What are the responsibilities and job description for the Benefits Specialist position at South Carolina DDSN?
Job Responsibilities
- intellectual disability and related disabilities
- autism spectrum disorder
- traumatic brain injury
- spinal cord injury and similar disability
Job Responsibilities:
The purpose of this position is to assist employees with the processing, calculation, and explanation of various insurance and retirement benefits in compliance with state and federal rules, regulations and laws. Also promotes employee wellness on behalf of the agency.
- Conducts New Hire Benefits Orientation to educate employees on the benefits offered by the South Carolina Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA). Assists employees with completing self-enrollment and collects supporting documentation from employees. Complete audits after each orientation class to ensure all new employees have completed enrollment, and benefit elections and premium deductions were correctly loaded.
- Promptly processes benefits changes in response to qualifying events. Ensures employees are appropriately counseled, as needed.
- Assists employees with requests regarding Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Paid Parental Leave (PPL), and Leave Pool. Ensures the coordination of Supplemental Long Term (SLTD) and Basic Long Term Disability options when applicable.
- Assists with the coordinating and execution of Annual Open Enrollment period.
- Assists with the coordination and promotion of wellness initiatives.
- Communicates with employees that are in a Leave Without Pay (LWOP) status to ensure that monthly insurance premiums are collected and promptly remitted to PEBA.
- Performs additional duties as assigned.
The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:
- 15 days annual (vacation) leave accrual per year
- 15 days sick leave per year
- 13 paid holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance
- State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs
Minimum and Additional Requirements
A bachelor's degree and relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in accordance with State Human Resources Regulations.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred qualifications: Experience with SC Public Benefit Authority (PEBA) programs.
Knowledge of insurance principles and practices, premium determination, and state insurance. Knowledge of rules, regulations, requirements, and laws pertaining to public retirement systems. Ability to effectively use electronic enrollment systems. Ability to process basic insurance enrollment transactions and special eligibility changes. Ability to field questions related to insurance and retirement benefits, qualifying events, and member changes with limited assistance. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, employees, and retirees. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to review written materials and financial information and detect discrepancies. Ability to organize and process a large volume or work with a high degree of accuracy. Ability to perform mathematical calculations with a high degree of accuracy. Ability to read, interpret, understand, and explain policies, procedures, regulations, and statutes.
Additional Comments
About Our Agency: The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN) is the state agency that plans, develops, coordinates, and funds services for South Carolinians with the severe, lifelong disabilities of intellectual disability and related disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and similar disability.
EEO Statement: DDSN provides affirmative action and equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex -including the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, national origin, age, religion, or disability.
Employment Contingency: Employment is contingent upon our receipt of the following required pre-employment screenings: medical screening – to include a drug screening; State and Federal background criminal record checks (to include FBI fingerprinting), SC Dept. of Social Services’ Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry screening, and CMS “List of Excluded Individuals/Entities” screening; SC Dept. of Motor Vehicles Driving Record check; and a review of transcripts verifying educational credentials. We reserve the right to rescind this offer in the event minimum requirements are not met to include positions that require certifications and/or licensure, your application is incomplete or inaccurate, or our review of your background uncovers information, including opinions of previous employers and references, which cause us to conclude, at our sole discretion, that you are not suited for the position.
Immunization: If this position requires the applicant to work directly with DDSN consumers, a (2) step PPD testing or QuantiFERON TB Gold testing must be completed prior to beginning employment. All new employees who are healthcare providers are required to provide documentation of immunity or be immunized against measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, Varicella and Hepatitis B prior to beginning employment.
State Disaster Plan: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, DDSN employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.
Employee Referral: The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs supports a Referral Incentive Reward and a Retention Bonus program. You may contact Human Resource for further information.
Supplemental Questions: Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the State application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume may not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.
