Human Resources Benefits Specialist

Norfolk, Virginia is America's most authentic and urban waterfront city. Home to the world's largest naval station and the business, arts, and cultural center of Coastal Virginia, Norfolk has been rated a top place to live, work, play, and raise a family by numerous publications.

In support of approximately 9,000 members and their dependents, the Norfolk Healthcare Consortium (compromised of the City of Norfolk, Norfolk Public Schools and Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing) provides high quality healthcare benefits at an affordable cost.

The Norfolk Healthcare Consortium Team (Consortium) is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Benefits Specialist, under the general supervision of the NHC Benefits Operations Manager, is responsible for the day-to-day support of benefits administration and retirement benefits. Performs related duties as required.

• Responsible for the daily benefit processing to include enrollments, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, medical and dental insurance, life, accident and disability, and retirement, etc.
• Answer benefit questions, research specific questions, and respond verbally or in writing as necessary.
• Processes and reviews benefit information ensuring that information is properly entered into the payroll/benefit system and staying informed of changes to benefit programs.
• Implements new and approved benefit plans and changes by preparing announcement material, booklets, and other media as well as conducting employee meetings for communicating new plans or changes to employees.
• Conducts employee benefit orientations, Annual Enrollment briefings and ensures employee understanding of benefit programs by regularly generating communication and counseling employees/dependents as situations arise.
• Resolves employee complaints related to benefit plans. Handles benefit inquiries and complaints to ensure quick, equitable, courteous resolution.
• Acts as a resource for employees to ensure their understanding and compliance with benefit and HR policies and regulations.
• Keeps management advised of potential problem areas and recommends/implements solutions as appropriate.
• Monitors, administers, and communicates with employees matters regarding Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountabilities Act (HIPAA) and other federal and state laws ensuring compliance.
• Completes testing on benefit processes and reporting functionality related to, regular system updates/enhancements, and provider implementations as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

A Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources/Benefits, Business Administration, or equivalent in education and experience.

One year of experience in employee benefits and/or HR administration or related field preferred. Society for Human Resource Management-Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Group Benefits Associate (GBA)/Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) preferred.