Benefits Administrator

Benefits Administrator

Benefits Administrator, Dougherty Financial Group LLC

The Benefits Administrator is responsible for administering all company benefit programs and leaves of absences programs, and for performing related duties as required.  Responsible for investigating new programs, improving existing programs, and providing analytical and technical support in the delivery of the programs. This position will report to the Director of Human Resources.

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• Administer various employee benefit programs, such as health, dental, life, disability, workers compensation, and 401(k). Responsible for performing all related duties including enrollments, changes, terminations, COBRA, disability claims, rollovers, QDRO’s distributions, loans, hardship withdrawals, compliance testing, etc.  

• Coordinate procedures to initiate benefits such as FMLA and disability insurance for employees; communicate necessary information to Payroll. 

• Handle benefit inquiries and complaints in a timely, equitable, and courteous manner.  Maintain contact with vendors, employees, and benefits consultants as needed to facilitate proper and complete utilization of 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.

• Advise and counsel management and employees on existing benefits including policy and procedure interpretation.  Educate employees and managers on policy and legal compliance. 

• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations.  Review and analyze changes to federal, state, and local laws; report necessary or suggested changes. 

• Assist in the preparation of plan documents and distribute to participants as required.

• Update and maintain employee records, including employee benefit files, regarding benefit changes; communicate changes to Payroll as needed.  Reconcile benefit changes in Payroll.

• Process and reconcile benefit invoices monthly.

• Maintain benefit plan records and documentation.  Assist in the development of policies and procedures.

• Lead annual benefit plan renewal process, including preparing open enrollment materials, coordinating the open enrollment process, and conducting employee meetings.

• Implement new benefit plans and changes to existing plans by preparing announcement material, booklets, and other media needed for communicating new plans, or changes, to employees. Revise and reissue all communication material on benefits from time to time.

• Organize implementation of special projects (i.e., total compensation statements, HIPAA, etc.) as they relate to group benefit issues.

• Serve chair of the Wellness Committee.  Promote health and wellness in the workplace by developing programs, distributing education and resources materials, and providing training opportunities to achieve and maintain a healthy workforce.

• Perform back-up generalist responsibilities, which may include employee relations responsibilities, as needed; other duties as required or assigned. 

Candidate Requirements

• A minimum of a Bachelor's degree and three to five years related benefits or employee benefit administration experience required.

• PHR, CEBS, or CBP designations preferred.

• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills. Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with all levels of employees, including senior management.

• Intuitive, energetic, and self-motivated with a high bias for action.

• Excellent organization skills are required. Must be capable of effective planning and priority setting and have the 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 (RFP’s).

• Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to utilize MS Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook is required.  Experience using HRIS systems required. UltiPro and Cognos experience is a plus.

• Knowledge and understanding of benefit contract language.

• Knowledge of all pertinent federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements both adopted and pending affecting employee benefit programs, including ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, SECTION 125, Workers Compensation, Medicare, OBRA, and Social Security and DOL requirements.