Benefits Specialist

A Brief Overview

Responsible for analysis of all of the company benefit programs. Assists with escalated issues from employees with all questions, forms, and policy explanations. Performs audits on enrollment related to benefit insurance carriers. Acts as a liaison between the company and vendors for reporting and analytical issues.

What You Will Do

• Analyzes and understands the life cycle of employee benefits data along with system functionality.
• Actively participates in the set up and testing of benefits administration system, annual enrollment processes, and employee Self-Service features.
• Analyzes and merges data files utilizing VLOOKUP’s and pivot tables. Provides oversight in the creation of vendor interfaces and maintenance by partnering with our HRIS team, HR portal team and vendor representatives.
• Analyzes vendor interfaces and resolves any discrepancies. Works with vendors and Supervisor, HR Service Center, Sr. Benefits Analyst and/or Director of Compensation and Benefits to escalate enrollment, file transmission and system issues, as appropriate.
• Participates with reconciling, approving, and ensuring timely and accurate payment of benefits billing invoices. Researches discrepancies between enrollment and deductions. Participates with accounting audits as it relates to benefits. Ensure required deadlines are met in order to achieve on-time payments and avoid penalties/interest by vendors.
• Verify the calculation of the monthly premium statements for all group insurance policies and maintain statistical data relative to premiums claims and costs. Review all monthly invoices to ensure accuracy and completeness
• Participates in reviewing, researching, and correcting error reports generated from benefit vendors.
• Responsible for administration and acts as vendor liaison for our UH voluntary benefit programs (.e.g. personal accident, pet insurance, ID theft etc)
• Responsible for coordinating all benefits for death claims to appropriately provide support and resources to employees.
• Assists with escalated day-to-day benefits administration escalated issues and development of benefits plan designs.
• Monitors the ongoing employee enrollment processes; including annual open enrollment
• Participates in the review and development of employee communications as they pertain to benefits and compensation
• Assists with other team members with benefits-related duties and projects as needed.

Additional Responsibilities

• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.
• For specific duties and responsibilities, refer to documentation provided by the department during orientation.
• Must abide by all requirements to safely and securely maintain Protected Health Information (PHI) for our patients. Annual training, the UH Code of Conduct and UH policies and procedures are in place to address appropriate use of PHI in the workplace.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance or related Field (Required)

Work Experience

• 3+ years of experience in the analysis and administration of benefit programs (Required)

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of benefits laws and regulations, including all aspects of the Affordable Care Act, ERISA, COBRA and its recordkeeping provisions (Required proficiency)
• Ability to utilize or rapidly learn the latest technology in HR related platforms and productivity software (Required proficiency)
• Ability to use research methods effectively, including data collection, diagnostic, and analytical skills (Required proficiency)
• Strong computer proficiency including MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (Required proficiency)
• Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills (Required proficiency)
• Proven strong analytical, problem solving and reporting skills (Required proficiency)
• Ability to prioritize and multitask daily processes/projects to meet deadlines in a fast paced environment (Required proficiency)
• Good judgment, such as knowing when to escalate an issue (Required proficiency)

Physical Demands

• Standing Occasionally
• Walking Occasionally
• Sitting Constantly
• Lifting Rarely 20 lbs
• Carrying Rarely 20 lbs
• Pushing Rarely 20 lbs
• Pulling Rarely 20 lbs
• Climbing Rarely 20 lbs
• Balancing Rarely
• Stooping Rarely
• Kneeling Rarely
• Crouching Rarely
• Crawling Rarely
• Reaching Rarely
• Handling Occasionally
• Grasping Occasionally
• Feeling Rarely
• Talking Constantly
• Hearing Constantly
• Repetitive Motions Frequently
• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination Frequently

Travel Requirements

• 10%