Summary:

The primary function is to provide excellent service to clients and their employees in the administration of benefit plans. The Benefits Account Specialist will assist employees with  benefit questions, research new benefit programs, look for enhancements in existing programs, monitors benefits administration, as well as assist in the design of employee benefits plans. This is accomplished by performing the following duties, other duties may be assigned:

Essential Functions:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Establish, address and solve external operational problems with regard to employee/client benefits. 

• Assist with the evaluation of current and prospective client benefits information.

• Participate in the evaluation of carrier/TPA benefit packages and ensure new client information is sent to carrier/TPA. 

• Ensure benefit processes are current. Inform clients/employees of updates or changes to benefits programs. 

• Process and monitor all employee related claims, changes, enrollments, terminations and requests. 

• Maintains benefit spreadsheets to include the preparation of benefit entries, client/employee accounts analysis and reconciliation.

• Assist with benefit reconciliation monthly, verifies all deductions and client benefit transactions, addresses questions and problems from payroll, employees and clients.

• Ensures over/under payments are corrected immediately and all notifications are made to the appropriate parties (clients, employees, payroll).

• Assists in processing payment of benefit invoices monthly and setting up new accounts as needed.

• Assist in and prepare documentation for monthly and annual benefit audits and enrollments.

• Perform plan audits. Prepare, collect and organize data for actuarial assessments.

• Review both short and long-range cost estimates/projections and relevant statistical analyses regarding modifications in benefits programs and implementation of new programs.

• Receive confirmation of new client from sales and work with Benefits Manager to facilitate client/employee conversions.

• Meet with prospects, when necessary.

• Manage benefit set up and maintenance in payroll system.

• Assist in preparation and implementation of benefit enrollments.

• Assist in the set up of new and late employee enrollments; the benefits plan contribution by employer/employee and verify against payroll. 

• Manage and administer COBRA, Flexible Spending Accounts, benefits eligibility changes, 401(k) system.

• Participate in strategic decision making, including setting goals and decisions products services as well as mergers and acquisitions.

• Recommends, designs, and implements any necessary department controls. 

• Responsible for the file maintenance and recordkeeping of all benefits related material.  

• Attend company meetings as requested.

• Stays current in benefits field as it relates to new/changing products and laws.

Competencies

• Benefits Expertise

• Critical Evaluation

• Communication

• Relationship Management

• Ethical Practice

• Consultation

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required; it would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand on a stool as necessary. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.  

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Travel

Minimal travel is expected for this position (less than 15% of the time). 

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; or five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

 • Actively participate in community organizations (i.e. Chamber Association)

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to use Microsoft products, including PPT, 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. Capability of 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 the 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 ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125, workers' compensation, Medicare, OBRA, and Social Security and DOL requirements.

• Excellent communication and organization skills.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Pre-employment drug testing and criminal background check required.