Employee Benefits job description

Under direction, administers employee insurance benefit plans; serves as a technical resource communicating information regarding employee benefits to employees, former employees, administration, management, and benefit providers and performs related work as required

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Principal Benefits Specialist performs complex, diverse and highly confidential administrative functions in organizing and overseeing the health, life, and LTD insurance plans.

1. Assists in the design of employee insurance benefits plans; implements and administers health benefits programs; and oversees COBRA notification and enrollment.
2. Educates and assists employees in the transition to Medicare.
3. Performs case management functions and serves as an advocate in resolving coverage and cost issues in the best interests of company and employees.

4. Interprets, explains, and educates employees and former employees on the requirements and use of their plan coverage and options.

5. Maintains provider relations; acts as liaison with insurance carriers.

6. Serves on Health Benefits Review Committee.

7. Prepares, submits, and maintains reports and statistical data related to benefits programs.

8. Administers the IRC Section 125 Plan; interprets Internal Revenue Code and other requirements governing the use and administration of pretax benefit plans.

9. Plans, organizes, and conducts annual benefits program open enrollments and monthly new hire benefits orientation and enrollment processes.

10. Analyzes monthly carrier/provider premium billing statements; identifies and resolves billing discrepancies; and calculates premium payroll deductions.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

1. Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of benefit program design and implementation.
2. Federal, State, and local laws and regulations governing the administration of insurance benefit plans and maintenance of plan/employee records.
3. Principles and practices of sound business communication; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
4. Organization, rules, policies, regulations, procedures applicable to areas of assigned responsibility.
5. Advanced uses of word processing, spreadsheet, database and other standard software to create complex documents and materials requiring the interpretation and manipulation of data.
6. Research methods and data analysis procedures.

Ability to:
1. Organize, set priorities and exercise sound judgment with limited supervision.
2. Interpret, apply, explain and reach sound decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, rules and policies.
3. Manage multiple and rapidly changing priorities calmly and efficiently.
4. Organize, research, and maintain complex and confidential office files.
5. Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
6. Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
7. Prepare clear, accurate and concise records, reports and correspondence.
8. Maintain highly sensitive and confidential information.
9. Deal with sensitive and difficult situations.
10. Establish and maintain highly effective working relationships and others encountered in the course of work.
11. Must demonstrate attendance sufficient to complete the duties of the position as required.

Education, Training and Experience:
A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in business, public administration, or a related field; and four years of increasingly responsible experience in the administration of benefits plans.
Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements: