What are the responsibilities and job description for the Benefits Specialist position at Washington Metro?
Benefits SpecialistJob ID : 240753Location : MD-Metro Bldg New CarrolltonFull / Part Time : Full-TimePosting Open-Close12 / 27 / 2024-01 / 10 / 2025UnionNRPRegular / Temporary : RegularJob DescriptionMarketing Statement : The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Benefits Department is seeking a Benefits Specialist who will be responsible for benefits and retirement administration for WMATA employees.The ideal candidate will have an extensive Benefits background, specifically in Health & Welfare and Retirement. Will be able to work independently, as well as collaboratively with internal and external partners.This role is critical to the Benefits and Retirement Teams and requires a strategic thinker who is organized, able to work in a fast-paced environment and can work on multiple benefit tasks.Minimum QualificationsEducationA Bachelor¿s degree from and accredited college or university in business administration, mathematics, human resources, or a related field.Or in lieu of a Bachelor¿s degree four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in administering Benefits programs may be consideredExperienceFive (5) years of progressively responsible experience in administering benefits programs.Certification / LicensureN / APreferredEducationN / AExperienceN / ACertification / LicensureCertified Benefits Professional certificationMedical GroupSatisfactorily complete the medical examination for this position, if required. The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of this position either with or without reasonable accommodations.Job SummaryThe Benefits Specialist performs complex Benefits administration work in a dynamic environment characterized by six employee benefit programs, five unions, and frequent employee job transfers uniquely impacting benefit coverage. The benefit programs span seven retirement plans (defined benefit, defined contribution, and deferred compensation) and eight insurance plans (medical, dental, life and disability). The incumbent in this role is expected to be proficient in the full range of administrative activity for any assigned plans.Health & WelfareAdministers employee benefits programs provided by the Authority through the Human Capital (HC) Office of Benefits, including medical, dental, long-term disability, life insurance, health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts. Serves as an information resource to employees regarding benefit provisions, enrollment, premiums, claims processing, etc. Works with employees and carriers to resolve issues pertaining to plan provisions, enrollment, claims processing, denied claims, etc.Input¿s benefits enrollment data into Human Capital Management (HCM) / Payroll system and insurance provider websites, ensuring completeness and accuracy.Coordinates claims processing and administration with carriers.Works in a team environment on benefit projects such as : production, review and distribution of employee benefit statements, and two annual open enrollments.Works independently or in conjunction with other Health & Welfare staff reconciling and verifying bills and enrollments by researching past billings and adjustment actions to detect errors. Checks and coordinates information with the Office of Accounting (ACCT) and other offices.Provides research and analytical support to assist in preparing responses to employee grievances and lawsuits.Advises beneficiaries of death benefits and prepares or arranges for letters and forms to effect benefit transactions.Conducts employee orientation, covering insurance and non-insurance issues.Maintains regular contacts with administrators, carriers and financial institutions regarding claims, plan coverages and provisions, enrollments, bills, and records.Performs other related duties, as assigned by HC Office of Benefits management, including providing assistance to the Retirement Planning staffRetirementAdministers the defined benefit and defined contribution retirement programs and Section 457 deferred compensation program provided by the Authority through the Benefits Office. Serves as an information resource to employees regarding benefit provisions, enrollment, claims processing, etc. Works with employees to resolve issues pertaining to plan provisions, enrollment, retirement processing, etc.Input¿s retirement plan enrollment data into HCM / Payroll system, ensuring completeness and accuracy.Calculates retirement benefits and provides pre-retirement counseling to employees.Coordinate¿s retirement and deferred compensation processing and administration with other Authority offices and plan providers. Advises separating employees of withdrawal and other plan provisions.Works independently or in conjunction with other Retirement staff, reconciling and verifying enrollments, retirement payrolls, and administrative costs of agents, fiduciaries, and plan administrators. Research past billings and adjustment actions to detect errors. Checks and coordinates information with ACCT and other offices.Provides research and analytical support to assist with preparing responses to employee grievances and lawsuits.Advises beneficiaries of death benefits. Prepares letters and forms to effect benefit transactions.Prepares documentation for actuaries to conduct retirement plan valuations.Maintains regular contacts with administrators, investment managers, carriers and financial institutions regarding claims, plan coverages and provisions, enrollments, bills, records, and withdrawals.Performs other related duties, as assigned by HC Office of Benefits management, including providing assistance to the Health & Welfare staff.The essential duties listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.Evaluation CriteriaConsideration will be given to applicants whose resumes demonstrate the required education and experience. Applicants should include all relevant education and work experience.Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following : Skills and / or behavioral assessmentPersonal interviewVerification of education and experience (including certifications and licenses)Criminal Background Check (a criminal conviction is not an automatic bar to employment)Medical examination including a drug and alcohol screening (for safety sensitive positions)Review of a current motor vehicle reportClosingWMATA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.This posting is an announcement of a vacant position under recruitment. It is not intended to replace the official job description. Job descriptions are available upon confirmation of an interview.
