Benefits Analyst

Salary Range Salary Range: $52,432.12 - $79,705.60 Job Description Works under the general supervision of an assigned manager in performing functions and tasks relating to benefit and retirement programs, including, but not limited to, health and dental insurance, voluntary benefits, disability, and City of Memphis pension plans. Processes, enters, and maintains active and retired employees’ enrollment information related to qualified life events (QLEs) in the personnel and payroll systems, including updating benefits deductions. Responds to requests for information and answers questions regarding the Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP) and other pension plans, including gathering pension contribution refunds and disability retirement information. Calculates pension, disability, and refund benefits, accounting for previous service credits and/or costs with associated pension funds. Ensures the accuracy of pension and retirement records in the human resources information system (HRIS) to provide accurate eligibility information. Provides plan interpretation and guidance when counseling employees and retirees on benefit and retirement plans. Prepares, processes, responds to, and distributes various correspondences and documentation, such as Continuation of Health Coverage (COBRA), pension and retirement notices. Responsible for handling appropriate documentation and forms for active and retired employees and/or insurance companies to complete the enrollment and/or change process related to benefits and retirement. Assists in the coordination of various health and wellness programs including open enrollment. Assists employees with pension applications and required documentation. Assists in the benefits and retirement exit process, resolves complaints, and refers calls as necessary. Evaluates, recommends, and leads initiatives to drive improvements in benefits and retirement program delivery, while increasing awareness and appreciation among active and retired employees. Researches, interprets, and applies current and pertinent codes, laws, rules, and state/federal regulations to benefits and retirement programs. Uses experience to develop communication materials to deliver benefits and retirement programs that provide a superior customer‑service experience and are cost effective. Acts as a liaison between active and retired employees, third‑party vendors or insurance carriers to resolve problems or answer benefit and retirement questions. Participates in vendor meetings to understand and recommend performance improvements. Collaborates with the Benefits and Retirement leadership team on forecasting and budgeting. Interacts and communicates in a customer‑centric manner with management, staff, employees/retirees, vendors and providers. Serves as the subject‑matter expert to respond to requests about retirement programs, pension disability and pension appeals. Gathers pension contribution refunds and disability retirement information to respond to requests. Assists with the development of information needed to present to the Pension Administration Board and other related committees. Conducts audits of coverage comparisons with vendor data against the City of Memphis data. Other Functions Benefits & Retirement Analyst I: Performs additional functions (essential or otherwise) which may be assigned. Benefits & Retirement Analyst II Performs additional functions (essential or otherwise) which may be assigned. Provides health and welfare plan interpretation and guidance when counseling employees. Monitors eligibility files, plan limitations, premium deduction accuracy, and retro/refund payments. Benefits & Retirement Analyst III Performs additional functions (essential or otherwise) which may be assigned. Provides health and welfare plan interpretation and guidance when counseling employees. Monitors eligibility files, plan limitations, premium deduction accuracy, and retro/refund payments. Audits coverage comparisons with vendor data to the City of Memphis data. Assists in organizing and strategizing needs and implementation of enrollment activities. Researches and reports on regulatory trends and legislative requirement changes that impact the department. Typical Physical Demands Must be able to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing. Requires the ability to operate general office equipment such as a personal computer and telephone. Requires the ability to lift and carry objects such as multiple files weighing up to 15 lbs. Requires the ability to traverse throughout the office and stand for a long period of time. Requires the ability to perform functions that require attention to detail and the ability to focus on multiple tasks within stringent timelines. Typical Working Conditions Work is performed in an office environment. Qualifications Benefits & Retirement Analyst I Bachelor’s degree in Business or Public Administration or a related field, and three (3) years’ experience in employee health insurance and welfare benefits, including plan design, benchmarking, and compliance; or any combination of experience and training which enables one to perform the essential job functions. Working experience in health and welfare plan administration, consulting or program management, including working with COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, HSA, FSA, HDHPs, ERISA, and Health Care Reform is highly desirable. Working experience utilizing Oracle systems preferred. Benefits & Retirement Analyst II Bachelor’s degree in Business or Public Administration or a related field, and four (4) years’ experience in employee health insurance and welfare benefits, including plan design, benchmarking, and compliance; or any combination of experience and training which enables one to perform the essential job functions. Working experience in health and welfare plan administration, consulting or program management, including working with COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, HSA, FSA, HDHPs, ERISA, and Health Care Reform is highly desirable. Working experience utilizing Oracle systems preferred. Benefits & Retirement Analyst III Bachelor’s degree in Business or Public Administration or a related field, and five (5) years’ experience in employee health insurance and welfare benefits, including plan design, benchmarking, and compliance; or any combination of experience and training which enables one to perform the essential job functions. Working experience in health and welfare plan administration, consulting or program management, including working and monitoring compliance with COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, HSA, FSA, HDHPs, ERISA, and Health Care Reform is highly desirable. Working experience utilizing Oracle systems preferred. #J-18808-Ljbffr