General Summary
Under general supervision, the Employee Benefit Specialist administers the Authority’s fringe benefit programs (including COBRA), tracks and monitors compliance with the provisions of the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for non-represented employees, and assists in administration of the Authority’s defined benefit pension plan and deferred compensation programs.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Administers various fringe benefit programs for full-time employees, their dependents, retirees and COBRA participants.
- Processes benefit enrollments, membership changes, reinstatements, cancellations and special adjustments utilizing the Human Resources Management System (HRMS).
- Audits and reconciles monthly insurance billings to ensure accurate and timely reporting of benefit changes; calculates amount due and submits to Finance Department for payment.
- Oversees collection of monthly insurance premium payments for retirees, COBRA participants, riders and employees on leave of absence and maintains a running worksheet.
- Serves as liaison between office supervisors, benefit providers and insurance company representatives to facilitate proper utilization of benefits.
- Conducts new employee benefit orientations.
- Coordinates annual open enrollment with various insurance carriers.
- Disseminates information to benefit recipients to advise on matters such as eligibility, changes in benefit coverage, rate changes, open enrollments, etc.
- Responds to internal and external inquiries relating to fringe benefit coverages and eligibility.
- Conducts periodic dependent eligibility audits for employee health care.
- Schedules third impartial and other physical examinations in accordance with Authority policy and/or contractual provisions; maintains records and approves payment.
- Reviews and tracks Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave for non-represented and Central Office ATU-Clerical represented employees. Verifies eligibility, validity, and proper documentation; approves requests as appropriate.
- Conducts and responds to fringe benefit and wage surveys.
- Assists in the administration of Authority defined benefit pension plan and deferred compensation programs.
- Performs other duties as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or related discipline.
- A minimum of four (4) years experience in Human Resources with at least two (2) years in group benefits preferred.
- A combination of education and experience may be substituted for minimum requirements.
- Proficient in the use of Windows-based MS Word and MS Excel applications.
- Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
- Strong analytical and organization skills.
- Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
