Employee Benefits Analyst

Association of Washington Cities•Olympia, WA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Association of Washington Cities (AWC) is seeking a detail-oriented, customer-focused Employee Benefits Analyst to administer the contracted Employee Benefit Trust. This role involves coordinating benefit administration, developing, promoting, implementing, and evaluating benefit programs. The analyst will work closely with the Program Deputy Director, provide on-site member assistance, collaborate with vendors and consultants, review vendor contracts and RFPs, and deliver excellent customer service. AWC, founded in 1933, is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization serving Washington's cities and towns by providing data-driven education, pooling programs, and advocacy. The AWC Employee Benefit Trust (AWC Trust) is a premier local government benefit pool offering a broad selection of benefit insurance options and health management programs. AWC values diversity, 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.
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.
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.
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.
Contribute to the development and implementation of market-relevant benefit plan designs.
Coordinate and support all aspects of annual benefit renewal.
Provide assistance with the coordination of vendor contracts.
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.
Serve as the Trust’s Public Records Officer, managing all phases of the public records request process.
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) with a $1.20 match for every $1 contributed by the employee, 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