Benefits Specialist

Date Created or Revised: May 8, 2024

Reports to: Chief Human Resources Officer

FLSA- Exempt

Location: Hybrid- St Louis Downtown Office

Position Overview

The Benefits Specialist 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, life insurance, travel and accident plan, flexible spending plan, retirement plans, etc.). This position provides excellent customer service and aids in the design of quality benefits plans. The Benefits Specialist oversees the open enrollment process, works closely with the broker, existing programs, and supervises and monitors benefits administration. The Benefits Specialist works closely with the payroll team and may cross train on various payroll functions.

Key Responsibilities (Essential Duties and Functions)

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may expand to include other duties and responsibilities based on business needs.

• Provide timely, accurate, courteous, and appropriate responses to internal and external customers. Responds to benefits inquiries from managers and employees on plan provisions, benefits enrollments, status changes and other general inquiries. Provide training and support to home office associates and the field staff.
• Coordinate daily benefits processing, qualifying events, COBRA, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, disability.
• Ensures the accuracy of all benefits enrollments in the HRIS system and ensures accurate reflection in payroll deductions.
• Gather employee data and process monthly billings and the preparation of vouchers for payment of administrative fees for all group plans.
• Responsible for the open enrollment process and entry of plans into HRIS system. Distribute materials for open enrollment and summary plan descriptions.
• Assist in the administration of the leave of absence process and ensures leaves and return from leaves are correctly reflected in the HRIS system for payroll processing.
• Document and maintain administrative procedures for all benefits processes. Evaluate and revise internal processes to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
• Perform HRIS system audits related to existing benefit plans, ensuring correct pay and benefits premium payments for employees on FML/LOA.
• Work with brokers to 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.
• Serve as primary contact for plan vendors and third-party administrators (group insurance, voluntary plans, leaves of absence, unemployment, employee recognition, etc.)
• Conform and adhere to all applicable HIPAA, billing compliance and safety policies and guidelines.
• Must have demonstrated strong problem-solving skills analytical, and quantitative abilities.
• Excellent project implementation, organizational and planning skills. Able to work with time sensitive projects, demonstrate attention to detail, and meet multiple deadlines. Has experience managing multiple projects successfully through constantly changing priorities.
• Has the interpersonal skills and presence to communicate and interact effectively with employees and vendors.
• Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to use Microsoft products, including PowerPoint, expert level Excel proficiency, 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.
• Knowledge of all pertinent federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements, both adopted and pending, affecting employee benefits programs, including the ACA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, Medicare, and Social Security and DOL requirements.
• Excellent communication and organization skills.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor's degree in human resource management or related field, or a minimum of 3 years of related benefits or employee benefits administration experience.
• SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP and CEBS professional designations preferred.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• This job operates in a clerical office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phone, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.
• This position requires manual dexterity, the ability to lift files and open filing cabinets.
• This position requires sitting, bending, stooping, or standing as necessary.

MBS is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer and committed to diversity and inclusion.