HR Program Consultant, Health & Welfare

Lamar Advertising•Baton Rouge, LA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is the organization’s subject-matter expert focused on the strategy, analysis, and administration of the company's self-funded Medical plan, as well as the fully insured Dental and Vision (MDV) plans. This role manages programs with significant financial exposure and operates with minimal supervision, ensuring all health plans adhere to plan provisions and regulatory guidelines. This role analyzes trends and industry best practices to maintain a competitive, compliant, and cost-effective benefits offering, supporting our Total Rewards program and overall employee well-being.

Requirements

Deep familiarity with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within self-funded health and welfare benefits administration.
Creativity and latitude are needed for evaluating and modifying plans to accomplish goals and leading complex vendor relationships
Ability to partner with brokers and consultants to interpret claims data, utilization trends, and plan design scenarios and translate findings into strategic recommendations
Strong knowledge of federal and state health and welfare regulations including ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, MHPAEA, and PCORI
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to simplify complex topics for non-expert audiences
Proficiency in leveraging AI tools and platforms for HR functions such as data analysis and process automation, with a strong understanding of ethical AI usage, data privacy, and bias mitigation
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or a related field.
8–10+ years of experience in benefits or a related HR area, with a strong focus on self-funded health and welfare plan administration.
Demonstrated experience in financial modeling, including claims utilization analysis and plan design scenario modeling.
Proven ability to partner with brokers, actuaries, and external consultants to evaluate vendor performance and design competitive benefits programs.
Track record of developing and executing multi-year health plan strategies with a focus on cost containment and maximizing return on investment (ROI).

Nice To Haves

CEBS, CBP, PHR/SPHR, or SHRM-CP/SCP certification.

Responsibilities

Research, analyze, evaluate, and administer the company's Medical, Dental, and Vision benefit plans alongside an extended portfolio including prescription drug management, HSA plan, specialty pharmacy carve-outs, clinical care management, EAP, and digital health solutions.
Manage complex vendor relationships across this full ecosystem, ensuring cost-effectiveness and program efficiency for a significant medical plan investment.
Serve as the primary internal point of escalation for complex member issues, coordinating across carriers, PBMs, specialty vendors, and plan counsel to drive timely and compliant resolution.
Ensure complete compliance with all applicable governmental, state, and federal regulations related to health and welfare plans, including ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, and MHPAEA.
Own or coordinate required regulatory filings including PCORI fees, RxDC reporting, 1095-C/1099-HC, gag clause attestations, and Summary Annual Reports.
Partner with legal counsel and external advisors to maintain plan documents, SPDs, SMMs, and plan amendments, ensuring alignment between plan documents, administrative practices, and vendor setup.
Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and recommend timely plan or process updates accordingly.
Monitor health benefit trends across the business environment and stay current on all applicable MDV-related legislation.
Partner with benefits consultants and brokers to analyze claims utilization data, model plan design scenarios, and develop multi-year health plan strategy with a focus on cost containment and maximizing ROI on the significant plan investment.
Translate analytical outputs and broker recommendations into actionable proposals for leadership.
Lead evaluation and implementation of new point solutions and programs — including specialty carve-outs and decision support tools — from vendor selection through legal review, SPD integration, testing, and communications launch.
Serve as the subject matter expert for benefits operations, including open enrollment, qualifying life events, eligibility rules, and HSA contributions, with execution support from HRIS.
Provide direction and issue resolution when exceptions, escalations, or process decisions arise.
Maintain SOPs, project trackers, and program documentation for all benefits initiatives.
Provide a variety of services including comprehensive employee communication and education on health plans, efficient issue resolution, and clear plan clarification for all health and welfare coverage.
Develop announcement emails, intranet content, and manager talking points that translate complex regulatory and benefit topics into plain language for a diverse, multi-state workforce.

Benefits

A Monday-Friday 8a-5p work schedule
A competitive salary
120 hours of paid time off (PTO) that increases with tenure
12 paid company holidays, including President's Day and Juneteenth
A comprehensive training program
Career advancement opportunities
Ongoing professional development and internal leadership programs to maximize your career potential
Multiple medical plan options and health savings account
Hospital, Critical Illness, and Accident coverage
Short & long-term disability and paid parental leave
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
401k plan with company match
Up to $1,200 value in employer-paid HSA contributions and cash rewards for engaging in our wellness program
A people-first culture that invests in connection, community involvement, and transparency around employee feedback