Newsworthy

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This position is responsible for the compliance of health and welfare benefit plans/programs Firm-wide for partners, employees, and retirees.  Serves as a subject matter expert on benefit plans and programs and is responsible to ensure that the design, development, implementation, and administration are current and appropriately responsive to a dynamic regulatory environment.  Responsible for providing guidance on compliance with a broad range of laws applicable to health and welfare plans, including ERISA, PPACA, COBRA, HIPAA, Data Privacy, Internal Revenue Code (including Section 125), FSAs, HSAs, FMLA and other international, state and federal laws.  Responsible to conduct research, and responds to benefits compliance inquiries. Additionally, this position:

Responsible for the compliance of benefit plans and programs  including but not limited to the:
U.S. and International health & welfare benefit offerings
U.S. expatriate and third-country national plans
Firm-wide travel related benefit programs and policies, and
the interaction of leave programs (federal (FMLA), state, and international laws) and the applicable benefit offerings
Maintains awareness of and analyzes current and developing legislation and regulations affecting the benefit plans and protected leaves to assess their potential impact to the Firm and makes necessary recommendations and assists in implementing appropriate measures to comply.
Responsible for the review, negotiation and maintenance of various health and welfare vendors’ contracts.
Key compliance advisor to the Director and Assistant Director of Benefits.
Responsible for all aspects of HIPAA and US and international data privacy compliance.
Develops and maintains legal, compliance, and governance documents as well as administrative processes to meet all regulatory requirements in order to provide benefit administration oversight.
Uses compliance knowledge to make recommendations and facilitate necessary changes to modify benefit plans and the related administrative practices.
Participates in compliance reviews and technical-oriented compliance meetings.
Drafts and maintains participant explanatory material such as summary plan descriptions, summary of material modifications and related policies and procedures.
Drafts and maintains health and welfare plan documents, restatements, amendments and related administrative forms.
Oversees insurance carrier claims appeals process as needed.
Responds to internal General Counsel’s requests in response to subpoenas and employment related matters.
Provides compliance training to Benefits Department staff to meet regulatory requirements.
Responds to regulatory notices as required.
Responsible for assisting in the planning and developing of various benefit plans and programs including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, life, and disability.  Ensures that the programs are in compliance with legal requirements.
Recommends revisions to existing Plans as well as the implementation of new benefits consistent with regulatory and contractual requirements.
Assists with the annual renewal processes for all health and welfare benefit plans and programs.  Partners and negotiates with benefit providers and brokers with respect to benefit plans’ provisions and associated regulations in conjunction with annual renewals; maintains all related contracts.
Responsible for assisting in the maintenance of current benefit plans and the implementation of new benefits, programs and vendor management.
Provides guidance for benefits activities with local office regional business partners as needed.
Develops strong relationships and works closely with the Benefits Department staff to educate, provide guidance, and ensure that the benefit plans are administered in accordance with the applicable regulations and contract provisions.
Assists personnel at all levels within the Firm on the available benefits and programs.
Anticipates and meets partner, employee, and retiree needs in a timely and professional manner.
Demonstrates effective interpersonal, written and verbal communications to facilitate effective work relationships with others.
Manages Firm resources responsibly.
Complies and understand Firm operation, policies and procedures.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Extensive knowledge of U.S. and internationals laws and regulations impacting benefits and data privacy
Qualified retirement plan compliance and regulatory knowledge preferred
Ability to research, identify and implement solutions for business issues
Detailed knowledge of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code and related regulations; expand professional knowledge through formal training and self-study; and applying best practices
Experience reading and interpreting contracts, statues, regulations, court cases, briefs, letters, memorandum, opinion of counsel, pending legislation, and company policies and procedures
Experience researching and preparing plan documents, summary plan descriptions, correspondence, memorandums, presentations, meeting minutes, etc.
Experience negotiating, persuading, advocating, interacting, advising, and communicating effectively
Experience using online legal research services (e.g., WestLaw)
Strong knowledge of relevant Firm computer software programs (e.g., MS Word, Outlook, MS Excel, PowerPoint), with the ability to learn new software and operating systems
Payroll and accounting function knowledge, specifically related to their interaction with benefits, preferred
Proven project management skills required
Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, organizational, and planning skills
Deliver timely and accurate work products, and responds with a sense of urgency
Demonstrates effective personal and communication skills, both verbally and in writing
Strong customer service skills
Demonstrates close attention to detail
Ability to handle multiple projects and shifting priorities
Ability to handle sensitive matters and maintain confidentiality
Ability to organize and prioritize work
Ability to work well in a demanding and fast-paced environment
Ability to work well independently as well as effectively within a team
Ability to use discretion and exercise independent and sound judgment
Flexibility to adjust hours and work the hours necessary to meet operating and business needs
Flexibility to travel if needed

Experience/Education

Juris Doctorate a must

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