What are the responsibilities and job description for the Benefits Specialist position at Republic Bank & Trust Company?
“Republic Bank believes in the development and advancement of our associates. We offer the opportunity to learn all aspects of the company to prepare for future advancement. Come join our team for a career, not just a job!“
Grade 8
About Republic Bank
Republic Bank’s values are built upon making an IMPACT for our clients, our associates and the communities we serve. (IMPACT stands for Innovate for the Future, Make it Easy, Provide Exceptional Service, Acknowledge & Celebrate Success, Commit to Caring and Thrive Together) The associates of Republic Bank are the key to our success as an organization and we value our associates. It’s one of the reasons we’ve been named as one of the Best Places to Work in Kentucky for the last seven years! For more information about the company, please visit www.republicbank.com.
POSITION PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES:
The Benefits Specialist is responsible for facilitating and assisting with the implementation and administration of the bank’s overall benefit strategy and wellness program.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience in benefits administration required.
- Strong knowledge of relevant federal and state regulations and legislation required.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications; advanced proficiency in Excel required.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence and persuade across all levels of the organization, build positive relationships with external contacts, and vendors required.
- Previous experience developing and administering wellness programs preferred.
- Experience working with UKG Pro and PlanSource/EMB HRIS system preferred.
Facilitate and Administer Benefits Programs – 45%
- Assist the Manager with facilitation and administration of Associate benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, 401(k), life insurance, employee stock purchase plan, , tobacco cessation, workers compensation, wellness benefits etc.
- Ensure Associates are properly enrolled in benefit plans and resolve system eligibility and service issues in a timely and courteous manner.
- Ensure correct benefit deductions are in the payroll system.
- Assist with monthly benefit invoice reconciliation
- Monitor file interfaces between Republic and vendors to ensure proper data reporting.
- Run reports, compile and analyze data to keep management informed.
- Maintain current policies and procedures for area of responsibility.
- Assist with benefit surveys and benchmarking exercises.
- Maintain accurate benefit data in UKG Pro and PlanSource/EMB (HRIS).
- Research potential benefit design and/or program changes and present findings and recommendations.
- Assist with the open enrollment process, implementation and testing of new plans with internal team, carriers, and enrollment vendor.
- Administer tuition reimbursement program, including but not limited to, developing communications, maintaining the Education Matters SharePoint page, and analytics as it relates to program.
- Collaborate with HRIS, Recruitment and Payroll in the design, implementation, and improvement of benefit processes and procedures.
- Address Associate Benefit Inquiries – 25%
- Serve as the day-to-day point of contact for Associates and related vendors to respond to questions, escalate issues, seek systemic resolution and maintain efficient working relationships.
- Advise and counsel employees on benefit related issues and provide benefit information.
- Independently apply procedures, policy manuals, knowledge base, and other reference materials to assist in answering Associate/manager inquiries and resolving issues promptly (i.e., Qualifying events, new hires, terminations).
- Resolve escalated Associate service issues as it relates to benefits and supporting programs.
- Administer company’s wellness program including the monitoring and coordination with other internal bank/Associate groups.
- Prepare communication using a variety of media to educate Associates about benefits and wellness.
- Coordinate benefit awareness and education campaigns.
- Participate in vendor management and serve as a point of contact with vendors to escalate issues, seek resolutions, hold vendors accountable, and build and maintain productive working relationships.
- Actively participate as part of the Human Resources Team.
- Engage in continual process improvement activities and projects.
- Ensure regulatory and administrative compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
- Maintain a working knowledge of compliance requirements, developments, best practices, statutory and regulatory changes affecting your position and area of responsibilities and actively learn new regulations and assist in the implementation, if required.
- Model and foster behaviors that support the Bank’s values and corporate culture creating an atmosphere of trust, cooperation, accountability, and dedication to the organization.
- Willingly perform all other duties and projects as assigned.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information with tact and discretion and determine appropriate involvement and escalation with pertinent parties.
- Ability to serve as a strategic partner, with sound technical and analytical skills, good judgment, and a strong operational and strategic focus.
- Detail oriented and maintains accuracy with a strong sense of urgency while working on multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Ability to shift focus with changing priorities.
- Exercise a high degree of professionalism, poise, tact, and diplomacy to accomplish objectives.
- Ability to meet deadlines and maintain composure under pressure.
- Possess a positive attitude, be dependable, and self-motivated.
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this position, the associate is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The associate frequently is required to stand or walk. The associate is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The associate must occasionally lift and/or move 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, and distance vision. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
- Travel between Republic Banking facilities may be necessary at times.
- Occasional out of town travel could be required.
- Flexible work schedule that will include some evenings and weekends.
- Stay abreast of new developments, best practices, and statutory and regulatory changes.
**The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this position. It is not construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
