Please note that Jackson Walker is not currently accepting search firm submissions in connection with this opening.
Benefits & Wellness ManagerFLSA Status: Exempt
Department: Human Resources Department
Reports to: Benefits Director
The Benefits & Wellness Manager leads efforts in the planning, development, and administration of benefits strategies and practices. This role is responsible for day-to-day administration of the Firm's benefits for all employees. A benefits certification and college degree are preferred along with a minimum of 7 years of experience and 3-5 years working with an employer of 500+ insurance users.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: "Essential functions" are primarily job duties that incumbents must be able to perform unassisted or with some reasonable accommodation made by the employer.
- Manage the administration and record-keeping of all benefit plans and wellness program.
- Maintain employee benefit records and prepare required reports.
- Provide claim resolution on behalf of employees, as requested.
- Maintain open communication with the Firm's insurance broker, Third Party Administrator and vendors. Schedule and coordinate Open Enrollment meetings with same.
- Monitor Intranet - Benefits Page and maintain accuracy of information.
- Monitor STD, LTD and Work Place Injury/Workers Compensation claims.
- Review and manage start-to finish Workers Compensation claims, including investigation process.
- Process all COBRA paperwork; notify all carriers of terminations/resignations; follow-up with letters, payments as required with outsourced provider, COBRA Compliance.
- Conduct new hire benefit orientations and assist in online enrollment, as required.
- Provide all benefit deduction information to Payroll.
- Work with Accounting and Payroll to resolve any differences between monthly invoice amounts and employee payroll deductions.
- Pay all benefit bills in a timely manner, after auditing statements from insurance vendors.
- Schedule Employee Assistance Provider (EAP) seminars at least once annually.
- Attend HIPAA committee meetings, as requested.
- Attend management level insurance meetings, as requested.
- Notify Director of Benefits of any problems requiring attention/support.
- Present recommendations for program enhancements and/or cost savings to Senior Management.
- Analyze current benefits, evaluating usage, services, coverage, effectiveness, cost, plan experience, and competitive trends in benefits programs.
- Delegate the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary for carrying out assigned duties.
- Responsible for hiring, training, and supervising the Benefits/Wellness Assistant in accordance with company policy and procedures.
- Review and modify, with legal consultation, benefit documentation, such as original and amended plan documents, agreements, and insurance policies. Instruct insurance carriers, trustees, and other administrative agencies outside of the company to effect changes in benefits program. Ensures prompt and accurate compliance.
- Review health benefit tax filings for accuracy and ensure timely delivery to the IRS.
- Manage/prepare as necessary ACA reporting.
- Prepare budgetary recommendations for benefits and wellness.
- Provide backup coverage for the Payroll Manager as needed.
Knowledge, skills and abilities required:- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; including organization and priority action decisions. Ability to handle confidential information with discretion. Close attention to detail; high degree of accuracy.
- Basic math skills to include percentage-based computations. Technical skills to include personal computer in word processing and spreadsheet applications.
Working Conditions: Normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise and temperature.
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements.
