Assistant General Counsel

Company Description

Why Wellmark: We are a mutual insurance company owned by our policy holders across Iowa and South Dakota, and we’ve built our reputation on over 80 years’ worth of trust. We are not motivated by profits. We are motivated by the well-being of our friends, family, and neighbors–our members. If you’re passionate about joining an organization working hard to put its members first, to provide best-in-class service, and one that is committed to sustainability and innovation, consider applying today! 

Learn more about our unique benefit offerings here. 

Want to know more? You can learn about life at Wellmark here.

Job Description

Wellmark’s Assistant General Counsel will assist and support the Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer in the performance, representation, and delivery of all legal, compliance, and regulatory services for Wellmark and its subsidiaries. This requires a thorough and in-depth understanding of the legal and regulatory environment affecting Wellmark's business and the health care industry. This individual will be accountable for reviewing, analyzing, preparing, and communicating legal and regulatory issues that influence or impact Wellmark’s business. In addition, this individual will represent Wellmark with members, stakeholders, regulators, and other external audiences.

The position is expected to have heavy emphasis on regulatory and compliance support of Wellmark’s governmental healthcare programs, including programs governed by the Affordable Care Act, Medicare, Tricare, Federal Employee Program, and ERISA. In addition to regulatory support, this individual will be responsible for advising on and drafting of complex contracts.  This individual will provide support to Wellmark’s product and sales team, provider network administration team, health and pharmacy services teams, compliance teams and health plan operations. This individual will also have regular contact with state and federal regulators, including CMS, DOL, Treasury, and the Iowa and South Dakota Divisions of Insurance.

Ideal candidates will have experience providing legal and / or regulatory compliance advice in a healthcare setting or other highly regulated industry such as financial services, utilities or other insurance sectors. You have exceptional interpersonal capabilities, allowing you to build long-term, productive relationships internally and externally. You embrace your role as an adviser and pride yourself on the ability to learn the business, allowing you to consult with your stakeholders more effectively. If this sounds like you, apply today!

Qualifications

Required:

• J.D. and current license in good standing to practice law (any state acceptable).
• No history of federal or state professional disciplinary proceedings or regulatory disqualifications.
• Continuing legal education must be current in accordance with state requirements for licensed attorneys.
• 7+ years of experience practicing law in a corporate, governmental, judicial or private practice environment in the subject areas of health care, insurance, administrative law, antitrust, finance, employment law, litigation and/or litigation management, or related areas.
• Advanced consulting and interpersonal skills. Ability to understand the needs of the business and develop legal advice that balances subject matter expertise with stakeholder needs. Viewed as a credible, trustworthy business partner. Comfortable with decision making in a complex, multi-dimensional team environment.
• Ability to adapt and thrive in a constantly changing regulatory landscape.
• Excellent research, analytical, and critical thinking skills. Strong understanding of applicable rules, regulations, and key interdependencies.
• Effectively build relationships across the organization that are supportive and collaborative.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to effectively articulate and support complex information and decisions to varied audiences.
• Ability to understand the scope of your role and escalate matters for resolution when needed.
• Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Proactive self-starter with strong time management skills and the ability to balance competing priorities with flexibility. Ability to anticipate risks, assess impacts, and take appropriate action.
• Travel may be required.

Preferred:

• Significant knowledge of insurance or health care industry.
• Experience providing legal and / or regulatory compliance advice in healthcare setting or other highly regulated industry such as financial services, utilities, or other i