Benefits Manager

Ada S. McKinley Community Services, Inc•Chicago, IL

4d•$75,000 - $87,000•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general direction of the VP of Human Resources, the Benefits Manager oversees health and welfare benefits, retirement & 403(b) plans, leave administration, wellness initiatives, and benefits communications to ensure employees receive competitive and equitable benefits that support retention and organizational sustainability. The Benefits Manager also serves as the HR Payroll liaison with the Finance Payroll function and supports HR operations and employee engagement initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources Management, Organizational Development, Business Administration, or a related area.
A minimum of 5-7 years of progressive benefits administration and human resources experience is required.
Must be proficient with various software applications, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and proficient in the use of HRIS software.
5 years of experience and knowledge of laws and regulations affecting benefits, i.e., ERISA, COBRA, FICA, Section 125, FMLA, FLSA, HIPAA, is required.
Ability to manage own workflow and to resolve problems/questions with supervisor.
Ability to work overtime as required, or early hours when appropriate.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and rapport with managers, employees, vendors, and department heads.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively deliver information tactfully without causing rancor and conflict, are essential.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of all information.
The ability to organize, analyze, interpret, and present and exchange data clearly to solve problems and demonstrate accuracy when working with details.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of UKG or other time/attendance systems is preferred.
SHRM or HRCI certification and experience with nonprofit, healthcare, social services, or community organizations preferred.

Responsibilities

Administer all employee benefits programs, including health, dental, life, vision, disability, retirement plans, paid time off (PTO), and leaves of absence, in accordance with Agency policy.
Ensure accurate recordkeeping and benefit account reconciliations.
Serve as HR payroll administrator providing pay information to the Finance Payroll Manager, via the HR Payroll Summary that includes new hires, terminations, FMLA information, salary changes, and adjustments.
In coordination with the Finance Payroll Manager and the HR Generalist, perform payroll audit for each pay period, ensuring appropriate benefit deductions and payroll summary changes using the UKG information system.
Administer the 403(b) plan and closed Retirement plan (i.e., assist closed pension plan vendor and 403(b) plan Administrator with requests for benefit distributions, update annually the employee census information profile, and submit to the broker, and maintain employee/retiree pension files and documents).
Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies.
Keep confidentiality of all information and adhere to the Agency’s Code of Ethics.
Complete special assignments or projects as required or directed.
Ensure programs meet employee needs, are cost-effective, and comply with applicable laws and regulations, including ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and State leave laws.
Coordinate required reporting, audits, and filings. Maintain plan documents, summaries, and compliance notices.
Prepare and communicate information to employees and former employees about Agency benefits, procedures, changes, and government-mandated disclosures.
Maintain and apply knowledge of legal requirements and government reporting regulations affecting benefits, personnel records, and ensure that related policies, procedures, and reporting comply.
Serve as primary contact for brokers, carriers, and third-party administrators.
Assist in benefits renewals, vendor negotiations, and plan evaluations.
Monitor vendor performance and service delivery.
Participate in market benchmarking and cost analysis activities.
Coordinate and/or conduct benefits annual open enrollment, process enrollment changes to the carrier, provide employee education, and manage benefits communication.
Onboard benefits for new hires and provide ongoing employee support.
Maintains carrier contact to investigate/resolve discrepancies expeditiously.
Develop benefits communications and counsel employees on benefits-related issues.
Resolve employee questions and problems by interpreting benefit policies and procedures.
Respond to employee inquiries regarding eligibility, claims, coverage, retirement plans, and leave programs.
Resolve escalated benefits issues with carriers and vendors.
Promote employee wellness and work-life balance initiatives.
Develop benefits of communication materials and presentations.
Maintain benefits records and ensure HRIS data integrity.
Generate reports related to enrollment, utilization, and benefits costs.
Support budgeting and forecasting for employee benefits expenses.
Ensure benefits account reconciliations and accurate enrollment, changes, terminations, and qualifying events in UKG, carrier systems, and for COBRA processing.
Manage the benefits module in the UKG human resource information system (HRIS), maintain interfaces with appropriate vendors, and support the leave management process.