The Benefits Manager is an intermediate position within the Human Resources structure. This individual is primarily responsible for benefits administration, assisting employees with benefit questions/issues, benefits communications and education, liaising with benefits carriers and third-party vendors and administering wellness incentives and programs. The Benefits Manager records employee changes and enrollments in benefit programs in HRIS and vendor systems. He/she ensures that such programs are compliant within regulatory and plan provisions, develops and maintain cost efficient administrative processes.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Administer all agency benefit programs, including health and welfare plans, retirement plans, leaves of absence, voluntary benefits
Ensures the accuracy of all benefits enrollments in the HRIS to provide vendors with accurate eligibility information
Handles benefit inquiries and concerns to ensure quick, equitable, courteous resolution. Researches and responds to complex questions and advises employees on existing benefits
Ensures all eligible staff are offered and properly enrolled for medical insurance in compliance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA)
Ensures eligible staff are enrolled in the Infinisource COBRA on separation from the Birch.
Provides new-hire benefits orientation and education sessions
Assist Human Resources management in obtaining statistics and information in renewal process of any Health, Life and Retirement plans that benefit the company
Assists with open enrollment process
Verifies the calculation of the monthly premium statements for group insurance policies and maintains statistical data relative to premiums, claims, and costs. Resolves administrative problems with the carrier representatives
Reconcile and submit all benefits invoices for payment processing
Oversees and manages employee time and leave accrual tracking
Coordinates workers compensation claims with employees, managers and third-party administrator. Follow-up on claims
Maintains monthly WC and safety training, OSHA spreadsheets
Administer leaves of absence in partnership with agencys third-party administrator. Demonstrated knowledge in FMLA, PFL, ADA, STD, LTD and Workers Comp
Serve as liaison between employee, Leave Administrator, Payroll and Managers
Prepared earning statements for Workers Comp claims, as well as for NYS short term disability and Paid Family Leave
Audit documentation in relation to leave and return employees from Leave of Absence (LOA)
Administer benefits payment process for employees on leave of absence
Produce weekly status reports for communication of leaves with Managers
Maintains appropriate and effective interpersonal relationships with team and department members, other staff, supervisors, administrators, and outside agencies
EDUCATION
Bachelor's Degree (four year college or university)
EXPERIENCE
At least three years of employee benefits experience
Demonstrated working knowledge of federal and state regulations affecting employee benefits programs, including ACA, ERISA, FMLA, PFL, ADAA, Section 125, COBRA and Workers Compensation