Benefits & Leave Analyst

The Benefits and Leave Analyst is responsible for the administration of employee benefit programs, including retirement, health, dental, vision, voluntary and disability plans for ensuring compliance with legal regulations. This role reports directly to Benefits leadership.

Responsibilities 

• Under limited supervision, oversees the day-to-day operations of benefit plans in collaboration with Benefits leadership, including enrollment processes, premium payments, claims management, and employee communication. 
• Leads administration related to the 401(k)-retirement plan.
• Administers functions related to the Flexible Spending and Health Spending Accounts.
• Completes benefit billing and reconciliation, including auditing vendor invoices, processing payments, and coordinating payroll deduction audits.
• Analyzes key metrics related to benefit utilization and identifies trends to help inform future plan adjustments, including benefit spend.
• Supports system testing, web content accuracy and prepares reports and metrics on benefit programs.
• Arranges annual open enrollment process in partnership with Benefits leadership, including coordination of all activity related to the benefits administration system and follow up with HRIS provider to ensure proper testing is completed. 
• Maintains plan documents to ensure they are administered correctly and monitor renewal dates and changes to align with HRIS.
• Creates and enhances benefit content to be shared with employees.
• Ensures timely reporting of all federal and state compliance filings (including CMS, ACA, 5500, PCORI). 
• Supports all types of leave processing, including FMLA, accommodations, disability, and workers’ compensation.  Maintains complete and accurate records of leave and accommodation requests in accordance with specified legal requirements and documentation of best practices.
• Produces reports on leave and accommodations and recommends process enhancements.
• Maintains internal security administration rights, sets up access rights to align with Vendor Access department.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state and local regulations (i.e., ERISA, ACA, COBRA, FMLA, and HIPPA).
• Collaborates with other team members to recommend solutions on various benefit related items.
• Mentor’s peers within the department and serves as a trusted partner to internal stakeholders.
• Provides best-in-class customer service to employees, ensuring responsiveness and professionalism.
• Provides back up to other Benefits team members as needed.
• Performs other special project as assigned by Benefits leadership.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education Required

Bachelors degree in Human Resource Administration, or related field. Will consider 7 years of applicable benefits and 401k administration experience in lieu of a degree. 

Experience Required

• 6 years’ experience in benefits administration of employee benefit programs.
• Ability to interpret more complex data, analyze benefit trends, make informed decisions based on cost and employee needs, and make informed recommendations on somewhat complex issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication to effectively explain complex benefit information to employees.
• Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to use Microsoft products, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; experience with HRIS and benefits databases.
• 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, COBRA, and Social Security and DOL requirements.
• Ability to manage multiple benefit initiatives simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Establishing strong relationships with vendors, brokers, and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to learn new Human Resources technology and working within an HRIS.  UKG and Plan Source experience preferred.