Benefits Specialist

Essential Job Functions:
(Duties listed are not intended to be all inclusive nor to limit duties that might reasonably be assigned.)
* Manages the daily benefit processing to include enrollments, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, medical and dental insurance, life, accident and disability, pensions, bus passes, etc.
* Responsible for compliance with ACA and works with IT and third-party vendor to prepare all year-end reporting.
* Develops, promotes, and plans for wellness and fitness programs throughout the organization. Coordinates, plans, and facilitates health and fitness activities, programs, and assessments for employees to promote a healthy lifestyle.
* Acts as Subject Matter Expert for PeopleSoft HCM Benefits modules. Processes benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations in PS HCM. Maintains tables in PS HCM keeping up to date with current benefit programs offered. Assures that existing and new benefit programs are adaptable to applicable computer and reporting systems as approved by the IT dept.
* Works with consultants and/or HR staff to initiate and coordinate open enrollment.
* Answer telephone and email inquiries within one (1) business day. Answer benefit questions, research specific questions, and respond verbally or in writing as necessary.
* 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 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 liaison with various insurance carriers and fosters effective relationships with client representatives. Acts as a resource to 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 COBRA, FMLA, ADA, HIPAA and other federal and state laws ensuring compliance.
* Develop, implement, and administer in-house wellness programs.
* Assist the Benefits Administrator as requested.
* Serves as a Breath Alcohol Technician (BAT).
* Maintain all HR benefit files.
* Maintains Human Resource Information System records and compiles reports from database as needed.
* Manage records created and received in compliance with the Records Management Policies and Procedures.
* Prepare and/or coordinate with other departments any documentation required in support of the FTA triennial reviews, drug and alcohol audits, independent audits, state audits, EEO Program audit, etc.