Lead Benefits Specialist

The Lead Benefits Specialist is responsible for performing a wide variety of benefit support functions, including but not limited to benefit policy and procedure interpretation, benefit and retirement administration, regulatory compliance, wellness objectives, training and customer service for Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona (GCNA) and its affiliated entities. Trains, mentors and gives work direction to other less experienced Benefits Specialists. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Partners with Leaders, HR Business Partners, and Third-Party administrators in the weekly process of Team Members eligibility. Trains, mentors and gives work direction to other less experienced Benefits Specialists. Builds relationships with Team Members and Leaders, and acts as a point of contact for our Insurance Carriers. Effectively communicates daily via phone, mail, and email to Team Member inquiries and requests regarding their benefits. Works with Supervisor on communication strategies designed to effectively communicate new and existing Benefits, Retirement, and Wellness programs to Team Members. Responsible for reconciling bills from carriers as well as internal and external system audits, as needed. Performs 401k plan administration including but not limited to enrollments, terminations, contribution changes, change of address, employer matching, audit preparation, reviews hardship withdrawal requests, and provides monthly audit reporting. Responsible for assisting in the planning and organizing of the annual open enrollment process for all GCNA Team Members. Includes scheduling and organizing facilities, preparing documents, coordination with insurance company representatives and other vendors, coordinating and scheduling staffing for all open enrollment activities, etc. Coordinates dissemination of information with providers. Assists Supervisor and Brokers to design, evaluate and recommend modifications to the benefit programs, as well as wellness initiatives to ensure that programs are current, competitive, and in compliance with all legal requirements. Assists with Team Member retro-payment adjustments for benefits after the effective date of enrollment, changes, terminations, etc. and partners with Payroll for processing. Assists with the reporting requirements of all relevant government rules and regulations, including the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Tracks and processes medical support orders, including any follow-up that may be needed. Reviews audit reports generated by various sources and resolves benefit data discrepancies. Mediates between benefit providers and Team Members, such as assisting in handling Team Member’s routine benefit-related questions. Assists with the wellness program, including impactful events and challenges for all GCNA Team Members that promote well-being. This may require travel to other locations. Coordinates with vendor on the Team Member notification of COBRA eligibility to household members and Team Members that are on a leave of absence; includes notification to household members of eligibility for COBRA, etc. when benefits are discontinued. Ensures the tickets in Jira for 401k and benefit related questions are reviewed on a regular basis, providing information to Team Members inquiring about GCNA’s 401k and benefit plans. Maintains current knowledge of State and Federal legislation regarding Team Member benefits or anything that may impact Team Member benefits including Health Care Reform. Contributes to building a cohesive work environment by working together as a team. Models Goodwill Core Values – Trust, Collaboration, Engagement, Ownership, and Innovation. Performs other related duties, as assigned. Minimum Qualifications (Education, Experience, Skills) High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience 4+ years’ related experience, specifically with benefits compliance, medical insurance, and working with external provider partners is required Excellent written and verbal communication skills Ability to speak and read English proficiently Insight to remain objective when handling sensitive customer service issues Capable of handling multiple calls on a consistent basis due to heavy phone volume Versatility to work in an office setting with other Team Members that reflects an environment of constant movement and multi-tasking Proficient in MS Office skills including Word and Outlook Must have strong Excel skills Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly, with a strong attention to detail by focusing on the minute details of a project or task Ability to be self-directed and show initiative Ability to work independently and with a team Ability to pass a background check and drug screen, where applicable for position Reasonable Accommodation Statement: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. You will be eligible for a comprehensive Total Rewards package, 1st of the month following 60 days of employment that includes the following: 3 Medical Plans. Employer Funded Health Reimbursement Account (HRA). Vision Plan. 401K Traditional and Roth Plans. Employer Paid Life Insurance. Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Paid Time Off; Sick and Vacation. Paid Holidays. These are just a few highlights of our key benefit offerings! Become a valued member of an organization where good work meets community impact. Our mission is: Empowering Individuals, Strengthening Families, and Building Stronger Communities. Goodwill provides no-cost career development, training, and education services to help individuals build a better life for themselves and their families. Our core values are Trust, Collaboration, Engagement, Ownership, and Innovation. Everything we accomplish as a team is centered around these core values. Together, we create an inclusive and welcoming environment for each other. With stores conveniently located near you, you can work for a company where team strength and success are valued and encouraged. Join our team and gain opportunities for job growth at Goodwill and beyond. Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified individuals seeking employment are considered without regard to race (including traits associated with race, e.g., hairstyles), color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, disability, military status, age, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state and local fair employment practice laws. Individuals with a disability may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or state or local laws. Please contact Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona at View phone number on click.appcast.io option 6 or View email address on click.appcast.io if you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. For questions about your application or employment with Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona, please contact our Candidate Support Line at View phone number on click.appcast.io, option 5. #J-18808-Ljbffr Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona