Employee Benefits Specialist

Roles & Responsibilities:-Manage the onboarding and orientation process for hourly employees with the completion of required paperwork-Maintain Human Resources records by updating new hires, transfers, terminations, changes in job classifications in Paycom system-Administer various employee benefits programs, such as group health, flexible spending accounts, dental and vision, accident and disability, life insurance, 403(b), and wellness benefits-Serve as primary contact for plan vendors and third-party administrators-Coordinate transfer of data to external contacts for services, premiums and plan administration-Evaluate employee benefits plans and vendors to identify those that present the best value in partnership with the benefits broker-Design, recommend, and implement new benefits programs-Assist with negotiations of vendors and administrators for best plans, options, and rates for employee benefits-Plan and execute employee appreciation and recognition events-Determine eligibility and counsel employees (and potential employees/applicants) on plan provisions-Ensure the accuracy of all benefits enrollments and changes in the HCMS, as well as ensure accuracy of payroll deductions-Resolve employee concerns related to health and welfare plans functioning as liaison with various insurance carriers-Manage annual open enrollment period-Handles distribution of plan summary materials and required notices, including Summary Annual Reports (SAR)-Document and maintain administrative procedures for assigned benefit processes-Ensure timeliness and accuracy of required reporting and fees-Review monthly premium statements for all group insurance policies and maintain statistical data relative to premiums, claims and costs-Resolve administrative problems with the carrier representatives-Monitor ACA measurement periods for employees, keep supervisors updated on employees who are close to meeting eligibility requirements, and offer benefits when an employee reaches eligibility requirements-Complete year-end preparation and filing of Affordable Care Act documentation, insurance censuses, and other required reports to support federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements-Run bi-weekly employee reports in human resources management system, including ACA tracking, hours worked vs threshold and employee status change reports-Responsible for processing all leave of absence requests including meeting with employee to review LOA options, keep managers and payroll informed of employee status, track, and collect benefit premiums-Effectively interpret FMLA and ADA implications as they relate to leaves of absences/ disabilities-Create and maintain LOA policies and procedures to ensure accurate and timely distribution of information/documentation-Notify Payroll Administrator of disability payments and changes in disability claims decisions-Initiate enrollment in Concordia Plan services for qualifying employees, submits notification of change in employee status as necessary and responds to CSP inquiries-Monitor hours worked for part-time employees and notify supervisors of employees who are close to meeting eligibility requirements for enrollment in Concordia Plan Services disability and retirement plans-Familiarity with HIPAA compliance procedures and requirements-Prepare necessary paperwork for offboarding employees, including COBRA notices-Work with HR Director to complete more complex requests regarding terminations-Review new hire packets to ensure all documents have been completed accurately-Assist employees and coordinate workers' compensation claims with third-party administrator-Follow up on claims and prepare reports for annual audit and renewal-Prepare employment records related to events, such as hiring, termination, and leaves using human resources management system software