Employee Benefits Counsel - Staff Attorney 3

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 88,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking state agency as an Employee Benefits Counsel, where you'll provide essential legal support for health care programs impacting thousands of Minnesotans. This role involves conducting legal research, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, and advising on legislative initiatives. You will work closely with leadership to manage insurance programs and develop training for non-legal staff. This position not only offers a chance to make a significant impact on public health insurance but also provides a supportive environment committed to equity and inclusion. If you are passionate about public service and have a strong legal background, this opportunity is for you.

Benefits

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays each year

Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans

Employer paid life insurance

Short-term and long-term disability insurance

Pension plan

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school required.
• 3+ years of legal experience in public policy or employee benefits.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal analysis and support for health care programs.
• Develop strategies for compliance with laws and regulations.

Skills

Legal Research

Legal Analysis

Communication Skills

Critical Thinking

Problem Solving

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

Employee Benefits Counsel - Staff Attorney 3

Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) is a state agency that serves the people of Minnesota by providing the state with leadership and guidance to support efficient and effective government, a world class workforce, and responsible financial management.

Working Title: Employee Benefits Counsel
Job Class: Staff Attorney 3
Agency: Mn Management & Budget

• Job ID: 83668
• Location: St. Paul
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 01/28/2025
• Closing Date: 02/18/2025
• 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

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.

Job Summary

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
• 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
• Track state and federal legal, statutory and regulatory developments as pertains to group employee insurance benefits and other health insurance topics
• Develop and deliver training and general communications to address emerging insurance and benefits issues
• Support the negotiation of new contracts and contract renewals with MMB’s insurance-related vendors

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 approximately 50,000 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.

NOTE: The applicant selected for this position may be eligible for a hiring incentive of up to $10,000!

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Education requirements:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school
• Current license and in good standing to practice in the State of Minnesota

Experience requirements:

• At least three years of experience as a practicing attorney demonstrating the following:
  • Experience conducting legal research, analysis, and writing
  • Experience providing legal advice to others (i.e. agency staff, senior management, and executives)

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

• Professional or legal experience in one or more of the following areas: public policy, health insurance, employee benefits, or state procurement and contracting
• Excellent communication skills and written work product to provide training, guidance and legal advice on complex and varied legal issues.
• 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.
• Experience planning and delivering complex legal training to non-legal audiences
• Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience reviewing and drafting legislation
• Experience reviewing, drafting, and negotiating contracts
• Experience in developing and managing internal policies and procedures for managing data requests
• Knowledge of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and ability to analyze data, determine classification of data and provide protection of not public data.
• Experience advising on the Official Records Act

Additional Requirements

Individuals who are selected for interview may 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.

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 [e-mail] .

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

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
• 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 [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.