Benefits Counselor II (Human Resources)

Benefits CounselorTrident Technical College's Human Resources department is seeking a Benefits Counselor. This position reports to the Associate Vice President for Human Resources. The primary responsibilities are to manage the college's employee benefits program for over 700 employees while staying current on all state and federal mandates regarding employee health and retirement benefits. Duties also include coordinating and directing Open Enrollments, providing benefit counsel, conducting new-hire benefits orientation, ensuring benefits compliance, processing Affordable Care Act 1095s, but not limited to making insurance offers to eligible part-time and adjunct employees and meeting IRS regulations and annual reporting standards, informing all benefit-eligible employees of changes in coverage and/or procedures regarding insurance, retirement systems, savings options, and any other benefits-related issue. The Benefits Administrator will prepare monthly benefit-related remittances for vendors, including reconciling bills with the general ledger and verifying quarterly retirement deduction information in preparation for payment.Minimum and Additional RequirementsThis position requires a bachelor's degree and professional in insurance or retirement programs. Preferred candidate will have a bachelor's degree and one (1) year of professional experience in state employee benefits administration.Preferred QualificationsThe ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree in business administration, Human Resources Management, Accounting, Finance, or a related field, plus three (3) years of professional experience administering employee insurance benefits and retirement programs. Additional education and training as a Benefits Administrator within a state agency are highly desirable. Experience interpreting and applying regulations pertaining to public employee health, retirement, and savings plans is preferred.The successful candidate will possess a strong financial aptitude with the ability to understand and manage the fiscal aspects of benefits administration, including benefit deductions, reconciliations, billing, payroll impacts, and financial reporting. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills are required, including the ability to analyze data, perform complex reconciliations, utilize formulas, pivot tables, and generate reports to support benefits administration, compliance, and auditing functions.The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated background in providing exceptional customer service and building positive relationships with employees, retirees, vendors, and other stakeholders. Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills are essential, with the ability to explain complex benefits information clearly, professionally, and compassionately to diverse audiences. The successful candidate must be able to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization, exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive or confidential matters, and respond to inquiries with accuracy, professionalism, and a high level of customer care.Strong emphasis is placed on analytical and problem-solving abilities, experience working within insurance and HR database systems, and the ability to quickly adapt to changing benefits laws, regulations, and program requirements. The ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external partners, manage multiple priorities, and maintain strict confidentiality is essential. Working experience with Ellucian Colleague is strongly preferred.BenefitsBenefits for State Employees The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies. Insurance Benefits Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses. Retirement Benefits State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options. Workplace Benefits State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more. Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.