The Director of Benefits is responsible for directing and planning the day-to-day operations of group benefits programs (group health, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, worker's compensation, life insurance, travel and accident plan, flexible spending plan, retirement plans, etc.). The position provides excellent customer service and designs quality benefits plans. The Director - Benefits continually investigates new benefits programs, improves existing programs, and supervises and monitors benefits administration.
Responsibilities
Serves as primary contact for plan vendors and third-party administrators. Research employee benefits plans and vendors to identify those that present the best value. Negotiates with vendors and administrators for best plans, options and rates.
Designs, recommends, and implements new benefits programs. Examines possible plan designs and benefits cost changes.
Coordinates transfer of data to external contacts for services, premiums, and plan administration.
Evaluates and revises internal processes to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
Ensures compliance with applicable government regulations. Ensures timeliness and accuracy of required reporting and fees.
Coordinates daily benefits processing. Handles enrollments, COBRA, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, disability, accident and death claims, rollovers, QDROs, QMCSOs, distributions, loans, hardships and compliance testing. Audits the accuracy and performance of functions performed by benefits staff.
Oversees maintenance of employee benefits files, maintains group benefits database and updates employee payroll records.
Gathers employee data and oversees the processing of monthly billings and the preparation of vouchers for payment of administrative fees for all group plans.
Allocates group health and dental claims monthly and review quarterly.
Analyzes current benefits, evaluating the use, services, coverage, effectiveness, cost, plan experience and competitive trends in benefits programs, and identify the company's stance. Reviews both short- and long-range cost estimates/projections and relevant statistical analyses regarding modifications in benefits programs and implementation of new programs.
Performs plan audits. Prepares, collects and organizes data for actuarial assessments. Reviews data in conjunction with actuarial evaluation task forces.
Surveys industry trends. Completes benefits surveys and reviews information obtained from the results. Analyzes complex benefits information. Forecasts trends and assists with future benefits designs. Develops specific recommendations for review by management.
Monitors administrative costs of benefits programs and recommends cost containment strategies, including alternative methods for administration and funding. Prepares budgetary recommendations and assist in the monitoring, verifying and reconciling of budgeted funds.
Provides customer service support to internal and external customers. Develops communication tools to enhance understanding of the company's benefits package.
Designs and distributes materials for benefits orientations, open enrollment and summary plan descriptions. Provides training and support to group benefits associates, home office associates and the field staff.
Attains all agreed to goals and objectives within specified time frames, as part of the organization's overall mission.
Is responsible for department's operational excellence; ensures department delivers quality services in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, and professional standards.
Manage team members which include orientation, development and evaluation of personnel, and monitoring the provision of delivering quality services. Participates in the recruiting, interviewing and selecting of team members following policies, guidelines and applicable laws. Evaluates their performance relative to job goals and requirements. Provides coaching to staff, recommends in-service education programs, and ensures adherence to internal policies and standards.
Is responsible for the fiscal management of department; assures proper utilization of organization's financial resources.
Effectively communicates departmental, organization, and industry information to staff.
Qualifications
Minimum Education
Bachelor's Degree Human Resource Management, Related field Required.
Minimum Work Experience
5 years Related benefits or employee benefits administration Required.
Licenses and Certifications
Certified Professional in Human Resources (CP_SHRM) Upon Hire Preferred
Senior Certified Professional in Human Resources (SCP_SHRM) Upon Hire Preferred
Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) Upon Hire Preferred
Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to use Microsoft products, including PowerPoint; experience with HRIS and benefits databases.
Project and team management/leadership skills and experience.
Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment with associates.
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.
Ability to understand, evaluate and make judgment on proposals (RFPs).
Knowledge of benefits 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.