Benefits Manager

Community Medical Services•Scottsdale, AZ

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Community Medical Services (CMS) is hiring a Benefits Manager. The Benefits Manager is responsible for the design, administration, communication, and compliance of the organization’s employee benefits programs. This role ensures competitive, cost-effective, and compliant benefits offerings that support employee well-being and align with organizational strategy. The Benefits Manager serves as a subject-matter expert on benefits, manages vendor relationships, leaves of absence, and provides guidance to leadership and employees on benefits-related matters. As part of our mission to help individuals recover from substance use disorders, you’ll thrive in a supportive, engaging, and fulfilling work environment where your contributions are valued. Along the way, we’ll invest in your well-being through a benefits package that includes: Subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance Health savings account Short and long-term disability insurance Life insurance Paid sick, vacation, and holiday time 401K retirement plan with match Tuition and CME reimbursement up to 100% Employee assistance program to support your mental health and wellness Ongoing professional development

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required (Master’s preferred).
5–8+ years of benefits or total rewards experience.
Strong regulatory, analytical, and communication skills.
CEBS, SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR/SPHR certifications.
Industry-specific experience.
Large-scale open enrollment or system implementation experience.
Strategic thinking
Compliance expertise
Data-driven decision making
Vendor negotiation
Employee-focused communication
Extended computer use.
Ability to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

Benefits Strategy & Program Management
Design, implement, and manage employee benefits programs including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, leave, and wellness and 401(k) programs.
Evaluate benefits offerings to ensure market competitiveness and employee value.
Analyze utilization, trends, and costs to recommend plan improvements.
Support total rewards strategy in collaboration with EXT leadership.
Compliance & Risk Management
Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, and applicable state laws.
Prepare and manage filings, audits, and regulatory reporting.
Maintain accurate plan documentation and policies.
Vendor & Broker Management
Manage brokers, carriers, and third-party administrators.
Lead renewals, RFPs, and negotiations.
Monitor vendor performance and resolve escalated issues.
Employee Communication & Support
Develop benefits communications and educational materials.
Lead annual open enrollment and post enrollment.
Provide expert-level employee support.
Train HR team members and managers.
Financial & Data Analysis
Analyze claims data and cost drivers.
Prepare leadership reports and dashboards.
Systems & Process Management
Oversee benefits administration systems and HRIS integrations.
Ensure data accuracy and payroll coordination.
Improve workflows and controls.
Leave Administration
Administer and manage all leave programs including FMLA, workers' compensation, state disability, paid family leave, and company leave policies.
Evaluate leave requests for eligibility, coordinate with employees and managers, and ensure compliance with federal and state leave laws.
Partners with HRBP team and third party leave administrator to evaluate ADA reasonable accommodation requests, engaging in the interactive process with employees, and coordinate implementation of approved accommodations.
Manage workers' compensation claims process, including reporting, documentation, return-to-work coordination, and vendor communication.
Maintain accurate leave tracking systems, generate reports on leave usage and trends, and ensure proper documentation and record retention.
Partner with third-party leave administrators anddisability carriers
Administer COBRA continuation coverage through 3rd party carrier, including qualifying event determination, notice distribution, premium collection, and compliance with federal and state continuation requirements.
Monitor COBRA eligibility periods through 3rd party carrier, manage election and termination processes, and coordinate with benefits carriers and third-party COBRA administrators.
Leadership & Collaboration
Manage or mentor benefits staff as applicable.
Partner with payroll, finance, legal, and HR.
Support wellness, DEI, and engagement initiatives.