BENEFITS ADMINISTRATOR

Description: Position Summary: The benefits administrator position is responsible for directing and planning the day-to-day operations of group benefits programs (group health, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, worker's compensation, life insurance, flexible spending plan, retirement plans, etc.
).
This position provides excellent customer service and designs quality benefits plans.
The administrator continually investigates new benefits programs, improves existing programs, and supervises and monitors benefits administration.
Primary Responsibilities Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary responsibilities.
1.
Coordinate research into employee benefits plans and vendors to identify those that present the best value.
2.
Design, recommend and implement new benefits programs.
Examine possible plan designs and benefits cost changes.
3.
Negotiate with vendors and administrators for best plans, options and rates.
4.
Serve as primary contact for plan vendors and third-party administrators.
5.
Coordinate transfer of data to external contacts for services, premiums and plan administration.
6.
Evaluate and revise internal processes to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
7.
Document and maintain administrative procedures for assigned benefits processes.
8.
Ensure compliance with applicable government regulations.
Ensure timeliness and accuracy of required reporting and fees.
9.
Coordinate daily benefits processing.
Handle enrollments, COBRA, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, disability, accident and death claims, rollovers, QDROs, QMCSOs, distributions, loans, hardships and compliance testing.
10.
Oversee maintenance of employee benefits files, maintain group benefits database and update employee payroll records.
11.
Audit all appropriate databases to ensure an error free record.
12.
Allocate group health and dental claims monthly and review quarterly.
13.
Audit the accuracy and performance of functions performed by benefits staff.
14.
Analyze current benefits, evaluating the use, services, coverage, effectiveness, cost, plan experience and competitive trends in benefits programs, and identify the company's stance.
15.
Perform plan audits.
Prepare, collect and organize data for actuarial assessments.
Review data in conjunction with actuarial evaluation task forces.
16.
Review both short- and long-range cost estimates/projections and relevant statistical analyses regarding modifications in benefits programs and implementation of new programs.
17.
Survey industry trends.
Complete benefits surveys and review information obtained from the results.
Analyze complex benefits information.
Forecast trends and assist with future benefits designs.
Develop specific recommendations for review by management.
18.
Responds to questions from supervisors and other associates regarding the policy and procedures of Family and Medical Leave, (FMLA).
Reviews application and verifies eligibility and leave balances and sends appropriate form letter to associate concerning their status; gets all appropriate approval signatures.
Upon receipt of medical information, sends follow-up letter to associate confirming their status.
Maintains record of associates’ utilization of Family Medical Leave.
19.
Monitor administrative costs of benefits programs and recommend cost containment strategies, including alternative methods for administration and funding.
Prepare budgetary recommendations and assist in the monitoring, verifying and reconciling of budgeted funds.
20.
Provide customer service support to internal and external customers.
Develop communication tools to enhance understanding of the company's benefits package.
21.
Design and distribute materials for benefits orientations, open enrollment and summary plan descriptions.
Provide training and support to group benefits associates, home office associates and the field staff.
Competencies 1.
Project and team management/leadership skills and experience.
2.
Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment with associates.
3.
Effective planning and priority setting.
Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines.
4.
Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to use Microsoft products, including PowerPoint; experience with HRIS and benefits databases.
5.
Strong analytical skills and a thorough knowledge of plan designs.
6.
Ability to understand, evaluate and make judgment on proposals (RFPs).
7.
Knowledge of benefits contract language.
8.
Knowledge of all pertinent federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements, both adopted and pending, affecting employee benefits programs, including the ACA, ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125, workers' compensation, Medicare, OBRA, and Social Security and DOL requirements.
9.
Strong customer service skills with the ability to initiate and build professional relationships.
10.
Organizational Skills.
11.
Collaboration Skills.
12.
Staff/Client Focus.
13.
Discretion.
14.
Dedicated self-starter who has a desire and drive to succeed in a community focused role 15.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
16.
Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
17.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
18.
Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
19.
Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
Supervisory Responsibility No supervisory responsibilities.
Requirements: Required Education and Experience 1.
Bachelor's degree in human resource management or related field.
2.
Three to five years of related benefits or employee benefits administration experience.
Preferred Education and Experience 1.
Master’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or Healthcare Administration preferred.
SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP and CEBS professional designations preferred.