US Benefits Specialist - Premier Staffing Solution
Naperville, IL
About the Job
- Summary: The US Benefits Specialist is responsible for overall planning, administration, compliance and audit of the Company's US benefits programs. This role will be an internal subject matter expert on US Benefits, and will partner with internal HR Business Partners, and externally with 3rd party administrators and vendors.
- Responsibilities:
- Research employee benefits plans and vendors to identify those that present the best value.
- Serve as primary contact for external vendors, third-party administrators and internal employees.
- Coordinate transfer of data to external contacts for services, premiums and plan administration.
- Evaluate and revise internal processes to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
- Document and maintain administrative procedures for assigned benefits processes.
- Ensure compliance with applicable government regulations. Ensure timeliness and accuracy of required reporting/fees.
- Coordinate daily benefits processing. Handle enrollments, COBRA, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, disability, accident and death claims, rollovers, QDROs, QMCSOs, distributions, loans, hardships and compliance testing.
- Administer, review, and recommend group benefit programs, including the integration of benefits following mergers and acquisitions.
- Assures multi-state compliance of benefit related regulations including the ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, PCORI, the ADA and their associated filings. Ensures accurate preparation and required distribution of reports, applications, plan documents, and summary plan descriptions as required. Reviews and analyzes changes to state and federal laws pertaining to benefits and reports necessary or suggested changes to management. Coordinates company benefits, with government sponsored programs.
- Manages the organization's ACA filing process, coordinates the 5500 filings and completes annual audits in preparation for required federal and state filings.
- Owns the annual Open Enrollment process and manages employee benefits communications . Ensures benefits and rates are updated in UKG and carrier connections are accurately configured. Ensures required notices are also posted timely and the benefits library is kept up to date.
- Partners with internal management and external vendors to recommend and offer competitive benefit programs. Create benefits communication/education materials that highlight the total compensation package available to employees and their families.
- Responsible for updating benefit documents annually, or as needed. This will require coordination with the insurance providers where necessary and editing internal company benefit documents as required, including external candidate benefit guides.
- Gather employee data and oversee the processing of monthly billings and quarterly reviews.
- Audit the accuracy and performance of functions performed by HR Business Partners & Administrators.
- Analyze current benefits, evaluating the use, services, coverage, effectiveness, cost, plan experience and competitive trends in benefits programs, and identify the company's stance.
- Review both short- and long-range cost estimates/projections and relevant statistical analyses regarding modifications and implementation of new programs.
- Develop communication tools to enhance understanding of the company's benefits package.
- Design and distribute materials for benefits orientations, open enrollment and summary plan descriptions. Provide training and support to employees.
- Collaborate with payroll and ensure that employer contributions and payroll deductions are processed accurately and in a timely manner.
- Maintain and create records, reports, and documentation in accordance with federal, state, and provider regulations.
- Other projects as assigned.
Job Requirements:
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management or related field preferred.
- Group Benefits Associate (GBA) or Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) professional designation would be an asset.
Experience:
- 3 years of US benefits or employee benefits administration experience.
- Experience with managing benefits through an HRIS preferred (prior UKG / Plansource experience an asset).
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Strong attention to detail and ability to prioritize and manage time well
- Strong data and analytical skills (data management, data integrity, data quality, reporting)
- Knowledge of all pertinent federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements
- Knowledge of benefits contract language
- Ability to understand, evaluate and make judgment on plan designs
- Ability to work effectively with HR Business Partners & Benefit Providers
Software Application Knowledge:
- Advanced - Microsoft Excel
- Intermediate to Advanced - HRIS or Benefits Admin Software (UKG and Plansource an asset)
- Intermediate - Other Microsoft Office Software
Source : Premier Staffing Solution