Policy Advisor & Custodian of Records Compliance (Policy Advisor IV): DORA/Division of Insurance

Although this position will be designated under the department’s hybrid workplace program, it will still be required to report to the department office on a scheduled basis and at the discretion of the supervisor, based on business need.  

The salary range posted for this position is $6,022 - $7,820/monthly; although a salary range is listed, hiring salary will be set commensurate with the successful candidate's qualifications and in compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.

The Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the marketplace and is committed to promoting a fair and competitive business environment in Colorado.

Consumer protection is our mission.

DORA values and promotes diversity, supporting a workplace that is inclusive of people from different backgrounds and experiences; creating an environment that is reflective of our communities; promoting positive relationships; and putting forth unique perspectives to fulfill our mission. 

• Employer-sponsored RTD EcoPass, with offices located at Civic Center Plaza, above the RTD Civic Center station and just a few blocks from RTD light rail. 

• Extensive work-life programs such as flexible schedules, training and professional development opportunities on a wide variety of subjects, and more! 

• Employee wellness programs, including the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP), which provides free, confidential counseling services.

• Bike-to-work programs, including access to storage lockers and bike racks.

• Flexible retirement benefits, including a choice of the PERA Defined Benefit Plan or the PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans.

• Medical and Dental Health Insurance for employees and optional coverage for their dependents.

• Life Insurance for employees, and optional coverage for their dependents.

• Paid Time Off, including 11 paid holidays.

• Short- and long-term disability coverage.

• Tuition assistance program.

The Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI) regulates the insurance industry in Colorado by helping consumers by answering their questions, investigating their complaints, and helping them to understand their insurance.  The Division regulates and monitors the insurance companies in Colorado, as well as insurance agents, ensuring all are following the law. 

The Legislative and Regulatory Affairs work unit exists to support the development of the division’s policy initiatives, guide the development and implementation of the division’s regulatory and legislative agendas, and monitor federal and state health care policies affecting the work of the division. The work unit collaborates with all sections of the division and with the DORA legislative and budget teams to evaluate proposed legislation impacting the Division; to provide policy and fiscal analysis on legislation; and to support the implementation of legislation. The work unit also supports all sections of the division in the development and adoption of regulations and bulletins. The unit is also responsible for ensuring the Division’s compliance with CORA and administrative procedures in the adoption of regulations and other guidance.

Position: SFA 4009

This position exists to provide the day-to-day support to the Legislative and Regulatory Affairs unit in advising on new policy initiatives, including legislative and regulatory matters – primarily, but not exclusively, on healthcare-related issues. The position assists in developing, tracking, and analyzing state legislation, preparing fiscal notes for proposed legislation, and monitoring the implementation of legislation and federal requirements.  The position is responsible for overseeing the development of regulations and bulletins, ensuring compliance with state procedural requirements, including Open Records Act requirements, and representing the Division in external meetings.   The position also leads the Division’s implementation of federal and state surprise billing requirements and undertakes special projects as needed.

Duties include, but are not limited to: 

• Assisting all sections of the Division regarding compliance issues and development of regulatory guidance arising from consumer complaints, inquiries, market conduct exams, financial exams, and statutory and regulatory interpretations;
• Researching and drafting new regulations and bulletins, and amending existing regulations and bulletins, including researching and tracking federal activities, NAIC models and other state laws and regulations, existing Colorado state law and regulations, attorney general informal opinions, and accessing Division data;
• Responding to stakeholder questions, collecting and reviewing stakeholder input; providing recommendations to supervisor and the Division Leadership Team about whether and how to incorporate stakeholder input; and incorporating approved stakeholder input into final regulations and bulletins;
• Regularly communicating with DORA budgetary and legislative staff on division policy positions and fiscal analyses;
• Assisting with drafting legislative language, preparing talking points and fact sheets, determining the need for testimony as well as appropriate staff to provide testimony, reviewing staff testimony, and, as needed, testifying before the legislature;
• Overseeing the division’s compliance with state laws, the division’s insurance regulations, and requirements regarding rulemaking, open records, and other Division work subject to the Administrative Procedures Act;
• Creating and distributing communications related to regulations ensuring Colorado consumers are notified of the opportunity to participate;
• Attending internal and external meetings when the supervisor is not available or as directed; and providing the supervisor with updates of meeting discussions;
• Deciding with whom to consult at the Division regarding particular drug issues and how to engage efficiently with multiple team members; prioritizing and developing timelines and project plans for tracking and coordinating the various prescription drug policy issues, regulations, and studies underway to implement bills passed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, SUBSTITUTIONS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

There are two ways to qualify for this position: 1) Experience OR 2) A Combination of Education and Experience

Option 1: Experience

• Seven (7) years of relevant full-time professional* experience working for a healthcare provider, a non-profit health advocacy organization, in the health insurance industry, in a health policy consulting environment,  for a governmental regulatory entity, or in a similar field directly related to the work assignment, performing one (1) of the following two (2) functions:
  • Developing, leading and implementing a policy agenda including identifying, evaluating, executing and administering policies, legislation and regulations;
  • Conducting stakeholder outreach and engagement related to healthcare and/or health insurance policy and legislation, including building and sustaining relationships with legislators, state agencies, healthcare industry representatives, and state and national interest groups and advocacy organizations. 

Option 2: A Combination of Education AND Experience 

• Associate’s Degree and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate’s degree business, business administration, business management, public policy, project management, public administration, public health, political science, healthcare administration, healthcare management, law, or in a field of study related to the work environment; AND 
• Five (5) years of full-time professional* experience working for a healthcare provider, a non-profit health advocacy organization, in the health insurance industry, in a health policy consulting environment,  for a governmental regulatory entity, or in a similar field directly related to the work assignment, performing one (1) of the following two (2) functions:
  • Developing, leading and implementing a policy agenda including identifying, evaluating and proposing policies, legislation and regulations;
  • Conducting stakeholder outreach and engagement related to healthcare and/or health insurance policy and legislation, including building and sustaining relationships with legislators, state agencies, healthcare industry representatives, and state and national interest groups and advocacy organizations.

OR

• Bachelor’s Degree and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree business, business administration, business management, public policy, project management, public administration, public health, political science, healthcare administration, healthcare management, law, or in a field of study related to the work environment; AND
• Three (3) years of relevant full-time professional* experience working for a healthcare provider, a non-profit health advocacy organization, in the health insurance industry, in a health policy consulting environment,  for a governmental regulatory entity, or in a similar field directly related to the work assignment, performing one (1) of the following two (2) functions:
  • Developing, leading and implementing a policy agenda including identifying, evaluating and proposing policies, legislation and regulations;
  • Conducting stakeholder outreach and engagement related to healthcare and/or health insurance policy and legislation, including building and sustaining relationships with legislators, state agencies, healthcare industry representatives, and state and national interest groups and advocacy organizations. 

Document this experience in your application IN DETAIL, as your experience will not be inferred or assumed.  Part time experience will be prorated.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

• A combination of professional* work experience in the occupational field or specialized subject area of the work assigned to the job, which provided the same kind, amount, and level of knowledge acquired in the required education, may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the bachelor's degree;
• A master's degree or doctorate from an accredited college in a field of study related to the work assignment may be substituted for the bachelor's degree. 

*Professional work involves exercising discretion, analytical skill, judgment and personal accountability and responsibility for creating, developing, integrating, applying, and sharing an organized body of knowledge that characteristically is: uniquely acquired through an intense education or training regimen at a recognized college or university; equivalent to the curriculum requirements for a bachelor's or higher degree with major study in or pertinent to the specialized field; and continuously studied to explore, extend, and use additional discoveries, interpretations, and application and to improve data, materials, equipment, applications and methods. 

Preferred Qualifications/Competencies:

• Master’s degree or Juris Doctorate (J.D.); 
• Public speaking experience; 
• Experience developing, leading and implementing a healthcare policy agenda focused on health insurance access and affordability
• Experience conducting/engaging in stakeholder outreach and coalition building pertaining to the insurance industry, including facilitating difficult conversations across various stakeholder groups and soliciting compromise;
• Experience meeting legal and rulemaking processing deadlines and requirements, including conducting legislative research, preparing comments on regulations, drafting fiscal analyses, drafting bill language and testifying and/or lobbying on pending legislation; 
• Experience collaborating with other insurance regulators in multi-state efforts; 

• Experience conducting analysis of the Colorado insurance market;
• Project management experience, including organizational skills and prioritization and delegating of tasks to other team members; 
• Experience developing and implementing process/procedure improvements, and/or implementing new technological and system-based initiatives;
• Experience responding to or training others on Colorado Open Records Act requests.

Required Competencies: The following knowledge, skills, abilities, and personal characteristics are required competencies and may be considered during the selection process (including examination and/or interview):

• Decision-making ability to make numerous, immediate, independent and sound decisions on a routine basis;
• Public speaking and presentation skills, including being comfortable demonstrating expertise in front of a variety of audiences; 
• Ability to build strong relationships, trust and mutual respect;
• Critical thinking and analysis skills, including having the ability to identify, analyze, and implement strategies to minimize risk impacts and maximize risk rewards;
• Ability to handle sensitive and/or highly confidential information in a professional and ethical manner, and in accordance with state and federal laws; 
• Demonstrated application of industry knowledge to address changes resulting from healthcare reform and marketplace advancements; 
• Understanding of rules and regulations, including ability to properly interpret and act on verbal orders and written policies;
• Demonstrated understanding of quality customer service including the ability to diplomatically deal with difficult customer interactions;
• Demonstrated attention to detail;
• Time management with the ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and organizational skills including prioritization of tasks;
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and the ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams;
• Oral & written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively to a diverse audience in a clear, accurate, and concise manner;
• Political acumen, with the ability to negotiate and build consensus in a complex and high-pressured, politically-charged environment, as well as maintain constructive relationships with internal and external stakeholders;
• Demonstrated ability to understand and abide by workplace principles, practices and behaviors as internally identified and defined by the division; 
• Self-motivated, self-directed, reliable, and accountable; 
• Proven ability to negotiate and facilitate difficult conversations, resulting in positive outcomes;
• Professional demeanor;
• Proficiency in the use of various PC software applications including Microsoft Office (Access, Word, Excel, etc.), and Google Suite.

Conditions of Employment: Candidates who fail to meet the conditions of employment will be removed from consideration.

• The successful passing of a reference check and/or, if required, a background check.
• A reference check may include but is not limited to: contacting previous and current supervisors to verify employment and discuss performance, a review of the personnel file, a review of the performance record, a review of job-related public information, etc.
• The type of background check depends on the job duties of the position, and can include a review of any criminal record, credit report, and/or driving record.

Interested individuals must submit the following online:

1. A completed State of Colorado Application (log-in to your current NeoGov account or create a NeoGov account to complete the online application). Note: Incomplete applications, including incomplete work history sections or "see résumé," "see attachment," or "see addendum" statements, will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application form.

2. A current email address on your application, as all communication pertaining to this position will be conducted via email. Please set up your email to accept messages from [email protected] and '@state.co.us' addresses, and check your email often. Note: The department cannot guarantee the successful delivery of email, including incorrect filtering into junk mail folders.

3. A detailed cover letter, explaining how you meet the required competencies and how your accomplishments, qualifications, skills, areas of expertise, personal characteristics, etc. make you a good fit for this position; you may also attach additional documents that demonstrate this.

Comparative Analysis Process: Structured Application Review
Part of, if not the entire, comparative analysis process for this position will involve a review of the information you submit in your application materials; Therefore, it is paramount that in the experience portion of your application and cover letter, you describe the extent to which you possess the education, experience, and competencies outlined in the job announcement as well as the required and/or preferred qualifications/competencies. You are also encouraged to attach additional documents to that effect. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions may affect your score and prevent you from competing in subsequent measures used to arrive at a top group of applicants.

Veterans' Preference: Candidates who wish to assert Veterans' Preference should attach a copy of their DD-214 to their application. Failure to do so will result in being denied Veterans Preference.

PLEASE NOTE: Former State Personnel System employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose this information on the application.  Colorado Revised Statutes require that all state employees be hired and promoted through competitive examination of merit and fitness.  Failure to include the required information, failure to follow instructions, and/or failure to submit materials by the application deadline may result in your application not being considered for the position and may affect your score or inclusion in the final pool of qualified candidates.

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.

The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities. 

DORA is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable
accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the
employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, at [email protected].

APPEAL RIGHTS: If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director. 

An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email, US Mail, faxed or hand-delivered within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgment of the department’s action.

For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board go to spb.colorado.gov or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.