Sr Benefits Specialist

Overview

Serves as a member of the Human Resources team by providing information and service to employees, managers and external customers. Acts as benefits lead on projects including implementation a new benefits, benefit changes, new carriers or partners, and onboarding new groups to our benefits and into Lawson, Assists in coordinating all aspects of the Huntsville Hospital benefits program, to include conducting new employee orientation and other informational education sessions, processing employee benefit changes and supporting a variety of employee recognition programs and events. Counsels with and advises employees on eligibility, provisions and other matters related to benefits in such as the health, dental, vision, 401(k) and 457(b) plans, group life insurance plan and the long term and short term disability plans. Creates and assists in the preparation of employee benefit booklets and other employee benefit communications such as monthly articles, flyers, etc. Responsible for new hire and miscellaneous benefit data entry. Assists in answering benefits department and front desk telephones. Serves as back up support to the front desk as needed.

Responsibilities

• Project leader for annual benefits Open Enrollment across the HH EMS System. Enlisting the assistance of benefits team members and external resources, this will include tasks such as coordination of the creation of the annual OE Guide, timeline for the event, Intellias review and coordination with the HRIS team and our internal team for updates, coordinating efforts across the benefits teams here and throughout the system to leverage talents and ensure a successful system wide event.
• Collaborate with internal and system wide teams as well as consultants to ensure that benefit plans and practices are legally compliant, well communicated and understood, and that employees have been provided the information necessary to make good decisions.
• Must possess excellent public speaking skills, and be comfortable speaking in front of groups. Working with all benefit teams, this person will be responsible for designing and implementing the benefits education and communications strategy including writing and conducting in person benefit classes throughout the year; collaborating with the HH EMS team to identify, create, and deploy a library of videos designed to be target communications on topics employees need; create and conduct pop up benefit sessions as needed; and continually evaluate how to add to or enhance the way we communicate with employees. The goal is to have an engaging communications platform that meets the needs of a multi site organization where in some cases benefits differ.
• Work with Corporate University and/or external resources launch new classes that meet the needs of our employees (an example would be working with local attorneys to launch a class on will preparation that shows them how to use the tool provided by Mutual of Omaha).
• Ensure communications and collaboration with the benefits team members at each system hospital. This includes, but is not limited to: plan and lead the periodic System Benefits meetings coordinating resources as needed to share appropriate levels of knowledge, periodically visiting each affiliated hospital to understand any concerns, issues, or needs they have, and to build a harmonious working relationship across sites.
• Act as project manager for the benefits team when a new population is brought onto our benefits and into Lawson. Lead transition meetings for the benefits team, and work closely with the HRIS team to ensure files contain data needed to ensure payroll tests and go live are done in a timely manner. Train new groups on our benefits and how to key them into Lawson as well as how to provide information to vendors (such as the files to the retirement plan vendor).
• Identify administrative issues and opportunities for improvement in the benefit plans offered, and then analyze, develop, and implement solutions.
• This person may also manage the day to day administration of certain benefit programs such as the HH EMS suite of retirement plans, FSA, HSA, and Cobra, working closely with the vendor to ensure data integrity, educating participants, evaluating plan design and administration, and facilitating changes when necessary.
• Responsible for timely and accurate funding of the HH Health System, HH EMS suite of retirement plans and the HSA for regular payroll cycles, and quarterly employer contributions. Resolve issues as needed with funding based on changes made in payroll.
• Implement programs as identified/needed such as coordinating the onboarding of new groups to FMLA Source, rolling out a Total Rewards Statement, and identifying a path for easy communication of discounts offered to our employees.
• Working with HR management team evaluate and make recommendations regarding Cybersecurity preparations to ensure our department can continue to provide necessary support and services in the event of a cyber attack.
• Review options for providing additional benefits for System employees. Research, discuss alternatives with System teams, and recommend changes.
• Identify and implement audit procedures for benefits processes, including Open Enrollment.
• Develop relationships with consultants, carriers, and benefit vendors.
• Closely monitor open and upcoming projects to ensure effective and efficient progress and closure.
• Will work as needed on daily administrative tasks such as keying benefits, researching and answering employee questions, coordinating necessary updates, processing benefits such as education reimbursement, assisting with ACA compliance, comp data and coordinating issues with HRIS, etc.
• Must possess the ability to multi task, manage projects, and collaborate with internal and System teams with a strong attention to detail.

Qualifications

Bachelors degree from an accredited university or college, preferably in Human Resources, Business Management or Marketing/Public Relations.

Minimum of two (2) years Human Resources experience working with or administering employee benefit plans.

Marketing/Public Relations, public speaking, business writing or event planning experience preferred.

Comparable education and experience will be considered.