Benefits Administrator
3 days ago
Newark
Summary This position supports all Authority operating departments and the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) in all aspects of HR activities, concentrating on managing the development and administration of employee compensation and benefits programs. Essential Duties and Responsibilities The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned. • Supports the Human Resources needs of all Authority operating departments., • Develops and communicates information to employees and former employees on Authority benefit policies, procedures, changes and government-mandated disclosures., • Manages all aspects of the Authority’s employee benefit programs, annually reviews Agency’s benefits programs to determine necessary changes and prepares Request for Proposals for updates to benefits., • Directs all aspects of benefits open enrollment., • Evaluates and recommends modifications to benefits policies to ensure that programs are current, competitive, and in compliance with legal requirements, while simultaneously analyzing for cost-control and risk assessment; analyzes and evaluates services, coverage, and options available to determine programs best meeting needs of the Authority., • Develops and updates Authority benefits newsletter on a regular basis., • Answers employees’ benefit questions, resolves problems related to access to or payment of benefits, orients newly eligible employees, and processes enrollment forms, changes, and loan requests; advises employees of their eligibility for all Authority benefits., • Assists employees and processes necessary paperwork to access benefits after retirement or employment termination., • Oversees maintenance of employee benefits data in automated human resources information systems., • Manages transfer of data to external vendors, plan providers, auditors, and consultants., • Oversees preparation and submission of all required reports; and ensures benefits plans comply with government regulations. Continually reviews and analyzes changes to state and federal laws pertaining to benefits and compensation, and reports changes to CHRO., • Consults with managers and health care professionals to evaluate the need for accommodations, return-to-work, light-duty, and other responses for disabled employees; develops and implements these as legally required; processes disability retirements securing necessary forms, medical information, and any other information required., • Develops and maintains an Agency wellness program., • Manages FMLA and other forms of medical leave, including the timely processing of paperwork, and securing of extension and termination approvals from CHRO and consults with the Risk Management Department to reduce leave abuse and seeks second opinions when appropriate., • Supports all Human Resources Department activities and serves as back-up for other department staff as needed; works as a team member. To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following behavioral competencies: Leadership: Provides direction by clearly and effectively setting course of action for department and subordinates; and manages performance by providing regular feedback and reinforcement to subordinates. Commitment: Sets high standards of performance; pursues aggressive goals and works hard/smart to achieve them; strives for results and success; conveys a sense of urgency and brings issues to closure; and persists despite obstacles and opposition. Customer Service: Meets/exceeds the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; identifies, understands, monitors and measures the needs of both internal and external customers; talks and acts with customers in mind; and recognizes working colleagues as customers. Effective Communication: Ensures important information is passed to those who need to know; conveys necessary information clearly and effectively orally or in writing; demonstrates attention to, and conveys understanding of, the comments and questions of others; and listens effectively. Responsiveness and Accountability: Demonstrates a high level of conscientiousness; holds oneself personally responsible for one's own work; and does fair share of work. Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Job Competencies • Knowledge of applying a wide range of local and federal laws affecting health, life, and dental insurance programs., • Knowledge of applying a wide range of records management laws, regulations, processes, and procedures., • Experience identifying problems, reviewing related information, developing and evaluating options, and implementing solutions., • Proficient mathematical and statistical skills and ability to understand and interpret data, charts, and graphs. Education and/or Experience Bachelor's degree (B.A.) in human resources management or similar field; and a minimum of 5 to 8 years Human Resources experience in progressively responsible positions, must possess at least 4 years experience in benefits and compensation administration, and preferably 3 years experience as manager in compensation and benefits; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Language Skills Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public. Mathematical Skills Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs. Reasoning Ability Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Computer Skills To perform this job successfully, an individual should have strong computer skills (MS Word, MS Excel and HRIS system). Certificates, Licenses, Registrations SPHR preferred Other Skills and Abilities Must possess extensive knowledge of government regulations related to compensation and benefits, including Section 125 cafeteria plans (flexible spending accounts), pension programs and wage-and-hour laws and regulations, including maintenance, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements. Should possess knowledge of employment law, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and affirmative action guidelines and laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Experience with the New Jersey State Health Benefits Program offerings is a plus. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Office environment. The noise level in the work environment is moderate.