Benefits Specialist

Company: CommonBond Communities
Location: Saint Paul
Posted on: November 26, 2022

Job Description:

Home is the foundation for everything in life. Since 1971, our model has been about supporting residents in finding stability and achieving their goals. It's why we're more than housing-we combine quality affordable homes with our on-site Advantage Services-because we believe that with the right support and opportunities, all people can thrive. Today, over 13,000 people-families, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities and other barriers-call a CommonBond community "home." Our core values are Respect, Integrity, Partnership, Innovation, and Excellence. We live these values and look for people who embody them to represent our organization in the community. If this sounds like you, please consider joining our team

Why CommonBond Communities?:

Work-life balance
Competitive salary
Employee referral program
Comprehensive benefits package
Employee recognition and rewards program
A respectful and growth-oriented workplace
A chance to make a difference in the community!

CommonBond Communities invites qualified applicants to apply for the Benefits Specialist position at our Central Office located in Saint Paul ,MN . The Benefits Specialist position is responsible for directing and planning the day-to-day operations of group benefits and safety programs (group health, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, worker's compensation, FMLA, life insurance, travel, and accident plan, flexible spending plan, retirement plans, etc.). This position provides excellent customer service and designs quality benefits plans.

*Benefits Administration*

* Supervises and monitors benefits administration
* Oversee maintenance of employee benefits files, maintain group benefits database and update employee payroll records
* Coordinate daily benefits processing. Handle enrollments, COBRA, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, disability, accident and death claims, worker's comp claims, FMLA, rollovers, QDROs, QMCSOs, distributions, loans, hardships, and compliance testing
* Document and maintain administrative procedures for assigned benefits processes.

*Duties/Responsibilities: *

60%

*Benefits Administration - Daily Operations*

* Respond to daily benefit questions accurately and in a timely manner with our team members.
* Serve as primary contact for benefit carriers and the benefit broker.
* Manage all benefit-related transactions and processes.
* Partner with the UKG Administrator in IT for troubleshooting systems issues. Coordinate transfer of HRIS data to carriers.
* Evaluate and revise internal processes and recommend strategies to reduce costs and increase efficiencies.
* Document and maintain administrative procedures for assigned benefits processes.
* Ensure compliance with applicable government regulations and timeliness/accuracy of required reporting and associated fees.
* Manage the benefit invoice process for all carriers and process payments on a timely basis.
* Create internal audit protocols to ensure plan participant accuracy, compliance, and overall success of the plan.

30%

*Annual Renewal Process/Open Enrollment*

* Partner with Benefits Broker during the annual renewal process and help to determine the best benefit plans and premiums for the plan year.
* Manage and facilitate the monthly and annual open enrollment process.

10%

*Benefits Education and Training*

* Provide education and training for employees during the enrollment process and as needed.
* Create a regular schedule of benefits communications to share with plan participants to highlight benefit features or to provide clarification where needed.

*Benefits Plan Design*

* Partner with benefits broker to research employee benefits plans and vendors to identify those that present the best value; investigate new benefits programs, improve existing programs.
* Partner with benefits broker to design, recommend and implement new benefits programs. Examine possible plan designs and benefits cost changes
* Allocate group health and dental claims monthly and review quarterly
* Analyze current benefits, evaluate the use, services, coverage, effectiveness, cost, plan experience, and competitive trends in benefits programs, and identify the company's stance
* Evaluate and revise internal processes to reduce costs and increase efficiency
* Review both short- and long-range cost estimates/projections and relevant statistical analyses regarding modifications in benefits programs and implementation of new programs.
* Survey industry trends. Complete benefits surveys and review information obtained from the results. Analyze complex benefits information. Forecast trends and assist with future benefits designs. Develop specific recommendations for review by management
* Monitor administrative costs of benefits programs and recommend cost containment strategies, including alternative methods for administration and funding. Prepare budgetary recommendations and assist in the monitoring, verifying, and reconciling of budgeted funds

*Education and Experience: *

* Preferred Bachelor's degree in human resource management or a related field, and a minimum of three to five years of benefits experience.
* Preferred one of the following certifications HRP, SHRP, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP; however, CEBS professional designation is a plus.

*Required Skills and Abilities: *

* Excellent customer service and communication skills.
* Strong analytical skills and a thorough knowledge of benefit plan designs.
* Knowledge of all pertinent federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements, both adopted and pending, affecting employee benefits programs, including the ACA, ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125, workers' compensation, Medicare, and Social Security and DOL requirements
* Knowledge of benefits contract language.
* Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to use Microsoft products, including PowerPoint; experience with HRIS (UKG preferred but not required) and benefits carrier databases.
* Effective planning and priority setting and the ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines.
* Excellent project and team management skills and experience.

*Physical Requirements: *

* Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
* Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:
* 401(k)
* 401(k) matching
* Dental insurance
* Health insurance
* Life insurance
* Paid time off
* Vision insurance
Schedule:
* 8 hour shift

Ability to commute/relocate:
* Saint Paul, MN 55116: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Saint Paul, MN 55116%58047475%

Keywords: CommonBond Communities, St. Paul , Benefits Specialist, Other , Saint Paul, Minnesota