Position Summary:The Manager, Benefits is responsible for ensuring the effective operation, delivery, and administration of the company Benefit and Leave of Absence programs in accordance with strategic objectives and all local, state and federal regulations.
Essential Functions of the Job:- Design and administer employee benefit programs, such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, education programs, and other supplemental benefit programs.
- Develop and implement strategies to optimize benefits offerings, providing cost-effective and attractive packages to meet the diverse needs of our workforce.
- Collaborate with insurance brokers, carriers, and other vendors to negotiate favorable contracts, monitor plan performance, and address any service or claims issues.
- Monitor industry trends and best practices, evaluate benchmark data, and recommend improvements or modifications to existing benefit programs.
- Oversee the open enrollment process, including plan renewals, partnering with brokers and benefits carriers, leadership engagement, and employee communications.
- Provides regular reporting to management on benefit utilization and claims to premium analysis.
- Reconciles benefits accounts by approving billing statements.
- Maintains benefit systems by initiating new-hire benefits and recording changes.
- Provide comprehensive support and assistance to employees regarding benefit plans, claims, and eligibility inquiries.
- Lead the development and delivery of benefit-related communication materials, including employee handbooks, brochures, online resources, and trainings.
- Manages the Leave Management program and Policies, while ensuring regulatory compliance with all Federal, State, and Local laws regarding FMLA, short and long term disability, state guaranteed leaves of absence, disability accommodation, and benefit administration.
- Oversee end-to-end processing of leave requests, ensuring strict adherence to laws like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and state-specific regulations like CFRA or PFL.
- Manage the ADA interactive process for workplace accommodations and coordinate smooth return-to-work or fitness-for-duty transitions.
- Act as the subject matter expert (SME) for the Benefits and Leave Management Programs, guiding employees and managers through eligibility, documentation, and statutory benefits.
- Ensure employee benefits policies and records are up-to-date and compliant with Federal and State requirements and advises management on needed actions.
- Stay up-to-date with relevant legislation, regulatory changes, and compliance requirements, ensuring our benefit programs remain legally compliant.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements:Education Required: Bachelor's Degree or equivalent years of experience or relevant experience.
Certifications/Licenses Required: Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) designation is preferred.
Experience Required: 5 years of progressive experience in Human Resources in a high-growth or high-volume industry. Prior experience in Benefits and Leave of Absence management strongly preferred.
Verbal and Written Skills Required to Perform the Job: Excellent oral, written communication, and interpersonal skills. Strong verbal, written, analytical, and persuasive skills and the ability to interact effectively with all levels of employees and management.
Technical Knowledge and Skills Required to Perform the Job:- Comprehensive understanding of federal and state regulations impacting benefits and leave administration, including ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, FMLA, ADA, Workers' Compensation, and applicable state leave laws.
- Proven skills in negotiation and diplomacy; you are able to find creative solutions to proactively drive people and teams forward.
- Deep knowledge of employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plans, wellness programs, and voluntary benefits.
- Proven ability to interpret complex legislation and regulatory requirements and translate them into practical policies, procedures, and employee communications.
- Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to leverage data, identify trends, assess program effectiveness, and provide recommendations that support business and workforce objectives.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience utilizing reporting tools and dashboards to analyze benefits utilization, leave trends, costs, and compliance metrics.
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, lead complex projects, and drive successful implementation of benefits and leave initiatives from planning through execution.
- Strong consultation, communication, and influencing skills with the ability to effectively partner with employees, leaders, vendors, and cross-functional stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism, sound judgment, and discretion.
Equipment Used: - Office Equipment such as computers, copiers, telephone, fax machines, etc. Microsoft Office suite including, PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Visio. HCM Systems.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements: - Prolonged sitting position. Traveling to other clinic sites and within County. May be required to work evenings and/or weekends and attend meetings outside of regular working hours.
