Benefits Specialist

State of Montana•Helena, MT

About The Position

As part of the Department of Administration, the Health Care & Benefits Division is dedicated to administering cost effective employee benefit programs in support of state employees, legislators, retirees, and their families. The position serves as a point-of-contact for state employee benefit plan members for benefit plan questions, assistance in resolving benefits related issues, and addressing member concerns. Duties include, but are not limited to: maintaining comprehensive knowledge of state employee benefit plans and associated benefit administration systems; providing customer service via face-to-face contact, phone, email, and mail to eligible plan members and State of Montana agency HR and payroll staff; solving complex eligibility issues for plan members; tracking member touch points utilizing a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tracking system; completing manual enrollment of eligible members into benefit offerings when necessary; providing service support for all employee benefit programs, including but not limited to medical, dental, prescription, vision, life, wellness, and incentive programs; working directly with third-party claims administrators and vendors to research and resolve issues for members; and independently researching transaction details regarding accounting discrepancies to recommend corrective action.

Requirements

Associate degree in a related field or two or more years of relevant job experience. Alternate combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Advanced level of verbal and written communication skills and ability to organize thoughts and explain complex concepts. Ability to interact with employees, managers, and others in both positive and challenging situations.
Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality, as this position has frequent contact and access to confidential information.
Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships.
Demonstrated accuracy and thoroughness to ensure quality work output.
Adaptability to changes in the work environment; management of competing priorities; and capacity to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
Appropriate identification and resolution of problems within areas of responsibility.
Working knowledge of insurance terminology and ability to read and understand complex plan documents.
Understanding of basic math and ability to problem solve financial situations.
Basic knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to employee benefits administration and eligibility criteria.
Follow precise directions and learn complex processes and procedures
Work in a team environment and support other job duties
Effectively use Microsoft Office Suite and document customer interactions in case management tracking software
Indpendently plan, organize, gather information and conduct research
Give full attention to what others are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, not interrupting at inappropriate times, and draw correct conclusions from convoluted explanations
Organize work with minimal oversight and communicate needs with direct supervisor

Responsibilities

maintaining comprehensive knowledge of state employee benefit plans and associated benefit administration systems
providing customer service via face-to-face contact, phone, email, and mail to eligible plan members and State of Montana agency HR and payroll staff
solving complex eligibility issues for plan members
tracking member touch points utilizing a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tracking system
completing manual enrollment of eligible members into benefit offerings when necessary
providing service support for all employee benefit programs, including but not limited to medical, dental, prescription, vision, life, wellness, and incentive programs
working directly with third-party claims administrators and vendors to research and resolve issues for members
independently researching transaction details regarding accounting discrepancies to recommend corrective action