Overview/Risks

This position is responsible for managing the administration of the benefit programs for the organization. Benefit programs include, but are not limited to 401(k) retirement, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and flexible spending (Section 125) plans. The Benefits Partner will act as liaison between employees and insurance providers to resolve benefit related issues and ensure effective utilization of plans and positive employee relations. This position will also ensure compliance of benefit programs with federal and state regulations and all plan provisions are followed.

Responsibilities

• Administer daily benefits processing including enrollments, terminations, changes, beneficiary designations, disability, accident and death claims, rollovers, QDRO's, QMCSO's, distributions, loans, and hardship withdrawals.
• Respond to complex employee questions and inquiries. Ensures timely response and quick, equitable, and courteous resolution to any employee issues.
• Prepare for the annual audit and compliance testing of the 401(k) plan with vendor and outside auditors.
• Monitor 401K loans and loan payoffs and coordinate loan payoff with payroll.
• Review and approve vendor billing reconciliation on a regular basis for all group plans. Submit vendor invoice and reconciliation to finance department for payment.
• Supervise the administration of disability program which includes communication with employee and reconciliation of benefit payments for LOA. Serve as a backup to the Benefits Specialist in her absence.
• Oversee maintenance of employee benefits files; collaborate with payroll in updating employee payroll deduction records in PeopleSoft.
• Create and update monthly benefits calendar task for payroll and the benefits team members.
• Maintain and update administrative procedures for benefits processes.
• Ensure compliance with all federal programs such as HIPAA, COBRA, and FMLA. Stay current on changing Federal and State regulations and legislation that may affect employee benefits.
• Leads preparation and distribution of informational literature for Open Enrollment and verbal presentations to notify and advice employees of eligibility for benefits programs.
• Coordinate and set up the employee benefits fair by inviting various vendors to participate in the fair.
• Administer the benefits wellness campaigns such as the weekly benefits emails, the quarterly wellness benefits (massage, webinars, healthy eating, etc.), and the administration of flu and covid vaccine on site.
• Maintain vendor relationships on a day-to-day basis.
• Analyze employee utilization of current benefits.
• Prepare and maintain benefits reports such as benefits participation report, benefits summary of changes, and any ad hoc reports.
• Oversee the employee PTO program including the PTO Donation Program
• Attends all benefits related meetings including but not limited to; investment committee meetings, benefits review meetings and all annual enrollment meetings.
• Supervise the performance of Benefits Specialist; functional oversight to the Comp and Benefits Analyst position regarding vendor invoicing and reconciliation.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree or Combination of Education and/or Equivalent Work Experience
• 3 years experience in Benefits Administration
• 1 year supervisory experience leading a team
• Working knowledge of PeopleSoft HR, Benefits, and Payroll.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Access.
• Knowledge of ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, and other applicable laws.
• Demonstrates broad knowledge of the variety and structure of retirement plans; health insurance plan Exhibits solid organizational skills.
• Communicates clearly and effectively.
• Ability to conduct independent research into new benefits plans and changes to insurance regulations Strong analytical skills.
• Vendor management experience

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