Benefits Specialist

Description

Summary :

Administers the non-retirement, broad-based employee benefit plans for the WCHN organization. Prepares reports and conducts employee and manager meetings. Manages the day-to-day vendor relationships and resolves problems that may occur.

Responsibilities :

1. Administers the health, disability and life insurance plans for hospital employees, including union and non-union plans, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations. Maintains awareness of changing regulartory requirements. This may include Norwalk, Danbury or New Milford locations.

2. Manages the day-to-day relationship with the benefit vendors. Independently resolves issues, and escalates if necessary.

3. Prepares reports and analyses for management. Completes government reports as necessary.

4. Calculates monthly premiums and audits for accuracy. Prepares invoices for approval and processing .

5. Conducts new employee benefits orientation. Works with the staffing group during the recruiting process and meets with candidates as necessary to help prospective employees understand the benefits package offered by WCHN.

6. Prepares communications for employees which may be posted on the intranet or sent to employee homes.

7. Implements new plans and conducts employee meetings.

8. Calculates COBRA rates, and develops models for cost sharing between employee and employer. Works with the labor relations team or other HR staff members to cost out potential union rate changes during negotiations.

9. Oversee the annual open enrollment process. Ensure files are transmitted to the vendors. Works closely with IT to ensure accurate programming of the benefits system.

10. Coordinate with the third party administrator (TPA), employees and managers to help ensure the leave of absence process runs smoothly. Provides education to employees and managers on the leave process, hospital policies and FMLA. Works closely with the TPA and Payroll to ensure employees are paid correctly during their leaves .

11. Provides assistance with other HR programs as requested. Participates in surveys. Provides advice to HR Staff members on benefits issues. Participates on project teams and completes special projects as necessary. Works with internal or external auditors on periodic plan audits.

12. Fulfills all compliance responsibilities related to the position.

13. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education : BACHELOR'S LVL DGRE

Required :

• Ability to present to large groups of employees.
• Knowledge of FMLA, COBRA, HIPAA and related state laws or regulations.
• Computer skills required : MS Word, PowerPoint and Excel. HRIS Software such as PeopleSoft, Lawson or other databases. Lotus Notes, Outlook or other email systems.
• Minimum Experience : three years
• Desired : 3 to 5 years experience in human resources, benefits experience preferred.

Working Conditions :

Manual : Some manual skills / motor coord & finger dexterity

Occupational : Little or no potential for occupational risk

Physical Effort : Sedentary / light effort. May exert up to 10 lbs. force

Physical Environment : Generally pleasant working conditions

Company : Nuvance Health

Org Unit : 1788

Department : Total Rewards

Exempt : Yes

Salary Range : $28.78 - $53.45 Hourly