Benefits Manager

The primary purpose of your job is to take lead on benefits services following established company procedures in the area of Benefits Administration in accordance with current laws and regulations. As a Benefits Specialist, you are delegated the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary for carrying out your assigned duties.

• Administers medical, dental, vision, life insurance, LTD/ STD, COBRA, Affordable Care Act responsibilities, Section 125 and 401(k) employee benefit programs.
• Uses knowledge of the current laws, compliance, and rules that govern human resources functions and benefit plans in an accurate and legal manner. (Affordable Care Act - ACA, COBRA, ERISA, HIPAA, DOL, FLSA, Section 125 - Cafeteria Plans, etc.).
• Facilitates Leaves of Absence administration for assigned employment groups, according to State and Federal Laws. Supports and assists the facilities regarding LOA administrative processes.
• Take lead on process improvements and enhancing benefits services function.
• Responsible for benefit audits and payroll deduction management.
• Handles confidential data in a protected and secure manner.
• Responds to employee questions and concerns regarding the benefit plans, enrollments/changes, deductions, eligibility, reporting and processes in a timely and customer service friendly manner, exhibiting patience and professionalism.
• Works closely with the facility benefit coordinators to insure they understand the benefits processes, eligibility, and system procedures in order to facilitate the benefits administration process at the local, facility level in an accurate and effective manner. Conducts training and orientations, when needed.
• Runs and/or reviews both list and self-bill reporting processes. Reviews for accuracy, makes changes, prepares invoices for payment and submits to supervisor for approval in a timely manner.
• Maintains internal benefits database with accuracy between external administrative systems to insure data integrity and accuracy. Validates data coming into the system as identifies data inconsistencies and takes appropriate steps to communicate and resolve the issues.
• Runs the benefit deduction calculation process in order to pass accurate deductions to payroll systems. Regularly identifies and calculates required retroactive missed payroll contributions/credits due and takes the appropriate and timely steps to notify the employee and the payroll department of the required collection amounts.
• Assists with the implementation of new benefit programs.
• Facilitates recommendations and seeks approval for wellness activities, providing an on-going presence of activities, information and resources for our facilities and employees. Carries out activities as requested.
• Arranges and conducts employee presentations as needed.
• Works with outside carriers and third-party administrators to resolve issues or concerns that may arise.
• Take lead on the preparation and rollout/communication of the annual Benefits Open Enrollments.
• Maintains good working relationships with carriers and vendors, including resolving administrative problems when necessary.
• Maintains benefit documentation, correspondence, reports and forms.
• Uses knowledge and experience to identify areas for improvements and efficiencies, and communicates those recommendations in an appropriate manner to supervisor in order to determine next steps.
• Takes a proactive roll in communication, collaboration and problem solving with others in order to maintain a cohesive operational process using personal judgement and experience.
• Other duties and projects as required, and when needed.

• Must have at least 5-7 years in benefits administration and specialist experience.

• 1-3 years of supervisory / management experience preferred.
• Must have hands-on benefits specialist experience.
• Must have a strong knowledge of benefit administration systems and payroll deduction / collections.
• Must have a thorough knowledge of ACA, Section 125, ERISA, and 5500 compliance experience.
• Skilled with process improvements, benefit audits and payroll deduction management.
• High School Diploma or G.E.D. required. Bachelor of Science or higher, highly desired.
• Experience in working with electronic benefits enrollment and HRIS systems.
• Excellent computer skills, specifically efficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Knowledge of current federal/state/local regulations, company standards, guidelines and policies.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interface effectively with all levels of personnel.

• Strong sense of urgency and the ability to communicate and assess urgent situations.

• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to use judgement and communicate to others as it pertains to areas outside of your oversight.

• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Ability to self-direct work duties throughout the day and effectively multi-task.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Must treat colleagues with respect, dignity and in a collaborative manner.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.
• Must be able to cope with the demands of the position and time sensitive deadlines and manage the requirements of the job with flexibility and professionalism.

Recommended Skills

• Administration
• Attention To Detail
• Auditing
• Business Process Improvement
• Communication
• Confidentiality