The Benefits Specialist/HRIS Administrator position is responsible for directing and planning the day-to-day operations of group benefits and safety programs (group health, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, worker's compensation, life insurance, travel, and accident plan, flexible spending plan, retirement plans, etc.). This position provides excellent customer service and designs quality benefits plans.

Benefits Plan Design and Administration

• Research employee benefits plans and vendors to identify those that present the best value.
• Continually investigates new benefits programs, improves existing programs, and supervises and monitors benefits administration.
• Design, recommend and implement new benefits programs. Examine possible plan designs and benefits cost changes.
• Evaluate and revise internal processes to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
• Oversee maintenance of employee benefits files, maintain group benefits database and update employee payroll records.
• Coordinate daily benefits processing. Handle enrollments, COBRA, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, disability, accident and death claims, rollovers, QDROs, QMCSOs, distributions, loans, hardships and compliance testing.
• Ensure compliance with applicable government regulations. Ensure timeliness and accuracy of required reporting and fees.
• Document and maintain administrative procedures for assigned benefits processes.
• Gather employee data and oversee the processing of monthly billings and the preparation of vouchers for payment of administrative fees for all group plans.
• Allocate group health and dental claims monthly and review quarterly.
• Audit the accuracy and performance of functions performed by benefits staff.
• Analyze current benefits, evaluating the use, services, coverage, effectiveness, cost, plan experience and competitive trends in benefits programs, and identify the company's stance.
• Perform plan audits. Prepare, collect and organize data for actuarial assessments. Review data in conjunction with actuarial evaluation task forces.
• Review both short- and long-range cost estimates/projections and relevant statistical analyses regarding modifications in benefits programs and implementation of new programs.
• 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.
• 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.

Vendor Management and Administration

• Negotiate with vendors and administrators for best plans, options and rates.
• Serve as primary contact for plan vendors and third-party administrators.
• Coordinate transfer of data to external contacts for services, premiums and plan administration.

Employee Communication and Education

• Provide customer service support to internal and external customers. Develop communication tools to enhance understanding of the company's benefits package.
• 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.

Human Resources Information Specialist

• Performs employee records entry/maintenance on HRIS system
• Compiles reports from HRIS database for special projects ( Affirmative Action, EEO, Compensation Reports)
• Coordinates accurate information exchange with Payroll
• Maintains understanding of Wage and Hour Law and monitors payroll to ensure employee status changes are within legal guidelines
• Acts as a resource for Payroll Coordinator to resolve issues and concerns
• Facilitates development of HRIS system functionality to promote the efficiency and effectiveness of the HR Department

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to use Microsoft products, including PowerPoint; experience with HRIS and benefits databases.
• Project and team management/leadership skills and experience.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment with associates.
• Effective planning and priority setting. Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills and a thorough knowledge of plan designs.
• Ability to understand, evaluate and make judgment on proposals (RFPs).
• Knowledge of benefits contract language.
• 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.
• Excellent communication and organization skills

Education and Experience:

• Associates or Bachelor's degree in human resource management or related field
• Three to five years of related benefits or employee benefits administration experience.
• SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP and CEBS professional designations preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)