Employee Benefits Analyst

Association of Washington Cities•Olympia, WA

7d•$77,648 - $116,473•Hybrid

About The Position

Association of Washington Cities (AWC) is seeking a detail-orientated, customer-focused Employee Benefits Analyst to help administer the contracted Employee Benefit Trust. In this role you’ll coordinate benefit administration for the contracted Employee Benefit Trust program including developing, promoting, implementing, and evaluating all benefit related programs. Working closely with the Program Deputy Director, the incumbent provides on-site member assistance, works with vendors and consultants, coordinates and reviews vendor contracts and request for proposals, and help deliver excellent customer service to all stakeholders. Founded in 1933, AWC is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, which provides a wide array of services to Washington’s cities and towns. AWC builds connections between our state’s diverse cities and towns, while providing our members with the support needed to thrive through delivery of data-driven education, nationally recognized pooling programs, and nonpartisan advocacy. AWC is a vibrant, fast-paced organization supported by 70 employees who are passionate about serving our members. We have a diverse team with subject matter expertise in various areas. The AWC Employee Benefit Trust (AWC Trust) is a member service of the Association of Washington Cities and is Washington’s premier local government benefit pool for cities, towns, and other local governments. The AWC Trust provides a broad selection of benefit insurance options and health management programs for members. AWC welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. We value the unique views, backgrounds, experiences, expertise, and potential of all our employees. We are committed to following our core values of collaboration, equity, innovation, integrity, and respect.

Requirements

5 years’ experience in benefits administration and preferred work with a multi-employer association, local government or nonprofit organization.
3 years’ experience in contract management and request for proposals development and coordination.
Bachelor’s degree in related field; experience may be substituted year-for-year for academic achievement
Must maintain a valid Washington state driver’s license in good standing.

Nice To Haves

Extensive working knowledge and clear understanding of benefit plans, including deductibles, co-insurance, co-pays, and prescription formularies.
Extensive working knowledge of the principles and practices utilized in the health care industry.
Extensive working knowledge of the trends and complete inventory of employer provided employee benefits.
Thorough understanding of regulatory/statutory environment including but not limited to health care reform, HIPAA privacy and security requirements.
Knowledge of compliance-related issues, in particular those generated by the DOL, IRS, and ACA.
Extensive working knowledge of human resources regulations and labor relations.
Knowledge of basic math, accounting, and finance practices.
Knowledge of the requirements of the Washington State Public Records Act.
Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365, with advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, and the ability to learn proprietary software.
Ability to make decisions, act independently, and manage confidential and time sensitive information.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Responsibilities

Assist in the administration of all benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, long term disability, employee assistance program, tax-favored accounts, and long-term care.
Collaborate with program leadership and staff to develop, customize, and deliver benefit presentations at member sites, including labor-management committees, executive teams, elected officials, and specific work units (i.e., public safety, public works, non-union, etc.).
Develop and deliver virtual trainings and recorded educational materials on benefit programs, enrollment, and related topics.
Coordinate the development and issuance of Requests for Proposals for Health Care Program vendor services in accordance with established timelines; assist with vendor interviews and selection; and maintain documentation for audit purposes.
Assist in the development of the annual operating budget including processing invoices, tracking expenditures, and reviewing monthly financial reports.
Coordinate and staff benefit and wellness fairs, including event preparation, onsite support, and follow-up activities.
Compile, gather, validate, and prepare data from internal and external systems for reporting, analysis, and decision-making.
Compile and organize the required financial and accountability audit information.
Assist the program leadership in implementing the Trust communication plan and serve as project lead, coordinate internal staff and external consultants/vendors to meet timelines and deliverables.
Contribute to the development and implementation of market-relevant benefit plan designs, including monitoring and strategic conversations with benefit consultants, carriers, actuaries, and legal counsel.
Coordinate and support all aspects of annual benefit renewal, including technical analysis, rate development review and proofing, and collaboration with consultants, carriers, actuaries, and billing administrator to ensure accuracy and timely implementation of renewal changes.
Provide assistance with the coordination of vendor contracts, including initial work with carriers, review of contracts with legal counsel, and coordination with program leadership.
Draft, review, edit, and/or proofread program related communications.
Prepare compliance reporting and respond to related questions, in particular those generated by the DOL, IRS, ACA, and the State Risk Manager (SRM).
Respond to member inquiries and troubleshoot benefit issues; delegate inquiries of members and vendors as appropriate.
Serve as the Trust’s Public Records Officer, managing all phases of the public records request process in accordance with RCW 42.56, including communicating with requesters and record holders, coordinating with legal counsel as needed, gathering and reviewing responsive records, identifying potential exemptions, applying redactions, preparing exemption logs, and calculating fees when appropriate.
Travel to off-site training and events and other work locations, including driving as needed, overnight stays generally not exceeding 50 nights per year.

Benefits

100% of the medical premium for employees paid by AWC
90% of the medical premium for spouse/domestic partner and child(ren) up to age 26 paid by AWC
Dental and vision insurance are 100% employer-paid for employees and eligible dependents
401(k) match: $1.20 for every $1 an employee contributes, up to 10% of base salary
Employer match can also be applied towards eligible student loan payments
Four hours of paid vacation leave accrued per semi-monthly pay period, increasing over time
Four hours of paid sick leave accrued per semi-monthly pay period
11 paid holidays and two floating holidays each year
Basic life insurance
Disability insurance
Employer-funded Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) ranging from $770 to $1,980 based upon enrollment in medical insurance plans
Access to outstanding performance awards
Tuition assistance
Staff appreciation events