Attorney - VP of Risk, Safety and Compliance

Job Description:

Introduction:

At Lutheran Senior Services, team members at all levels find their calling in our mission ofOlder Adults Living Life to the Fullest. In this work environment, all team members are part of a community and appreciated by the people they work with – residents and coworkers – every day. 

Summary:

The LSS Vice President of Risk, Safety, and Compliance maintains responsibility for, and provides guidance and counsel to the LSS leadership throughout the organization as it relates to and supports, the areas of risk management, corporate compliance, workers’ compensation and safety, insurance and contract management, HIPAA privacy compliance, and CMS grievance procedures; as well as serves as legal representation for the organization in all matters unless otherwise noted.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Responsible for the organization’s risk management efforts; Advises on and recommends policies, procedures, and related activity that reduce organizational exposures to financial and/or legal liability and risk; Directs programs and the planning, development, and implementation of processes that reduce loss frequency and loss severity; Prepares and reports on loss analyses, identifies exposures, and recommends solutions

2. Responsible for the organization’s corporate compliance measures; Plans, coordinates, and assists in the implementation and administration of the organization’s corporate compliance plan (Integrity Management Plan); Ensures that all responsibilities are carried out within the guidelines of policies established by and with the authority of the Board of Directors; This position works in concert and provides performance improvement leadership, guidance and support to all levels of the organization; Manages the LSS wide training schedule for all employees to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements as well as identified best practices

3. Represents the organization in Missouri Dept. of Health and Senior Services (MO DHSS), Illinois Dept. of Public Health (IDPH), and Pennsylvania Department of Health hearings, professional and general liability mediations, settlement negotiations, contractual issues, and in employment suits including participating in hearings, depositions and trials as appropriate; Acts as the liaison between the organization and insurance companies or third-party administrators regarding lawsuits and claims for compensation; Selects or recommends outside legal representation in workers’ compensation, professional and general liability claims; Manages non-HR liability claims including negotiating settlements, drafting agreements and waivers, compiling responses to discovery, preparation of witnesses and analysis of potentially compensable events. Is available to assist in HR liability claims as requested; Works effectively with Home Office and insurance company claims management and legal counsel in the preparation of testimony, evidence or other matters related to actual or potential litigation

4. Oversees the organization-wide workers compensation and employee safety programs; Directly manages the LSS Workers’ Compensation Specialist

5. Responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of the organization’s insurance policies and associated claims

6. Oversees the contract management efforts of the organization; Drafts, reviews, and negotiates contracts with clients, vendors, suppliers, and other parties, including but not limited to ensuring that contracts accurately reflect the terms and conditions agreed upon by both parties and comply with legal and regulatory requirements

7. Serves as the organization’s HIPAA privacy officer by creating, reviewing, and updating policies and procedures related to the privacy and security of protected health information (PHI). This includes policies for access control, data encryption, breach notification, and employee training

8. Serves as the organization’s “Grievance Officer” and is responsible for receiving and following-up on grievances and complaints from beneficiaries or members

9. Represents LSS in accounts receivable collection matters including filing of collection lawsuits when necessary; This includes collection matters with vendors and guest/residents

10. Represents LSS in breach of contract matters including filing of necessary legal action, including matters with vendors and guest/residents

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing or other related field required
• Juris Doctor (JD) required.
• Licensure as an attorney in the State of Missouri is required. Additional licensure in IL or PA preferred but not required.
• Licensure as a Registered Nurse and/or Nursing Home Administrator preferred
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in leadership positions in health care organization and three (3) years’ experience in the area(s) of health law or as a risk manager in a health care setting
• Knowledgeable in federal and state (MO,IL, and PA) laws that govern employment, disability, fair housing, OSHA, and licensed nursing care etc.
• Strong computer skills and is able to use various software programs such as Event tracking (Risk-Pro or similar programs), Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access
• Knowledge and experience in long term care preferred; Strong interpersonal skills and must be able to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization, ranging from executives to entry level workers; Ability to maintain positive and effective working relationships with all the communities/departments and staff members; Ability to assess situations, consider alternatives and choose/recommend appropriate courses of action in a proactive manner. Must be able to analyze data, draw conclusions and make recommendations based on this data; Knowledgeable in laws that govern Medicare and Medicaid program and reimbursements

Physical Activities and Demands, and Working Environment:

The physical activities, demands and work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job duties and responsibilities. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk to hear. The employee frequently is required to sit; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and taste or smell. 

The working conditions include a well-lighted and ventilated working area that has its own temperature control system; Minimal exposure to chemicals and hazardous waste; Minimal exposure to outside weather conditions; Appropriate ergonomic and personal safety equipment is provided as needed; Noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

This position can be based in either Brentwood, MO or Topton, PA

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.Employees may be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested, subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and standards. Certain job functions described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and standards.