Provides leadership for the Employee Benefits staff, and ensures employees are meeting department and organizational objectives. Assists in identifying employee benefit programs and designs solutions to support improvement or change. Responsible for administering and coordinating employee benefit programs--medical, dental, vision, life, supplemental life, short-term and long-term disability, COBRA, Cafeteria Plan/Flexible Spending Accounts, and the Employee Assistance Plan. Oversees benefits enrollments, changes, and terminations for all employees in five states. Manages Workers Compensation claims and oversees reporting of OSHA requirements. Leads effort to coordinate with benefit vendors, researches and resolves employee questions and problems. Ensures accurate organization of benefit records and files. Performs many Human Resources functions including extensive employee relations, updating employees on applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and rules as well as company policies and procedures. Manages all leave processes to include the Family and Medical Leave Act and Leave of Absences; related discussions with employees, managers, and supervisors, processing forms and ensuring Federal regulations are met. Manages all facets of retirement processes to include Pension Plan and 401(k) Plan. Supports Human Resource Division staff as required and acts as Division Manager when needed.

1. Effectively manages the training and development of the Employee Benefits team.

a. Interviews, hires, and onboards Employee Benefits department staff members.

b. Maintains appropriate staffing levels.

c. Provides leadership, support, mentoring, and coaching in developing staffs skill sets and competencies.

d. Conducts one-on-ones, performance appraisals, and corrective action as needed.

e. Sets individual goals with staff members and counsels them on career development.

f. Ensures staff is well-informed and effective in their respective jobs.

g. Ensures staff has resources needed to achieve optimal performance.

h. Conducts effective staff meetings.

2. Assumes responsibility for the effective administration and coordination of employee benefit programs including COBRA, cafeteria, health, dental, vision, short-term/long-term disability, and life insurance.

a. Manages the preparation and distribution of information materials at Open Enrollments as well as New Hire Orientations.

b. Oversees benefit eligibility, enrollments, and accurate documentation. Accountable for the accuracy of benefit changes due to life events and employee status adjustments.

c. Acts as a liaison between employees and benefit vendors to research and resolve problems with any related issues.

d. Works closely with Payroll Administrator and HRIS Administrator to ensure accurate premiums and benefits billings.

e. Responsible for COBRA administration with third party administrator to ensure compliance with COBRA laws.

f. Maintains contact with service providers, insurance companies, benefits broker, employees, and beneficiaries to facilitate proper and complete utilization of benefits.

g. Works in partnership with an outside broker to ensure company compliance with all legal requirements (e.g., ERISA, IRS, DOL, federal, state, and local regulatory agencies) relating to health and welfare plans.

h. Assists leadership in evaluating, analyzing, and aligning benefit programs with competitive practices.

3. Responsible for the accurate management of both the 401(K) and the America First Credit Union Pension Plan.

a. Manages 401(k) and America First Credit Union pension plan administration including eligibility, enrollment, and adherence to plan compliance.

b. Accountable for the record keeping of all America First Credit Union Pension participants. Ensures that the pension participant files are complete and always audit ready.

c. Oversees the pension benefit payout to participants eligible for a lump sum distribution, AFCU retirees, and maintains accurate benefit information for all vested/terminated employees.

4. Manages all aspects of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

a. Responsible for decisions on eligibility and making sure all employees, managers, and supervisors involved understand FMLA and ADA.

b. Handles any issues between management and employees related to performance due to medical conditions.

c. Ensures FMLA processes are compliant with Federal regulations.

d. Coordinates and attends meetings with the attorney to ensure proper processes are in place and avoid legal liability.

e. Attends seminars as needed to keep policy and procedures up to date.

5. Overseeing the development and implementation of a robust health and wellness programs to enhance the well-being of the organization. Tracking the effectiveness of programs and making changes as necessary. Coordinating wellness events like blood drives and flu-shot clinics. Advising organizational employees about available health resources.

Training/Education/Certification:

Bachelors degree in Human Resource Management or related field or equivalent experience.

PHR Certification preferred.

Required Knowledge:

Understanding of various benefit programs and eligibility requirements.

Thorough knowledge of human resources procedures, policies, federal/state laws, and regulations, corporate policy, and employee benefit programs.

Strong understanding of FMLA/ADA administration.

Experience Required:

Minimum of 5 years of experience.

Extensive experience in employee relations.

Effective working relations with leadership, employees, and vendors.

Skills/Abilities:

Strong management and leadership skills.

Ability to assess gaps and needs through effective evaluation.

Ability to think critically or use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Ability to teach, mentor, influence, and direct others.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Decisive priority management.

Able to meet critical deadlines.

Well organized.