Benefits Coordinator (Confidential)

State Center Community College District•Fresno, CA

About The Position

Under direction, the Benefits Coordinator performs complex and varied technical, professional, and confidential work coordinating and administering the District’s benefits plans and workers’ compensation program. The role researches and analyzes information for labor negotiations, provides lead work direction to staff, and performs related duties as assigned. The position administers District benefit plans, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, retiree health, and workers’ compensation programs. It coordinates enrollment and orientations, works with vendors and insurance administrators, maintains benefit deductions and records, and ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, plan documents, and labor agreements. The role also conducts research for collective bargaining, supports employee return-to-work and accommodation discussions, develops and delivers training, and contributes to policy and process improvements. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and at least four years of progressively responsible experience in employee benefit plan administration, including workers’ compensation, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Work is generally performed under typical office conditions, with possible travel to other locations and schedule adjustments or overtime.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in human resources, business administration, public administration, accounting, or a closely related field, and at least four years of progressively responsible experience in employee benefit plan administration, including workers’ compensation; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Knowledge of benefit program design and administration, including eligibility, enrollment, claims processing, benefits reporting, and plan recordkeeping.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing pre- and post-tax benefit plans and employee records.
Knowledge of employee benefit plan contracts and coverage provisions; California Labor Code and workers’ compensation law; medical claims processing; applicable Education Code provisions; ACA, COBRA, and HIPAA regulations; and labor relations and collective bargaining practices.
Ability to interpret and ensure compliance with insurance and benefit laws, regulations, contracts, policies, and procedures, and to administer workers’ compensation requirements.
Ability to analyze benefits issues, evaluate alternatives, and make claims and eligibility decisions and recommendations in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Ability to perform calculations and accounting tabulations and accurately review and process fiscal and claims-related documents.
Ability to maintain employee benefit deductions accurately in an HRIS database.
Ability to set priorities, exercise sound judgment, communicate effectively orally and in writing, present training, follow instructions, use standard business software, and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to support historically minoritized groups and improve culturally responsive, equity-minded service practices.
Certain assignments may require a California driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District’s vehicle insurance program.
Regularly sit; communicate in person and by telephone; use hands repetitively to operate standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms. Frequently walk and stand, and lift up to 25 pounds.
Work may involve frequent interruptions, multiple concurrent tasks, intensive deadlines, detailed work, and interactions with people who may be dissatisfied, angry, or abusive.

Responsibilities

Provide input on staff training and day-to-day lead work guidance; schedule and monitor work for completeness, accuracy, compliance, and timeliness.
Provide input to the Vice Chancellor on employee work performance.
Administer District benefit plans, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability programs.
Coordinate daily benefits administration and work with vendors, brokers, insurance carriers, claims adjusters, and medical service providers on eligibility, coverage, premiums, claims, fees, plan requirements, and issue resolution.
Coordinate annual open enrollment, prepare and distribute enrollment information, conduct benefit orientations, coordinate enrollment for eligible employees, retirees, and dependents, and update payroll deductions.
Review benefit administration for compliance with federal and state regulations, plan documents, and labor agreements; interpret legislative, vendor, and contract requirements.
Ensure compliance with HIPAA, COBRA, the ACA, and IRS reporting requirements; coordinate 1095-C forms and oversee COBRA administration.
Complete or review long-term disability applications, conduct eligibility audits, prepare LTD payments, and correspond with insurance administrators.
Administer the District’s self-funded workers’ compensation plan, including claim forms, referrals, initial treatment authorization, leave usage, employee and manager discussions, return-to-work coordination, work restrictions, accommodations, and modified duties.
Conduct research and prepare proposals or input for collective bargaining.
Coordinate and conduct interactive discussions as needed.
Develop, prepare, and deliver training on District benefit programs.
Review and authorize ergonomic assessment requests and work with Environmental Health and Safety to reduce work-related accidents and injuries.
Maintain relationships with designated medical facilities and complete quarterly clinic reviews.
Coordinate retiree health benefits and assist with GASB/OPEB report research.
Participate in professional development to strengthen cultural competency and equity-minded practices.
Serve on or lead committees, work groups, and task forces; recommend, develop, implement, and revise policies, procedures, and operational guidelines.
Review, revise, and maintain benefit summary plan documents; update the District benefits website and intranet.
Perform related duties as assigned.