Benefit Specialist

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under limited supervision, the Benefits Specialist will perform complex administrative duties following established procedures in the following areas: health and welfare plans, COBRA, wellness plans, leave management, retirement plans, workers compensation, and compliance. This position requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize various tasks. In addition, collaborate with both internal and external partners on a daily basis to communicate a variety of confidential and personal matters.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Benefits Administration
• In compliance government and state regulations and plan provisions, responsible for day-to-day administration of benefit plans.
• Assists associates with benefit enrollment and plan offerings and confirming data integrity in the benefit systems.
• Consult and advise associates on eligibility, coverage, and other related benefit program inquiries
• Support management with the administration of annual open enrollment.
• Support management of benefit carrier invoice reconciliation.
• Develops and provides analytical reporting on weekly, monthly, quarterly, or on as needed basis as requested by management.
• Support with development, implementation, and promotion of workplace wellness program to include increased associates’ participation and cost management
• Protect company values through maintaining confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA regulation, and ensuring private information is stored properly and securely
• Leave Management
• Assist associates with leave of absence requests and guides them through the process
• Coordinate and process all leave of absence documentation according to established company policies and laws
• Work with field management to coordinate transitioning associate on LOA safely back to work
• Worker’s Compensation
• Examines all workers' compensation claims. First contact for reports of work related injuries. Reviews accident, manager and witness reports.
• Arranges for the payment of medical bills, temporary and permanent disability compensation, and death benefits.
• Consults with medical staff as necessary.
• Provides information to associates about workers' compensation benefits.
• Maintains data bases for workers' compensation agency files. Summarizes reports as required for annual statistics.
• Assists HR Management as required in handling litigated claims, and follows up on subrogation claims. Prepares release forms and other legal documents as requested by manager.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledgeable in state and federal government regulations such as PPACA, ERISA, CMS, FMLA, IRS, DOL, etc.
• Retirement plan management and/or administration experience.
• Excellent analytical and research skills as demonstrated by the ability to collect, develop, assess, and blend information and recommendations from a wide variety of sources.
• Strong critical and creative thinking skills to assess and resolve problems or issues by gathering and assessing information, taking advice, and using judgment that is consistent with standards, practices, policies, procedures, regulations, or law.
• Strong project management and organizational skills to plan, prioritize, multi-task and independently execute projects/tasks within specific deadlines while maintaining flexibility.
• Ability to work under high stress levels, with frequent interruptions and with tight and often changing deadlines.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills as demonstrated by the ability to articulate complex information and issues clearly and concisely.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Strong HRIS experience, preferably with ADP or Ultimate Software.
• Demonstrates a strong customer service orientation.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Undergraduate degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field.
• 3-5 years’ experience in a Benefits support role.
• CEBS, CBP, PHR, SPHR or comparable industry certification a plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Works in a professional office setting
• Uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, file cabinets, etc.
• Walking, standing, sitting, listening, and talking on a wide variety and continual basis.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to stand or sit for long periods of time.
• May require occasionally working outside of normal office hours, including nights and weekends.
• Occasional and overnight travel may be required.

Education

• High School or better