Main purpose of job:

The British Defence Staff in the United States (BDSUS) has an exciting opportunity for a dynamic person to join the United States Support Group (USSG) as the Healthcare and Education Team Manager located in the British Embassy in Washington DC. This opportunity is a rewarding role which supports and further develops the special relationship between the UK and the US. 

The USSG Support Team delivers support across the USA network for British Defence Staff civilian and Service personnel (ca 800+ people posted across the USA).  We are looking for a highly motivated individual who has a real passion for service delivery and an ability to communicate compassionately and clearly with clients. The successful applicant will manage the BDSUS Healthcare and Education team to advise, administer and authorise medical, dental and education claims amongst our UK overseas community, including their families.  They will also provide detailed advice to BDSUS senior staff on matters of individual cases, issues and risks on educational and medical support.  Whilst experience in an associated sector would be advantageous, it is not essential; applications from candidates with management experience are sought.  Attention to detail, a positive attitude and strong teamwork ethics will be paramount.

The US Network offers a unique career enhancing opportunity and is committed to supporting its staff through a variety of benefits including generous leave and insurance packages.  It also promotes a culture of flexibility which enables people to better maintain wellness through an excellent work/life balance approach that encompasses hybrid working, including working from home and flexible hours, where possible.  In this role you would be working in a diverse international environment to support UK armed forces personnel and their civilian counterparts across the US. This is made up of staff with a rich and diverse background, skill sets, and experiences. 

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate based on disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Ensure BDSUS operate in line with UK and US healthcare and education policy.  
• Manage the combined medical admin team:
  -Ensure that they are correctly trained and resourced to complete their duties.   
  -Provide oversight to ensure timelines for medical and dental referrals are met.  
  -Review Business practices to ensure no single point of failure occurs within the admin team.  
• Ensure the medical and dental bills are pre-audited, checked and processed for payment. 
• Liaise with the MOD department for Defence Child Services to ensure all educational policies are correctly implemented.    
• Ensure that the teams Business Continuity plan is updated as required. 
• Prepare briefs to Senior Management on cases as required.
• Deliver briefings for new arrivals in person and online. 
• Review and advise the Caldecott Guardian (HIPPA equivalent) on issues that may cause a breach of the Caldecott principles and ensure the team are trained and able to identify issues. 
• Manage the Healthcare website ensuring it is updated as required and remains relevant.  
• Maintain a close working relationship and problem-solve issues with Meritain Health and Tricare.
• Carry out other tasks commensurate with the grade.

Resources managed: 

2 Health Care Administrative Officers, Budgetary authority as delegated.

• A proven track record of managing staff. 
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to be professional, confident, courteous, and deal with interlocutors at senior level.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to multi-task and strong problem solving skills.
• Excellent customer service skills, with proven ability to take responsibility and exercise considerable discretion.
  

US State Department requirements, the UK Government in the US has restrictions on the type of visas our non-diplomatic staff may hold. If you are not a US Citizen or a US Permanent Resident, or the dependent of a diplomat (with an EAD card), you may not be eligible for employment with the UK government. We cannot accept student Visas (J1, F or M) nor other forms of work Visas (I, H, P). If you hold a work visa it is best to check on your eligibility to work for a foreign government before applying for a position. The UK Government does not routinely sponsor work visas; the job advertisement will state clearly whether sponsorship is available.

You may refer to our website for additional information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-the-usa.

All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work.