Paralegal

Paralegal – External Appeals & Consumer InvestigationsAgency: Department of Financial Services (DFS)Location: Albany, NY (Accessible by bus; no on-site parking available)Telecommuting: May be allowable upon discretion of the hiring manager.Position OverviewThe Department of Financial Services is seeking a highly organized Paralegal to evaluate External Appeal applications and investigate consumer complaints against regulated insurance companies. This role focuses on ensuring compliance with Insurance Law Article 49 and the Federal No Surprise Act. While DFS provides training on internal processes and applicable laws, candidates must possess a strong foundational knowledge of legal mandates and exceptional communication skills.Minimum Candidate Qualifications

• Certification: Must possess a valid Paralegal Certificate.
• Work Authorization: Must be eligible to work in New York State.
• Reliability: Strong commitment to time and attendance is critical for this role.

Key Responsibilities & Required ServicesExternal Appeals & Screening

• Evaluate External Appeal applications for eligibility based on Insurance Law Article 49.
• Screen requests for External Appeals in accordance with the Federal No Surprise Act, state regulations, and established protocols.
• Request necessary information from appropriate parties to move cases forward.

Complaint Investigation & Resolution

• Investigate complaints against regulated insurance companies by applying mandates in Insurance Law and specific policy provisions.
• Research, process, and resolve consumer and provider complaints.
• Communicate formal findings clearly once an investigation is complete.

Administrative Liaison & Case Management

• Act as a primary liaison for administrative processes, maintaining professional verbal and written communication with consumers and representatives of financial entities.
• Maintain updated, complete, and organized electronic case files.
• Follow up on deliverables from internal stakeholders to ensure project timelines are met.
• Handle high-volume correspondence (calls, emails, and letters) with internal and outside stakeholders.
• Prepare detailed reports and other necessary documentation.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Legal Aptitude: Proven ability to understand and apply complex legal mandates.
• Project Management: Strong ability to manage multiple time-sensitive, complex files simultaneously.
• Technical Proficiency: Professional experience with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams).
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal, writing, and verbal communication skills.
• Efficiency: Detail-oriented with the ability to organize and prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Teamwork: Ability to work effectively both individually and as part of a collaborative team