required.  

The individual in this role will also be responsible to: 

  • Provide legal advice and fiduciary oversight for Healthcare Policy Division which administers benefits for 250,000+ members.  Ensure compliance with state and federal laws (Internal Revenue Code, COBRA, HIPAA and Affordable Care Act, etc.).  Provide legal guidance related to the interpretation of collective bargaining and state statute benefit eligibility stipulations.
  • Identify processes/practices that need to be revised due to accommodate regulatory changes. Recommend and analyze proposed legislation. Investigate potential fraud or misuse of plan benefits.  Prepare all-agency memoranda to communicate policies or program changes. 
  • Participate in competitive procurements (RFP) for medical, dental, pharmacy and related services, supplemental benefits program, defined contribution plans, value-based healthcare administration, and flexible spending account programs as needed. Draft requirements and prepare contracts for all selected vendors.  
  • Maintain plan documents for medical and pharmacy benefits offered by State and CT Partnership Program.  Review eligibility of applicants to join Partnership Plan, prepare contracts for all non-state public employers joining plan.
  • Stay current on legal and regulatory requirements for administration of employee health and retirement plans.  Create and maintain plan documents on all IRS-regulated Section 125 plans, work with external vendors and agency staff to resolve benefit delivery or administrative issues; work with labor/management representatives on implementation of collective bargaining agreements and health plan initiatives. 
  • Maintain operational compliance with state and federal laws/regulations and collective bargaining agreements affecting our health, retirement plans (including HIPAA, ACA, IRC, COBRA, SEBAC). Ensure that carriers are operating in accordance with such laws, regulations and collective bargaining agreements. 
  • Respond to Freedom of Information Act requests and subpoenas.  Interpret legal decisions, statutes and collective bargaining agreements; assist staff with employee benefits law compliance; negotiate vendor contracts, disclosure agreements, and prepare RFPs.
  • Implement changes in law and benefit administration as required, such as CARES Act and other legislation introduced in response to COVID-19 pandemic.  
  • Participate in Agency response to legislative request to address feasibility of modifying eligibility rules for providing state health benefits to adjunct faculty members.
  • Engage in negotiations for renewal/extension of contracts for medical/pharmacy benefits.  Review audit results and participate in post-audit negotiations with vendors.
  • Oversee program for collection and refund of Retiree Health Fund contributions.  Update policies, audit of agency compliance with requirements for enrollments, exemptions and processing of refunds.   
  • Collaborate with CORE-CT, Retirement and Payroll Divisions to design and implement process revisions.  Assist with compilation of data for State’s GASB reporting.
  • Supervise supplemental benefits program (12 vendors), update contracts and resolve problems; issue RFPs for new vendors, coordinate activities of the Vendor Advisor Committee for evaluation for new potential products and vendors.
  • Administer flexible spending programs (Medical Flexible Spending, Dependent Care Assistance Program and Qualified Transportation Account and implement service of new vendor. 
  • Oversee contract for statewide administration of unemployment claims processing.  Work with CORE-CT and CT Department of Labor to develop information processing mechanism to reduce suspected fraud in connection unemployment claims fraud. 
  • Assist Attorney General’s Office in compiling data to support False Claims Act in connection with operation of State’s medical and dental plans.
  • Carry out special investigations and projects related to evolution of Health Enhancement Program (HEP) chronic disease management, member preventive compliance and utilization of claims information housed with data warehousing vendor, to support episodes of care program.   
  • Working on division effort to streamline health plans to reduce costs and introduce new quality-based performance metrics into health plan.
  • Responding to legislative inquiries and constituent inquiries related to duties listed above.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Considerable knowledge of defined benefit, defined contribution retirement plans, health insurance, and other employee benefit programs; considerable knowledge of legal and administrative issues concerning employee pension and benefits plans; knowledge of health care delivery systems; knowledge of collective bargaining, legislative and retirement administrative appeal processes; considerable knowledge of and ability to apply relevant state and federal laws, statutes, and regulations; knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and techniques; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; considerable ability in analysis and preparation of complex and comprehensive financial statements and reports.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Nine (9) years of experience in the administration of employee pension plans or employee health care or other employee benefits programs or legal experience in the area of benefits administration.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been in a supervisory capacity.

NOTE:

1. Supervisory capacity is defined as scheduling, assigning, overseeing work, and establishing performance standards for employees and taking corrective measures to implement those standards.

2. For State employees, supervisory capacity will be interpreted at the level of Retirement and Benefit System Coordinator.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

1. College training in accounting or business administration may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.

2. A Master's degree in accounting or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

3. Certification in any of the following may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience: Certified Public Accountant or Certified Internal Auditor.

4. A law degree from an accredited school of law may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to candidates with the following experience/training:

  • Law degree;
  • Thorough understanding of laws and regulations overseeing employee health benefits plans;
  • Experience in writing, managing and negotiating contracts related to health coverage and or other employee benefits;
  • Experience and expertise in health policy;
  • Experience in engaging health care providers in contracting negotiations or other partnerships;
  • Experience in and knowledge of Other Post Employee Benefit funding and contributions;
  • Experience and knowledge of self-insured unemployment administration;
  • Experience and knowledge of the legislative and collective bargaining process, including the interpretation and application of the relevant state and federal laws, collective bargaining agreements, and legal/court decisions relative state employee health benefits;
  • Must demonstrate attention to detail and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in order to complete rapid turn-around of communication and policy materials and successfully meet deadlines;
  • Demonstrated experience in written communications in a professional setting, moving from concept to implementation with little editorial oversight;
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals and constituencies; 
  • Problem solving and analytical abilities including the ability to critically evaluate information gathered from multiple sources, reconcile conflicts, decompose high-level information into details and synthesize large amounts of information into effective policy articulations;
  • Experience conducting policy-oriented research and presenting findings in presentations or written materials;
  • Ability to work with a team as well as independently, and to be proactive in seeking solutions to challenges;
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced atmosphere with changing priorities;
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and strong oral communication skills.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

May be required to be admitted to practice law in the State of Connecticut.

Conclusion

INCOMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGES AND THOSE RECEIVED AFTER THE CLOSING DATE INDICATED ABOVE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.  An Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer.  The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities.  If you are requesting special accommodations under the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) please contact Bonnie Schlechtweg at 860.702.3323 or Bonnie.Schlechtweg@ct.gov.