Job Description

Working Title: Employee Benefits Counsel

Job Class: Staff Attorney 3

Agency: Mn Management & Budget

• Job ID: 82341
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 12/06/2024
• Closing Date: 12/26/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Mn Management & Budget
• Division/Unit: Employee Insurance / Legal Services
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Not Applicable Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $42.31 - $62.75 / hourly; $88,343 - $131,022 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 217 - Confidential
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
  
  

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This position provides legal analysis, advice, and support to the largest employer purchaser of health care in Minnesota. In this role, you will work closely with the Employee Insurance leadership team overseeing the State Employee Group Insurance Program (SEGIP) and the Public Employees Insurance Program (PEIP) to ensure that risk is appropriately identified and managed and that both programs remain in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws.

Key responsibilities of the Employee Benefits Counsel will include the following:

• Develop and implement strategies that support compliance with federal and state regulations
• Consult with subject matter experts as needed, including agency subject matter experts, to ensure full consideration of the facts, law, and other factors to support the resolution of complex legal issues
• Conduct legal research and provide information, analysis and recommendations with respect to application of statutes and rules
• Review proposals, policies, procedures, plan documents, and other content prepared by non-legal staff for compliance with federal law, regulations and guidelines, state law, rules and other authorities
• Provide legal input on proposed legislation, including assisting in the development of legislative initiatives
• Develop and deliver training and general communications to address emerging insurance and benefits issues
• Track state and federal legal, statutory and regulatory developments as pertains to group employee insurance benefits and other health insurance topics
• Support the negotiation of new contracts and contract renewals with MMB’s insurance-related vendors
• Coordinate with MMB’s external benefits counsel and seek advice as warranted
• Work closely with MMB’s General Counsel and other colleagues on the Legal Services Team to ensure close alignment of priorities and policies
• Oversee compliance with state data practices statute
  
  

Programs administered by the Employee Insurance unit at MMB include:

• The State Employee Group Insurance Program (SEGIP) for over 130,000 insurance eligible employees, retirees and dependents from all three branches of government, quasi state agencies, and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system
• The Public Employees Insurance Program (PEIP) for over 30,000 public employees, retirees and dependents of participating cities, counties, towns and school districts.
  
  

The incumbent of this position has access to and may use labor relations information which included management position on economic and noneconomic items that have not been presented during the collective bargaining process or interest arbitration, including information specifically collected or creates to prepare the management position.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school
• Current license and in good standing to practice in the State of Minnesota
• At least three years of experience as a practicing attorney demonstrating the following:
  
  

Experience must include the following demonstrated skills, abilities and knowledge bases:

• Excellent communication skills and written work product to provide training, guidance and legal advice on complex and varied legal issues.
• Knowledge of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and ability to analyze data, determine classification of data and provide protection of not public data.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills sufficient to analyze a variety of complex legal and data practices issues, identify areas of research, conduct research and evaluate alternatives, make sound decisions and provide legal advice to management on these issues.
• Ability to thoroughly research and impartially analyze facts and legal issues.
• Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional or legal experience in one or more of the following areas: state procurement and contracting, public policy, health insurance, or employee benefits
• Experience in developing and managing internal policies and procedures for managing data requests
• Experience advising on the Official Records Act
• Experience reviewing and drafting legislation
• Knowledge of Minnesota state government processes, including legislative process
• Experience reviewing, drafting, and negotiating contracts
• Experience supporting the collective bargaining process, including reviewing and drafting proposal language
• Experience providing legal advice to management on labor and/or employment law matters
• Experience planning and delivering complex legal training to non-legal audiences
  
  

Additional Requirements

Individuals who are selected for interview will be requested to submit a legal writing sample.

Minnesota Management and Budget will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and a criminal background check prior to appointment.

How To Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Anne Ward at anne.ward@state.mn.us or 651-757-1789.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Anne Ward at anne.ward@state.mn.us.

About Mn Management & Budget

(Include brief description of agency -- limit to two sentences)

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth
  
  

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
  
  

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
  
  

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
  
  

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.

Job Tags

Hourly pay, Holiday work, Full time, Contract work, Temporary work, Part time, Local area, Remote job, Shift work, Monday to Friday,

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