POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for managing all aspects of the Company’s health and welfare plans and retirement plans including defined contribution plans and defined benefit plans. Responsible for the administration of employee benefits in all company operations. As needed, provides special guidance and assistance to all locations on various employee benefit plans. Develops cost controls to ensure maximum coverage at the least possible cost to the company and employees.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop employee benefit standard operating procedures for employee benefit functions.

Work with HR Manager to coordinate cross-training of members on the HR team to foster understanding, develop knowledge and utilization of employee benefits offerings including legacy pension plans.

Manage all aspects of employee benefits programs including health and welfare, wellness program, 401(k) retirement plan (Qualified), pension, flex plans, and deferred compensation plans (non-Qualified).

Analyze benefits costs and policies to reflect trends and maintain current with legal requirements; work closely with insurance broker to prepare budgets, review coverages, set stop loss premiums, etc.

Work with counsel and consultants to interpret plan documents, draft plan documents and summary plan descriptions.

Manage the annual ERISA audit of defined benefit and defined contribution plans.

Prepare reporting for IRS and Department of Labor, prepare supporting forms and documentation for proper operation and administration of employee benefits plans, including 401(k) plans, deferred compensation plan, plans operated outside of the US, annuity plans and legacy pension plans.

Gather and analyze relevant data and manage the quarterly Employee Benefits Committee meeting.

Ensure the company stays apprised of and in compliance with provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA), and Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). Stay current on legislation and implications for benefit plans. Supervise the preparation of reports and applications required by law to be filed with federal and state agencies.

Oversee and administer leave requests and accommodations requiring specialized attention, particularly those arising under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), state and local leave laws, and short-term or long-term disability plans.

Liaise with sister business unit and coordinate responsibilities for shared programs, including health and welfare and retirement plans.

Resolve complex issues that arise in retirement/pension plan management.

Work on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors.

Lead and coordinate open enrollment: renewal, planning, communication, follow-up and reporting.

Liaise with HRIS department to ensure the proper functioning of benefits integration feeds and resolution of errors.

Perform other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum of five years’ experience in employee benefits programs.

Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline.

HRIS software skill proficiency preferred (Workday).

Hands-on knowledge of ERISA audits (5500).

Working knowledge of ERISA, COBRA, PPACA and HIPAA regulations.

Microsoft Excel proficiency: knowledge of lookup and search formulas, pivot tables, etc.

Exceptional organizational, research, writing, leadership business and client relationship skills.

Able to work independently with minimal supervision and high attention to detail.

Ability to collaborate and achieve consensus within diverse business groups.

Possess strong team management skills and the ability to lead by example in a constantly changing and variable environment.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT:

Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment

Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal

Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephone, and other office equipment in the course of the normal workday

Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties

This position requires satisfactory passing of a drug test in accordance with Florida Statute § 440.102.