Benefits Specialist

Description

BENEFITS SPECIALIST

This is a year-round position with full-time administrative appointment in the Human Resources department.  This position will report to Director of Human Resources.

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for administering Perry Technical Institute’s benefit programs to ensure compliance with Perry Technical Institutes’ policies and procedures and all appropriate regulatory agencies, and providing exceptional customer service to employees.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Duties are performed in a school and office setting. The standard workdays for this position will be Monday-Thursday, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM.  Working effectively and collaboratively in a team environment is a must.

This is a non-exempt, full-time, regular position. Overtime may be required.

SALARY RANGE:  $25.00 - $27.00 per hour

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package.  Perry Technical Institute pays 100% of employees’ medical, dental and vision premiums and 50% for qualified dependents.  The benefits package also includes participation in a 401(k) with a 4% match and profit-sharing opportunity, flexible spending plan and an employee assistance plan.  Employees accrue paid time off (accrue 5 hours per pay period; increases over time up to a max of 6 weeks per year), a 30-minute paid lunch break, 12 paid holidays, and 4-day work weeks.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate’s degree or certificate of completion from an accredited career school; or a minimum of 2 years working experience in Human Resources or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience showing strong organizational, interpersonal, problem solving, and communication (written and verbal) skills, displays initiative, and exercises good judgment.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Experience with Microsoft Office products and the ability to use computerized database programs.
• Will on occasion be required to drive on behalf of Perry Technical Institute. Employee must possess a working vehicle, hold a valid driver’s license, have an acceptable driving record, and produce proof of insurance.
• Must be willing to submit to a drug test.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related field from an accredited institution. 
• 3 years of proven experience administering various benefit programs such as medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, unemployment, workers compensation (L&I), COBRA, FMLA, 401(k) etc. 
• Human Resources Certification (PHR or SHRM-CP).
• Experience working with automated complex HRIS systems.
• Microsoft Office certification.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Administer various employee benefit programs, such as medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, unemployment, workers compensation (L&I), COBRA, FMLA, 401(k) and employee assistance program.
• Evaluate and revise internal processes to reduce costs and increase efficiency and resolve administrative problems with the carrier representatives.
• 401(k):
  • Oversee and carryout administrative functions for the 401(k) including responding to inquiries from employees relating to enrollments, plan changes and employee contribution amounts.
  • Work closely with the Vice President of Finance & Administration on the annual 401(k) audit and Form 5500. 
  • Ensure distribution of required employee notices on a timely basis. 
• Benefits and Open Enrollment: 
  • Maintain employee benefits filing system and ensure benefit changes are entered appropriately in the payroll system for payroll deductions.
  • Prepare materials and conduct new employee benefits orientations to educate employees on PTI’s benefits program, including explaining the details and benefits of leave for absence policies and COBRA coverage.
  • Design and distribute materials for open enrollment and summary plan descriptions and communicate changes to employees.
  • Serve as the primary contact for plan vendors, third-party administrators and employees while providing exceptional customer service support.
  • Administer COBRA
  • Prepare/Oversee the preparation of the annual Form 5500 for the Healthcare plan. 
• ADA and FMLA: 
  • Coordinate the ADA Committee, provide leadership on issues related to disability access and compliance.
  • Processes, administers, effectively interprets, and tracks all leave-of-absence requests and ADA paperwork: medical, personal, disability, and FMLA, and/or other similar leaves or absence while ensuring compliance with applicable law pertaining to higher education and disability accommodations and PTI policy. 
• Review and respond to unemployment claims with appropriate documentation. Review monthly unemployment statements.
• Coordinate workers’ compensation claims with third-party administrator. Follow up on claims.
• Maintain current knowledge of related governmental rules and regulations, including ERISA, FMLA, COBRA, HIPAA, Workers Compensation, and other applicable Labor and/or Tax laws and regulations, fulfills compliance and reporting requirements. Keep abreast of current developments in relevant higher education and non-profit personnel practices.
• Have good attendance and the ability to work well with others.
• Collaborate with the HR Specialist and Director of HR to support various HR projects and initiatives as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.