What are the responsibilities and job description for the Benefits Specialist position at YMCA of Memphis & The MId?
Job Description
Job Description
Description :
PURPOSE OF POSITION :
The Benefits Specialist will be a trusted resource to the staff at the YMCA. The primary responsibility of the position is to oversee the administration and management of employee benefits programs, ensuring they run smoothly, comply with regulations and are well-communicated to employees. Primary responsibilities include health insurance, retirement plans, worker’s compensation, leaves of absence (including FMLA & ADA) and unemployment benefits. Be the subject matter expert in benefit laws and regulations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :
- Oversee the Association’s employee benefits program, including New Hire and annual Open Enrollment. Manage benefits data entry, payroll deductions and the timely processing of enrollments, terminations and changes.
- Monthly benefits reconciliation.
- Coordinate the annual open enrollment process, including communication, benefits materials preparation, and enrollment assistance.
- Facilitate group and one-on-one training sessions for New Hires and Open Enrollment events, organize informational webinars and meetings to educate employees about benefits plans. Meet with new employees to review benefits, answer questions, and guide them on options, coverage, and eligibility.
- Provide ongoing support to employees on how to utilize their benefits and assist with claims issues, coordinating with insurance carriers to resolve disputes and monitoring claim trends.
- Collaborate with external vendors (insurance providers, retirement plan administrators) to ensure smooth administration of benefits and compliance with policies.
- Administer Worker’s Compensation Program, including proactive safety initiatives, employee injuries and return to work processes. Train supervisors on proper procedures and reporting.
- Manage leave of absence, including FMLA, ADA, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability.
- Prepare and file necessary annual compliance reporting to include OSHA 300, EEO-1 Filing, and ACA within required deadlines.
- Administration of the retirement program including managing enrollments, terminations, and changes.
- Ensure that all unemployment claims are processed accurately and in a timely manner, maintain up-to-date records related to unemployment claims and work closely with external agencies to resolve any issues or discrepancies.
- Responsible for communication and marketing of new benefits offerings and wellness programs.
- Contribute to employee satisfaction initiatives and improve the overall benefits experience for employees.
- Maintain accurate records of benefits-related documentation, including employee elections, beneficiary designations and vendor contracts.
- Ensure all benefits programs comply with federal, state and local regulations (e.g., ACA, FMLA,COBRA, ERISA).
- Stay informed & compliant on changes to benefits laws and regulations, updating policies as needed. Ensuring adherence to federal and state regulations regarding benefits administration, including COBRA continuation, HIPAA privacy and FMLA leave.
- Perform regular audits of benefits records to ensure accuracy.
- Assist in generating HR reports and analytics as necessary.
QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES :
WORK SCHEDULE : The schedule for this full-time position is generally Monday through Friday, 8 : 00am-5 : 00pm, though workoutside these days / hours may be required depending on the business need.
YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES :
Mission Advancement : Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.
Collaboration : Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.
Operational Effectiveness : Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
Personal Growth : Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.
Behavioral Characteristics : Welcoming, Nurturing, Determined, Hopeful and Genuine.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
1. Ability to sit for long periods of time.
2. Extended periods of computer usage.
3. Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.
Requirements :
