Human Resources Benefits Manager (New Orleans, LA)

The Benefits Manager position is responsible for directing and planning the day-to-day operations of group benefit programs (group health, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, compensation, 403(b) plan and 457 plan and all other retirement and total rewards plans. Provide excellent customer service (client and customer-centric). Investigate new benefit & compensations programs, improve existing programs, supervise and monitor benefit & compensation administration. Design employee benefit & compensation plans. Provide analytical and technical support in the proactive delivery of the benefit and employee leave programs and services. Understand new total rewards market trends and partner/lead relationship with third-party benefits vendor/administrator. The Total Rewards Manager will also serve as the primary contact for employees, helping them understand and navigate their compensation plan and benefits options.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF POSITION:

Research and Develop

• Research employee compensation, benefit plans and vendors to identify those that present the best value.
• Design, recommend and implement benefit & compensation programs.
• Management of the benefit plan renewal process & compensation strategy.
• Negotiate with vendor or administrator for renewal.
• Collect experience data from available resources.
• Examine possible plan design or benefit cost changes.

Benefits Administration: Design, Direct, Comply

Serve as primary contact for plan vendors and third-party administrators. Determine the best plan options by working with the third-party administrators. Coordinate transfer of data to external contacts for services, premiums and plan administration. Work effectively to make sure the plans run smoothly. Investigate discrepancies and provide information in non-routine situations.

• Evaluate and revise internal processes to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
• Document and maintain administrative procedures for assigned benefit & compensation processes.
• Ensure proper distribution of assignments and responsibilities.
• Plan, schedule, and direct work.
• Ensure compliance with applicable government regulations.
• Assure timeliness and accuracy of required filings.
• Develop long-range objectives regarding benefit programs in conjunction with the benefits team.
• Organize implementation of global projects: including total compensation, mergers and acquisitions, and HIPAA, as they relate to group benefit issues.

Benefits Administration: Processing, Functional

• Coordinate daily benefit processing
• Enrollments, COBRA, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, disability, accident and death claims, rollovers, distributions, hardships, compliance testing.
• Oversee maintenance of employee benefit files and updating of employee payroll records.
• Gather employee data and oversee the processing of monthly billings.
• Implement and maintain Group Benefits databases. Prepare regular benefit reports extracting data from the database.
• Provide technical support, test system functionality and work with end users to provide system support and troubleshoot system problems.

Evaluate, Measure, Audit

Analyze the current compensation & benefits plans, evaluating the usage, services, coverage, effectiveness, cost, plan experience, and competitive trends in benefits programs and identify the company's stance.

• Perform plan audits outside of third-party audits.
• Prepare, collect, and organize data for actuarial assessments. Review data in conjunction with actuarial evaluation.
• Review both short- and long-range cost estimates/ projections and relevant statistical analyses regarding modifications in benefit programs and implementation of new programs.
• Survey industry trends. Complete benefit surveys and review information obtained from the results. Analyze complex benefit information. Forecast trends and assist with future benefit designs. Develop specific recommendations for review by management.
• Monitor administrative costs of benefit programs and recommend cost containment strategies including alternative methods for administration and funding. Prepare budgetary recommendations and assist in the monitoring, verifying and reconciling of budgeted funds.

Customer Service, Communication, Training

• Provide customer service support to internal and external customers.
• Develop proactive communication tools to enhance understanding of the company's benefits package.
• Design and distribute materials for benefit orientations, open enrollment and summary plan descriptions.
• Create and conduct presentations using audiovisual tools including power point and videos.
• Provide training and support to employees.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of company policies and procedures is preferred.
• Excellent communication and organization skills are required.
• Must be able to interact cordially and productively with a variety of people at all levels.
• Must be able to market Goodwill and explain the mission to the general public.
• Must be able to read, write and communicate clearly in English.
• Must be able to work occasionally long or extended hour, including weekends.
• Must be able to function in a hectic environment with occasional periods of high stress.
• 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 judgments on proposals.
• Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to utilize MS Word, Excel, Power Point, Access, Netchex are required.

• Knowledge 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, Medicare, and Social Security and DOL requirements.

RESPONSIBILITY AND DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY

Determine proper course of action to resolve escalated customer service issues. Interpret plan procedures and policies. Recommend and advise on benefit enhancements and changes. Refer more strategic issues and final decision to CEO, VP and Director of HR. Position requires limited supervision and direction.

Compliance and Reporting:

• Ensure all benefits programs comply with applicable federal and state laws, including ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ACA, and HIPAA.
• Prepare and submit required regulatory reports, including Form 5500, to maintain compliance with government regulations.
• Stay current with changes in laws and regulations affecting employee benefits and make necessary adjustments to programs and policies.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

• Coordinate benefit setup, deduction and compliance reporting issues with Human Resources and Payroll staff.
• Work as a team with Human Resources, Payroll, Accounting, Brokers on benefits issues.
• Outside contacts could include physicians, insurance companies, network providers, drug companies, attorneys, third party administrators, other benefits vendors and outside consultants.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with benefits providers, brokers, and consultants.

GUIDANCE RECEIVED:

Direction and guidance will be provided by the Director and VP of Human Resources. The Director of Human Resources determines the expectations, goals, and projects assigned. Government regulations, company goals, contract directives and internal policies provide parameters to the benefits administrator position.

Skills and Abilities:

• Must be able to interact cordially and productively with a variety of people.
• Must be able to market Goodwill and explain the mission to the general public.
• Must establish and maintain effective working relationships with, and among, all personnel.
• Must be able to read, write and communicate clearly in English.
• Must be able to work occasionally long or extended hour, including weekends.
• Must be able to function in a hectic work environment with occasional periods of high stress.
• Must maintain the confidentiality of all information housed in the department.
• Must provide own transportation.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Master's degree or HR certification (e.g.,PHR,, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, CEBS, CCP) preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in benefits administration, with at least 2 years in a management or supervisory role.
• Must be P.C. literate, (Word & Excel), prior experience with a HRIS required.

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA is an EEO Employer - M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status