What are the responsibilities and job description for the General Counsel position at UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust?
General Counsel
Position Summary
Provides legal services to protect the Trust’s assets and the rights of its members. Assures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, health plan and Trust Agreement provisions which may affect policies, operations, and assets. Oversees corporate compliance and related functions.
• Assures that the Trust fulfills its fiduciary responsibilities as defined by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other applicable laws and regulations.
• Accountable for all aspects of operations and performance of one or more departments.
• Is accountable for significant operational decisions, an identifiable portion of the Trust’s operating budget, and oversees the work of multiple subordinate employees.
• Supports the Committee and Subcommittees and makes periodic reports to the Committee and Subcommittees.
• Is responsible for the design and implementation of business processes.
• Has leadership responsibilities for subordinate leaders and staff.
Essential Functions
1. Drafts and reviews contracts with carriers and vendors.
2. Advises Trust management on contract and carrier performance negotiations and issues.
3. Reviews all Plan documents including Plan Documents, SPD, Benefit Highlights letters, and Summary Annual Reports.
4. Oversees corporate compliance function to ensure legal and ethical alignment of operations.
5. Researches and prepares or obtains written opinions to legal questions.
6. Uses professional legal theories and best practices to contribute to development of Trust’s concepts and principles and to achieve enterprise objectives in an original and highly effective way.
7. Assists with strategic initiatives by providing legal support.
8. Carries out research of legal principles and precedents and consults with outside counsel on legal strategies on issues.
9. Ensures the review and evaluation of member claims and associated correspondence, investigative reports, and various technical documents to determine coverage and resolution strategies.
10. Manages potential litigation by hiring defense counsel, reviews of draft pleadings, litigation plans, budgets and invoices.
11. Manages and approves the work of subordinate attorneys.
12. Assures compliance with all Federal and State employment law, regulations, and case law.
This list details the Trust’s assignment of essential functions to this position. Other duties or tasks may be assigned to this position. This job description is subject to change at any time.
Technical Competencies
• Extensive knowledge of ERISA, HIPPA, Medicare and related legislation and regulations.
• Extensive knowledge of carrier and vendor contracts.
• Extensive knowledge of health plans and insurance laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of investment policies.
• Knowledge of employment, human resource law, regulations, and operations.
Leadership Competencies
Leaders of the Trust are expected to demonstrate relevant leadership competencies as specified in the Trust’s competency definitions.
Personal Effectiveness Competencies
All employees of the Trust are expected to demonstrate relevant personal effectiveness competencies as specified in the Trust’s competency definitions.
Minimum Required Experience
• Minimum fifteen years of senior level specific industry and/or technical legal experience post licensure in a corporate setting including contracting for health plans, benefit delivery and Investment a plus
• Extensive experience in corporate and healthcare law
• Extensive experience in risk management.
• Extensive statutory regulatory knowledge including ERISA and HIPAA
Education, Professional Certifications and Licensure
• Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school.
• Admission to the State Bar of Michigan or eligibility for admission to the bar and obtaining admission within six months of hiring.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
• The physical requirements of this position are typical of office work.
• Travel between Trust sites as needed.