BENEFITS SPECIALIST

Description

Job Description: Benefits Specialist

Job Title: Benefits Specialist

Job Code: 854

Hours: Days

FTE: 1.0

FLSA Status: Exempt

Department Name: Human Resources

Location: Brattleboro, Vermont (Onsite)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Benefits Analyst ensures the smooth processing of employee benefits within our organization. Primary responsibilities will include facilitating the benefits portfolio and lifecycle, from enrollment to termination. Collaborating closely with insurance vendors and employees to address inquiries, resolve issues, and communicate benefits information such as health, dental, retirement, and other benefit programs. This role also provides administrative support to the Human Resources team, including activities related to recruiting and general clerical support.

DEPT. SCOPE OF SERVICE:

The Human Resource Department provides operational leadership in Human Resource management to all employees of Brattleboro Memorial Hospital and SVHSC. Human Resource policies and procedures and practices are in accord with the hospital’s mission and strategies, prevailing state and federal employment laws and Collective Bargaining Agreements. Human Resources provides the full spectrum of Human Resource services to managers and employees including employee and labor relations, compensation and benefits management, recruitment/selection/placement, performance management, development planning and organizational effectiveness, and education service support.

The department interfaces with department heads and employees across all departments, senior management, medical staff, community members, legal counsel and various staff/federal governmental agencies.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• •Assist in designing and recommend new benefits programs. Examine possible plan designs and benefits cost changes.
• •Serve as primary contact for plan vendors and third-party administrators.
• •Coordinate transfer of data to external contacts for services, premiums and plan administration.
• •Document and maintain administrative standard operating procedures for assigned benefits processes.
• •Compile requested data for Workers Compensation annual audit.
• •Monitor compliance with applicable government regulations. Ensure timeliness and accuracy of required reporting and fees.
• •Process daily benefits. Handle enrollments, COBRA, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, disability, accident and death claims, rollovers, QDROs, QMCSOs, distributions, hardships and compliance testing.
• •Assist in overseeing maintenance of employee benefits files, maintain group benefits database and update employee payroll records.
• •Gather employee data and oversee the processing of monthly billings and the preparation of vouchers for payment of administrative fees for all group plans.
• •Analyze group health and dental claims weekly and review monthly.
• •Assist and coordinate plan audits. Prepare, collect and organize data for audit and assessments.
• •Design and distribute materials for benefits orientations, open enrollment wellbeing events and summary plan descriptions. Provide training and support to personnel.
• •Produce and file annual compliance reports (e.g. OSHA, Worker’s Comp)
• •Calculate employee eligibility for Vermont Sick Pay requirement on a quarterly basis.
• •Provide support to the HR team with day-to-day Human Resources responsibilities and functions.
• •Work in collaboration with Payroll to ensure accurate and a timely payroll deductions.
• •Acts as the primary point of contact for Worker’s Comp, ADA, Leave of Absence and FMLA programs.
• •Under the direction of the Chief HR Officer Broker, assist in the administration of employee pension plans to include distributions, discrimination testing, eligibility, plan design, and yearly compliance testing.
• •Assist in the new employee onboarding processes, including maintenance and creation of personnel files.
• •Back up as a payroll administrator as needed.
• •Performs additional duties as assigned

Employee Engagement:

Supports and drives initiatives that promote a positive, inclusive, and engaging work environment across all departments

QUALIFICATIONS:

• •Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• •3-5 years of related benefits or employee benefits administration experience.
• •CEBP or CCP certification or similar strongly preferred.
• •Strong analytical skills and a thorough knowledge of plan designs.
• •Knowledge of benefit plan contract language.
• •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, OBRA, and Social Security and DOL requirements.
• •Excellent communication and organization skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

On-the-job time is spent in the following physical activities.

• •Standing
• •Walking
• •Sitting
• •Talking or Hearing

This position requires that weight be lifted or force be exerted.

Up to 50 pounds

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• •This position requires exposure to the following environmental conditions.
• •The typical noise level for an office environment is:
• •Quiet
• •Moderate Noise

EEO/ADA STATEMENT:

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and strictly prohibits any type of harassment or discrimination in regard to race, religion, age, color, sex, disability status, national origin, genetics, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender expression, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, and/or local laws.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Brattleboro Memorial Hospital to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Human Resources.

Compensation Disclosure in Accordance with Vermont Act 155

In compliance with Vermont Act 155, Brattleboro Memorial Hospital provides the compensation range for this position in good faith. The listed range represents the pay scale reasonably expected for a successful candidate based on factors such as relevant experience, education, internal equity, and market competitiveness. Final compensation will be determined during the hiring process.

**This job description is intended to outline the general responsibilities of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Additional duties may be assigned as needed to support operations.**

Requirements

EDUCATION:

High School Diploma or equivalent required.

EXPERIENCE:

• •2+ years of related benefits or employee benefits administration experience.
• •Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to use Microsoft products; experience with HRIS and benefits databases.
• •Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• •Effective planning and priority setting. Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines.
• •Strong analytical skills and a thorough knowledge of plan designs.
• •Knowledge of benefit plan contract language.
• •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, OBRA, and Social Security and DOL requirements.
• •Excellent communication and organization skills.
• •Knowledge of Windows-based software preferred.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION(S):

SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP designation preferred but not required.

CEBS professional designation preferred or ability to obtain within 12-months