Benefits Specialist

Summary

This position supports all Authority operating departments and the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) in all aspects of HR activities, concentrating on managing the development and administration of employee compensation and benefits programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.

• Supports the Human Resources needs of all Authority operating departments.
• Develops and communicates information to employees and former employees on Authority benefit policies, procedures, changes and government-mandated disclosures.
• Manages all aspects of the Authority’s employee benefit programs, annually reviews Agency’s benefits programs to determine necessary changes and prepares Request for Proposals for updates to benefits.
• Directs all aspects of benefits open enrollment.
• Designs, evaluates and recommends modifications to benefits policies to ensure that programs are current, competitive, and in compliance with legal requirements, while simultaneously analyzing for cost-control and risk assessment; analyzes and evaluates services, coverage, and options available to determine programs best meeting needs of the Authority.
• Develops, recommends, and monitors Authority
  budget allocations for employee benefits.
• Develops and updates Authority
  benefits newsletter on a regular basis.
• Answers employees’ benefit questions, resolves problems related to access to or payment of benefits, orients newly eligible employees, and processes enrollment forms, changes, and loan requests; advises employees of their eligibility for all Authority benefits.
• Assists employees and processes necessary paperwork to access benefits after retirement or employment termination.
• Oversees maintenance of employee benefits data in automated human resources information systems.
• Manages transfer of data to external vendors, plan providers, auditors, and consultants.
• Oversees preparation and submission of all required reports; and ensures benefits plans comply with government regulations. Continually reviews and analyzes changes to state and federal laws pertaining to benefits and compensation, and reports changes to CHRO.
• Consults with managers and health care professionals to evaluate the need for accommodations, return-to-work, light-duty, and other responses for disabled employees; develops and implements these as legally required; processes disability retirements securing necessary forms, medical information, and any other information required.
• Develops and maintains an Agency wellness program.
• Manages FMLA and other forms of medical leave, including the timely processing of paperwork, and securing of extension and termination approvals from CHRO and consults with the Risk Management Department to reduce leave abuse and seeks second opinions when appropriate.
• Supports all Human Resources Department activities and serves as back-up for other department staff as needed; works as a team member.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor's degree (B.A.) in human resources management or similar field; and a minimum of 5 to 8 years Human Resources experience in progressively responsible positions, must possess at least 4 years experience in benefits and compensation administration, and preferably 3 years experience as manager in compensation and benefits; or equivalent combination of education and experience.