Confidential Specialist (Total Rewards Operations)

National Education Association

2d•$88,878 - $147,397•Onsite

About The Position

The position supports the NEA’s strategic objective to focus the energy and resources of its 3 million members toward the promotion of public education by providing highly-skilled technical, and paraprofessional support to the Human Resources (HR) department. Position Summary: The Employee works as a member of NEA’s payroll and benefits operations team to deliver operational excellence across payroll, benefits, and retirement functional areas. In this role, the incumbent administers employee health and retirement plans, including providing open enrollment support, coordinating with vendors, and managing retiree accounts, while also resolving complex employee and retiree inquiries. Additionally, they execute the day-to-day processing of employee compensation, timekeeping, and leave reporting, auditing timesheets and leave balances to resolve variances and ensure accurate, timely payroll execution. The Employee leverages Workday and other HR information systems to maintain accurate employee records, update data, and ensure system configurations support effective plan administration. To maintain compliance, they assist in internal and external audit preparation by gathering records, generating system reports, and maintaining documentation, all while working collaboratively within a team structure to share knowledge, streamline workflows, and uphold high standards of customer service.

Requirements

Minimum of three years high-level administrative and professional work which includes experience involving administration of a wide range of benefits programs using automated systems.
Work experience must include communicating and explaining benefits information to plan participants.
Proficiency with spreadsheet and word processing software and entering and maintaining benefits data within an automated system.
Experience with Benefit Plan audits and financial accounting.
Experience applying major benefit laws such as ERISA and COBRA and regulations governing pension and other benefit plans.
Familiarity with HRIS including reporting and data management.
Experience applying and communicating collective bargaining agreements.
Demonstrated experience in the full range of benefits administration.
Working knowledge of benefit laws and regulations (ERISA, ADEA, COBRA, etc.).
Ability to read and interpret benefit plans and insurance contracts.
Excellent Microsoft Office skills, including Excel and SharePoint.
Demonstrated flexibility and effectiveness in handling multiple projects simultaneously under stringent timeframes and changing priorities.
Proficient analytical and report writing skills.
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
Experience with automated benefits or Human Resources payroll/accounting systems, preferably Workday.
Ability to handle confidential matters with discretion.
Excellent attendance, references and/or performance reviews.
Skill in setting priorities and working in a high-pressure office.
Attention to detail and strong mathematical skills.
Experience working in a team and/or collaborative work environment.
Ability to sit for long periods, stoop, bend, reach and carry light materials (up to 10 lbs.).
Ability to travel by various methods of transportation, e.g., airplane, car.

Nice To Haves

Course work in Human Resources or Business Management
Human Resources certifications or credentials such as Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS).
Experience and skill using personal computers in Windows environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft office suite and/or other computer systems.
Continued course work in an employee benefits certification/accreditation program.
Experience in other functional areas of Human Resources.

Responsibilities

Administer employee health and retirement plans, including providing open enrollment support, coordinating with vendors, and managing retiree accounts.
Resolve complex employee and retiree inquiries.
Execute the day-to-day processing of employee compensation, timekeeping, and leave reporting.
Audit timesheets and leave balances to resolve variances and ensure accurate, timely payroll execution.
Leverage Workday and other HR information systems to maintain accurate employee records, update data, and ensure system configurations support effective plan administration.
Assist in internal and external audit preparation by gathering records, generating system reports, and maintaining documentation.
Work collaboratively within a team structure to share knowledge, streamline workflows, and uphold high standards of customer service.
Counseling: communication and explaining detailed benefits information.
Performing various calculations.
Preparing, analyzing, and reconciling reports.
Writing correspondence, articles and brochures.
Developing and conducting benefits orientations.
Resolving problems.
Establishing procedures for efficiency of operations.
Filing IRS 5500's and other government benefit forms.