HR/Benefits Specialist

SUMMARY :

The HR/Benefits Specialist responds to incoming requests for employees, their family members and retirees concerning TMCH’s benefit offerings & human resources policies.   Performs operational and transactional duties in relation to administering benefits and answering general HR questions.  Provides assistance to employees regarding the use of their benefits.  Provides employee customer service through various channels while managing all benefits related eligibility processing.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

Performs tactical and operational tasks for employee benefit programs such as medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, disability, wellness, etc. 

Responds to employee HR questions and concerns by thoroughly researching and investigating the issue(s) and reporting back the finding to the employee. 

Works directly with benefit vendors, members of Human Resources, Payroll and Information Services as appropriate to investigate and address employee issues to full resolution.

Ensures all benefit information in all relevant databases is current and accurate.  Reviews, verifies, and stores documentation associated with qualifying life events and status changes.  Enters enrollment information directly into vendor databases as required.

Generates and analyzes various reports to ensure eligibility of family members for benefit program enrollment and payroll benefits premiums paid through payroll deduction.

Conducts monthly and quarterly audits as assigned to ensure compliance of contracts and/or regulatory items.

Administers Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Leave of Absence (LOA) programs.  Assists employees transitioning to leave of absence status, work release or needing to continue a leave program. 

Coordinates ADA documentation and tracking with Employee Relations as required for eligible employees.

Processes time entry audit for employees on leave of absence status, working with members of Payroll to ensure accurate time reporting.

Assists in preparing benefits information and packets for newly eligible employees, status changes and qualifying events.  Participates and/or assists Benefits Specialist Sr. with coordination of new hire orientation.

Communicates with carriers and employees regarding coverage changes.  Assists employees in filing benefit claims with carriers as needed.

Collaborates with Payroll/Finance to ensure billing and payroll deductions are accurate.

Produces and disseminates LOA Benefits Billing statements as appropriate. 

Receives and allocates online credit card and check payments resulting from LOA billing and prepares formal deposit report.  Sends out bills, collects premiums, and then reconciles reports.

Provides administrative support for HR Department as needed such as inventory supplies, orders orientation materials, and other benefit information as needed.

Analyzes current processes and makes recommendations for continuous improvement.

Assists team or Benefits Manager with special projects as assigned.

Ensures that work achieves measurable goals for customer satisfaction, compliance, and data accuracy.  Monitors call abandonment numbers along with call in and out ensuring lean compliance and quality.

Adheres to and supports team members in exhibiting TMCH values of integrity, community, compassion, and dedication. 

Adheres to TMCH organizational and department-specific safety, confidentiality, values, policies and standards.  

Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION:  Associates Degree in Human Resources or Business Administration or an equivalent combination of education and experience .

EXPERIENCE : Three (3) years of HR & Benefits experience in coordination with Payroll; bilingual in conversational Spanish preferred.

LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION : None required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES :  

• Knowledge and skill to work with the latest technology in Benefits Management with training in software such as Microsoft applications. 
• Knowledge of ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, Medicare and associated regulations and ADP skills a plus.
• Knowledge of HRIS systems, training in PeopleSoft preferred.
• Skill in providing excellent oral and written communications and presenting information through various channels.
• Skill in performing basic business math to include the ability to calculate figures and compute rate and percent.
• Ability to work with high levels of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to adapt to changing assignments and provide enthusiasm to work in an environment that supports new ideas and change.
• Ability to multi-task and change priorities as required
• Ability to compile, analyze, present, and interpret plan documents
• Ability to work with high levels of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions