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Role Description

The Consumer Legal Affairs Officer, and Agency Ombudsman provides advanced legal, policy, and regulatory guidance to Department leadership and staff on matters involving insurer practices, consumer complaints, and state and federal insurance laws. The position conducts complex legal research, analyzes insurer compliance issues, supports Market Conduct and Consumer Services operations, and assists with drafting and evaluating legislation and policy initiatives.

As the Agency Ombudsman, the incumbent responds to escalated constituent inquiries and complaints, coordinates resolutions, and recommends corrective actions. The role involves direct communications with various stakeholders regarding the resolution of consumer complaints and grievances. The role requires strong analytical skills, sound legal judgment, and the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with consumers, insurers, stakeholders, and government officials.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

Job Duties

• Conduct extensive legal research of state and federal laws and related regulations.
• Analyze consumer complaints to identify areas of insurer non-compliance.
• Coordinate with the Market Conduct Section to identify trends in consumer complaints and alleged industry violations.
• Communicate with insurance industry representatives regarding regulatory and legal issues involving insurers' general business practices.
• Serve as the DIFI Ombudsman and respond to inquiries and research requests from various offices.
• Investigate and respond to escalated complaints from the Market Conduct and Consumer Services Division.
• Handle all elevated consumer complaints and work on solutions directly with consumers and entities under the Department's jurisdiction.
• Review, analyze and comment on proposed legislation and policies.
• Train and coach Market Conduct and Consumer Services Division staff members.
• Assist other legal officers within DIFI with regulatory matters.
• Research and respond to consumer emails and industry inquiries that require legal knowledge.
• Develop consumer-oriented communications for distribution at public events and posting on the Department's website.
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Arizona state insurance laws and rules, policies, procedures, and case law.
• Knowledge of all types of insurance products and entities.
• Understanding of statutory/regulatory construction and principles of public administration.
• Familiarity with federal laws, regulations, and programs that pertain to insurance.
• Knowledge of Arizona license procedures and requirements for insurers.
• Proficiency in computerized data management and word processing software.
• Skills in regulatory analysis and negotiation.
• Ability to conduct highly complex legal research and analytical work.

Requirements

• Strong analytical skills and sound legal judgment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with various stakeholders.
• Capability to analyze and apply complex laws, rules, and policies.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to work autonomously and prioritize assignments.

Benefits

• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance.
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance.
• Vacation plus 10 paid holidays per year.
• Health and dental insurance.
• Retirement plan.
• Sick leave.
• Paid Parental leave.