The Benefits Manager position is a strategic associate support and administrative role in the Human Resources (HR) Department at Mainstream Technologies, Inc. (MTI). This position is responsible for managing day-to-day operations of group benefits plans and serves as the primary contact for MTI associates, insurance carriers, and vendors to ensure effective administration and delivery of the organization’s non-compensation benefits package. The Benefits Manager is responsible for onboarding new associates and serves as the in-house advocate and advisor to MTI associates on all matters related to group voluntary and employer-funded benefits. The MTI benefits package typically includes, but is not limited to, the following plans/policies:

• Group Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance
• Term Life Insurance
• Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Worker's Compensation

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

General Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage annual benefits open enrollment process, conduct benefits orientations, including distribution of benefits materials and summary plan descriptions.
• Develop and administer Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Wellness Programs.
• Develop and implement communication strategies to enhance associate awareness and understanding of the company's benefits package.
• Manage new associate onboarding procedures, including new hire orientation sessions, employment eligibility documentation, and benefits advisement/enrollment.
• Maintain associate and beneficiary records (internally and with carriers/third-party vendors) while ensuring confidentiality and compliance with applicable government regulations.
• Assist HR Director with evaluation and implementation of new benefits programs, development of strategies to grow programs per company goals and associate needs, and additional associate support functions and initiatives as assigned.

Associate Advising & Advocacy

• Advise and assist associates with annual benefits open enrollment, general benefits related inquiries, and qualifying life event changes.
• Ensure timely processing of annual enrollments and qualifying changes with carriers and vendors.
• Assist associates with anticipated and/or pending benefits claims and troubleshoot and/or resolve claims related issues.
• Prepare and implement educational sessions designed to enhance associates’ understanding related to company benefits and other related incentives.

Administration & Quality Assurance

• Serve as primary contact for plan vendors, carriers, and third-party administrators; manage ongoing relationships to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery of products and services.
• Ensure the accuracy of benefits enrollments with carriers and perform quality checks of benefits related data and monthly billing statements.
• Ensure timeliness and accuracy of benefits-related reports and manage distribution of required notices.
• Administer COBRA and coordinate workers' compensation claims with third-party administrators.