Benefits Specialist: II; Intermediate

Benefits Coordinator

This role is remote until further notice, rather than onsite after COVID-19. Candidates must be local. Plans and communicates benefits offerings for the firm. Negotiates benefits terms and renewals with vendors/brokers. Manages benefits administration for all offices. Maintains day-to-day relationship with employees, brokers, and vendors, and employees. Resolves disputes between employee and vendor. Oversees compliance, health and welfare plan administration, including disability, HCRA, DCRA, life, medical, dental, 401(k) program, employee exit program, transportation programs, and time off management.

Primary

Purpose:

Assist in the efficient operation of the Benefits Department. Provide support to field locations for timely processing of benefit paperwork and administration.

Specific

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Explain and interpret benefit programs to employees and dependents
• Partner with third party administrator (TPA) and/or vendors to research and resolve employees questions/issues
• Process leave of absence paperwork and record timekeeping for employees on approved FMLA
• Support the invoicing / billing process for vendors to ensure accurate and timely payments
• Partner with Payroll to resolve employee benefit deductions inquiries/issues
• Prepare routine and ad-hoc reports as needed
• Handle special projects and other duties as assigned and includes other department members when necessary

Problem Solving:

• Routine:
  Respond to employee inquires and provides explanation of benefit plan design. Determine appropriate STD payment amount based on absence approvals and plan design and enter into timekeeping system.
• Difficult:
  Research eligibility discrepancies between internal HRIS system and what third party administrators are showing. Evaluating if status changes are qualified events for changing benefits.

Interface:

• Position/Title Reason for Contact
  -Employees/Managers
  -Respond to benefit inquiries and policy interpretation
• Third Party Administrators
  -Provide eligibility information electronically and verbally
• Consultants
  -Provide COBRA information
• Human Resources Coordinator
  -Coordinate eligibility of HMO participants

Decision-Making Authority:

Good judgment in acting in the best interest of the company

Supervisory Responsibility:

None

Specialized Knowledge/

Skills:

• Extensive Benefits background needed.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access required
• Knowledge of HRIS system software required (SAP preferred)
• Excellent communication skills with Customer Service focus
• Excellent attention to detail, including ability to detect areas of concern, research and resolve

Education/Training:

• High school diploma or GED
• Bachelors degree preferred
• Two years benefits related experience
• Additional courses related to benefits (desired)
• Payroll and/or timekeeping experience desired

Physical Demands/

Environmental Conditions:

Office environment

Notes from the Manager: I'll need to focus more on the ability to work more independently and think critically through problems. Given that we are all working from home now, this individual will have to be more self-starter mentality.