Benefits Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:

Administers the System's benefits programs ensuring accurate and timely processing of all information. Provides advisory and consultative services. Responsible for the daily processes to analyze, present, communicate and interpret the employee benefit plans including retirement, health and welfare plans and executive benefits.

Position: Benefits Specialist       

Department: Human Resources

Schedule: Full Time

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

• Maintains current knowledge of benefit plans, rules and regulations for health & welfare and retirement plans
• Ensures all benefits programs comply with current federal, state, and local regulations and codes, including ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, ERISA, etc. and new regulations, as issued
• Assists in the review and renewal of benefit plans. 
• Reviews and suggests plan alternatives. 
• Provides feedback on vendor competence and expected service levels
• Assists in creating benefit communication materials such as plan descriptions, newsletter content, group emails, flyers and presentations
• Processes benefit events, such as qualifying life event transactions in benefit administration system
• Provides direct customer services to employees, troubleshoots problems, works with internal and external partners to  resolve complex employee issues
• Assists with the preparation and distribution of 5500 reports, summary annual reports, summaries of material modifications, ACA reporting and other compliance activities, as necessary
• Assists with the preparation, analysis, presentations and interpretation of data for benefit audits, reports, rate and benefit changes, as well as special projects
• Organizes and coordinates onsite employee benefit events such as fairs, seminars, and 1:1 employee sessions
• Conducts new employee benefits presentations at onsite orientations and tabling events 
• Reviews and audits benefit invoices for accuracy, tracks status to confirm payment, works with vendors and finance to correct identified issues and document monthly variances to budget Performs other duties as assigned or as necessary.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources Management or Business Administration or equivalent combination of education and experience

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

CEBS a plus

EXPERIENCE:

3-5 years of benefits administration experience required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES (KSA):

• Excellent interpersonal skills to provide personalized customer service; ability to explain complicated information in a comprehensible manner.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve conflict and develop practical solutions.
• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to multi-task projects with day to day responsibilities, prioritize essential tasks and the ability to manage time effectively.
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint and HR Information Systems are required.
• Knowledge of Payroll Systems and HRIS (Workday) highly preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans