Benefits Manager

Benefits Manager

Location: Chillicothe, Ohio

Full Time

The Benefits Manager is responsible for the administration, implementation, and continuous improvement of the organization's health and welfare benefits, leave of absence programs, retirement programs, and well-being initiatives. Reporting to the Director of Total Rewards, this role partners closely with Human Resources leadership and organizational leaders to deliver competitive, compliant, and caregiver-centered programs that support attraction, retention, and the overall caregiver experience. The Benefits Manager serves as the organization's subject matter expert for benefits, retirement plan oversight, leave administration, and well-being programs and provides recommendations to support the Total Rewards strategy and organizational objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Required Educational Degree: Bachelor's Degree
• Major/Area of Concentration: Human Resources, Business or related
• Preferred Education: Master's Degree
• Required Certifications, Credentials and Licenses: De-escalation training within 6 months.
• Preferred Certifications, Credentials and Licenses: CEBS, CBP, SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP, or PHR/SPHR
• Required Experience: 5-7 years of progressive experience in benefits administration, total rewards, or human resources that included benefit strategy, planning and operations, with demonstrated leadership experience.
• Preferred Experience: Healthcare human resources focused on benefits experience preferred

Job Specific Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of health and welfare benefits, retirement plan administration, leave administration, and applicable federal and state regulations.
• Proven ability to analyze data, interpret trends, and make strategic recommendations.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and commitment to confidentiality.
• Advanced knowledge of benefits compliance reporting, including Form 5500 preparation and ACA reporting requirements.
• Experience with benefits analytics tools and data visualization is a plus.
• Strong vendor negotiation and contract management skills.
• Ability to design and deliver caregiver education programs and benefits communications.
• Knowledge of healthcare cost containment strategies and population health management.

Job Specific Essential Functions

Health & Welfare Benefits

• Manage the day-to-day administration of all health and welfare benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision life, disability, retirement savings, and voluntary benefits.
• Support the Director of Total Rewards and HRIS in the development and implementation of benefits strategy and annual priorities.
• Analyze market trends, utilization data, and caregiver feedback to make recommendations for program enhancements.
• Lead the planning and execution of annual open enrollment activities.
• Oversee benefits administration processes, system configurations, and vendor relationships.
• Develop and maintain benefit policies, procedures, and educational materials.

Retirement Programs

• Oversee the administration and governance of retirement programs, including 403(b), 457(b), 457(f) and other defined contribution plans.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA and fiduciary responsibilities, including coordination of plan audits and Form 5500 filings.
• Partner with recordkeepers, investment advisors, and third-party administrators to ensure effective plan management.
• Monitor plan performance, participation, and utilization trends and recommend enhancements to improve outcomes.
• Develop and deliver retirement education and financial wellness resources to caregivers.

Leave of Absence and Disability Management

• Act as subject matter expert for the administration of all leave and disability programs, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, workers' compensation, military leave, and personal leaves of absence.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local leave regulations.
• Partner with third-party administrators and internal stakeholders to ensure timely and effective case management.
• Monitor leave trends and provide recommendations to improve program effectiveness and caregiver experience.
• Develop reporting and metrics related to leave administration and return-to-work outcomes.

Well-Being Programs

• Lead the implementation and administration of Adena's well-being initiatives.
• Partner with leaders and stakeholders to promote a culture of well-being and increase caregiver engagement.
• Manage vendor relationships associated with employee assistance programs, wellness platforms, and well-being initiatives.
• Evaluate participation and outcomes and recommend opportunities for enhancement.

Compliance and Governance

• Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, and other applicable regulations.
• Coordinate annual filings, notices, and compliance activities.
• Maintain plan documents and supporting documentation.

Financial and Vendor Management

• Monitor vendor performance and recommend opportunities for service improvements and cost optimization.
• Support annual renewal and vendor negotiation activities led by the Director of Total Rewards and HRIS.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Serve as the primary point of contact and subject matter expert for benefits, retirement, leave, and well-being programs.
• Provide guidance and education to leaders, HR Business Partners, Talent Acquisition, and caregivers.
• Lead departmental projects and participate in organizational initiatives.
• Prepare reports, analyses, and recommendations for the Director of Total Rewards and HRIS and organizational leadership.