Benefits Assistant

State of Nebraska • Lincoln, NE

1d

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Benefits Assistant provides advanced technical and administrative support for processing, coordinating, tracking, and monitoring program-administrative functions, and performs technical processing for specialized department functions. The position requires knowledge of employee benefits programs and State Personnel procedures. Work is performed efficiently with periodic supervisor or work-leader review; the employee consults a supervisor before implementing most decisions or resolving unusual circumstances.

The role interacts with agency staff and customers, peers at other agencies, and representatives of public officials to answer questions, exchange or obtain information, resolve complex processing issues, support compliance with policies, explain procedures, coordinate activities, and report data. The position supports Nebraska employee benefit programs, including health and dental coverage, FSAs, HSAs, pre-tax premiums under the Section 125 plan, life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, the Employee Assistance Program, COBRA, and early retirement plans.

Requirements

• Coursework, training, or experience related to research, presentation, or publication in an area related to the employing agency’s programs or functions; business administration; accounting; customer service; and/or technical support work.
• Experience or training using computer software such as word processing, spreadsheets, and database management.
• Knowledge of insurance program principles and theory, insurance contracts, specialized benefits, terminology and practices, and federal and state laws governing employee benefit programs.
• Knowledge of COBRA laws and regulations, IRS code, Section 125, ERISA laws and regulations, accounting principles and procedures, employee-benefits recordkeeping methods, and advanced research methods.
• Skills in active listening, asking questions, understanding instructions, word processing, creating spreadsheets, charts, graphs and reports, managing time and priorities, monitoring program performance, and applying critical thinking.
• Ability to apply state and federal laws, regulations, manuals, policies, and procedures to employee-benefit decisions using independent judgment.
• Ability to communicate the basis for benefit decisions to government officials, attorneys, employees, and the public.
• Ability to use and explain automated database, accounting, and management information systems used in employee-benefit programs.
• Ability to interpret laws, regulations, technical manuals, policies, procedures, and other documents; present information clearly to employees individually and in groups; and handle confidential and stressful situations.
• Ability to analyze, review, and compile information; prepare complex written reports on technical statutory and carrier-contract issues; and formulate practices and procedures for new projects.

Nice To Haves

• Wellness and benefits experience.
• Knowledge and understanding of plans offered by the State of Nebraska and general insurance industry standards.
• Workday system knowledge and willingness to learn other systems used by vendors.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing, interpreting, and implementing policies, standards, and procedures related to federal and state benefit regulations.
• Participate in committees, task forces, and meetings to provide and gather information about state benefit programs in support of the administrator.
• Review, analyze, and apply IRS code, regulations, and decisions concerning FSA programs to maintain the plan’s qualified status.
• Investigate complex, difficult, and volatile complaints concerning the Employee Benefits program.
• Support other Employee Benefits staff as part of a team and provide information about State of Nebraska employee benefit programs.
• Monitor and run reports concerning FSA payment information.
• Review insurance-manual updates received from carriers and notify the administrator of discrepancies.
• Print, distribute, and file updates in Personnel’s insurance manual, FSA booklet, application forms, and termination forms.
• Answer benefit surveys, evaluate plan renewals, and draft, release, and analyze Requests for Proposals (RFPs).
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the classification.

Benefits

• Stable employment opportunity.
• Career development and learning.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• 156% match on the first 4.8% contribution to the Retirement Plan.
• 13 paid holidays.
• Generous leave accruals and benefits.
• Opportunity to be part of a caring organization.
• Comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement, and professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed