Benefits Specialist

LATICRETE International

About The Position

Are you looking for a new challenge? Passionate about innovation? Want to work for a global company that values integrity, teamwork, and loyalty? At LATICRETE International, we aim to be the leading construction brand trusted globally for high-performance tile and stone installation systems and building finishing solutions. We’ve been in business for over 65 years, family-owned for three generations, and can be found in over 100 countries. The Hartford Business Journal even named us one of Connecticut’s top family-owned companies in 2017! We don't just make innovative, industry-leading products. Our purpose is to improve the built world and the lives of those who build it. We strive to connect with, engage with and improve the lives of our employees, our customers, our partners, and the global communities in which we operate. We are seeking passionate and ambitious employees who want to make a difference not just within our organization, but within their communities, our industry, and the world. If that sounds like you, then what are you waiting for? Join the family and expand your horizons! The Benefits Specialist is a hands-on position responsible for the implementation, administration and communication of all benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life/disability, voluntary benefits, wellness, 401k, deferred compensation, workers compensation and leaves of absence. This position develops and maintains day-to-day relationships with all plan vendors and regularly reviews all processes, issues and upcoming changes. This position is responsible for benefits compliance, including plan audits, government filings, plan documents/summary plan descriptions and reporting. In addition, this position works with the data configuration and underlying account structures with each carrier and ensures data integrity for all benefit systems (including on-line enrollment system, carrier integration etc.). This position also develops, reviews and implements supporting processes to ensure accurate and seamless delivery of programs to employees and accurate vendor payments/accounting. The Benefits Specialist works closely with the Manager, Human Resources, external vendors/consultants, and employees.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with a concentration in business administration, human resources, or equivalent work experience.
7+ years’ experience in employee benefits with a focus on health & welfare administration as well as 401k.
Understanding of systems (enrollment, supporting systems, configuration and structure set up) and payroll processes, Workday a plus.
This position requires clear understanding of benefit terminology and various laws and regulations required for compliant administration of benefit programs.
Knowledge of current market costs, trends and design for benefit plans.
Intermediate knowledge of Excel, Word, Power Point and Outlook Required.
Benefits experience including medical, dental (both self-insured), vision, STD (self-insured), LTD, voluntary benefits, wellness, 401K enrollment and beneficiary info, FMLA / Leaves of Absence, Workers’ Comp.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written with a strong customer service focus and desire to deliver best in class services to employees/managers/and business partners.
Ability to maintain high level of trust and confidentiality, and using discretion when communicating sensitive information.
High sense of urgency; ability to prioritize multiple simultaneous projects to meet deadlines, and maintain a high degree of organization – project-planning skills required.
Ability to recognize problems/issues & resolve/recommend process improvements.
Ability to work with outside professionals such as attorneys and vendors.
Ability to work in a team environment with multiple business units; foster cooperation.
Understanding of financial principals related to employee benefit plans.

Nice To Haves

Workday a plus.

Responsibilities

Health and Welfare Benefits Administration (25%) Responsible for overseeing the day to day administration of employee benefit programs such as health insurance, wellness, disability insurance, FMLA Administration, life and AD&D insurance, employee assistance program (EAP). Provide guidance on employee questions to ensure comprehension of plan designs and details. Act as liaison between broker and employee to troubleshoot claims issues. Ensure accuracy of file feeds, maintains and updates feeds and resolves data issues with carriers. Manage Annual Open Enrollment process (systems, communications, active, retiree, COBRA). Maintain and distribute current benefits information and compliance documents at all locations as well as company intranet content. Work with internal accounting team and external consultants to monitor claims funding, billing. Reconcile and resolve billing discrepancies with broker and/or carriers. Perform routine self-audits and prepare reports for HR, Finance and Accounting teams. Ensure appropriate document retention in compliance with federal and state laws and policies.
Onboarding, Ancillary Benefits, Communications and HR Administration (20%) In partnership with the Manager of Human Resources and HR team, develops and implements on-going benefits communications strategy. Reviews and pays periodic vendor invoices and tracks expenses (consulting/trust expenses). Conduct formal onboarding meeting with new hires to review Workday benefits elections and education and all required tasks. Administration of Unemployment Claims. Reviews, tracks and records, eligibility and disbursement of Tuition Education Reimbursement. Plans wellness events and tracks wellness funding according to budget. Ensures that all processes are properly maintained, up-to-date, as well as documentation to also include medical files, personnel files, I-9 documentation, etc. Directly creates or modifies processes and configuration as necessary by working closely with internal HRIS, payroll and Finance to identify research and resolve issues. Works with external vendors to ensure accurate configuration and maintenance of all supporting systems and processes including file feeds, interfaces, workflow (systems as well as any underlying subgroup structures). Additionally responsible for holiday calendar, prescription safety glass benefits, tuition reimbursement, employee recognition, monitoring of group email boxes,
Leave Administration (20%) Administer FMLA, ADA, leaves of absence and short term and Long term disability claims. Communicate rights, policies and expectations to employees requesting leave. Draft and send letters/forms to employees regarding approval or changes to leave status. Generate and distribute weekly leave report. Monitor and track claims and work closely with Payroll to ensure accurate compensation and benefit premium payment.
Workers Compensation & OSHA (10%) Receives and processes Workers Compensation claims through WC provider. Manages Workers compensation case and coordinates with Payroll to ensure accurate comp/benefits. Assesses company liability and exposure with claims (claim investigations, settlements, and litigation). Participates in monthly Safety Committee meetings for accident risk management. Maintains and records all Workers’ Compensation Forms for OSHA reporting. Partners with Manager, EHS to complete annual OSHA compliance posting and electronic filing. Coordinates Return to Work programs (temporary, limited, light duty).
401k & Deferred Compensation (15%) Manage day-to-day changes (election changes, address, and employment status changes) to ensure proper data transfer to payroll. Administration and collection of loans/withdrawals. Partners with Finance, 401k Administrator and Broker to perform compliance testing and required filings (5500, non-discrimination testing, etc). Coordinate on-site and virtual educational seminars through broker. Deliver participant education and communication material in accordance with plan regulations. Administer Deferred Compensation plan to users and monitor updates.
Compliance (10%) Responsible for compliance of all benefit programs, including various government filings (such as 5500 extensions/5500 filings)/PBGC/EEOC) and required notices/postings, plan documents/contracts/SPDs, compliance with ACA , FMLA, COBRA, and ERISA. Processes QDROs and MSO’s Participate in Annual Audits (401K, WC, PCORI, Credible-Coverage, Non-discrimination) Ensure labor posters are up to date and compliance in all locations. Remain current on benefit trends and legal changes. Assess impact of legislative changes on benefit programs and ensure that programs are compliant.