Lead Benefits Specialist

Goodwill of Central & Northern Arizona•Peoria, AZ

44d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Benefits Specialist is responsible for performing a wide variety of benefit support functions, including but not limited to benefit policy and procedure interpretation, benefit and retirement administration, regulatory compliance, wellness objectives, training and customer service for Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona (GCNA) and its affiliated entities. Trains, mentors and gives work direction to other less experienced Benefits Specialists.

Requirements

High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience
4+ years’ related experience, specifically with benefits compliance, medical insurance, and working with external provider partners is required
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to speak and read English proficiently
Insight to remain objective when handling sensitive customer service issues
Capable of handling multiple calls on a consistent basis due to heavy phone volume
Versatility to work in an office setting with other Team Members that reflects an environment of constant movement and multi-tasking
Proficient in MS Office skills including Word and Outlook
Must have strong Excel skills
Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly, with a strong attention to detail by focusing on the minute details of a project or task
Ability to be self-directed and show initiative
Ability to work independently and with a team
Ability to pass a background check and drug screen, where applicable for position

Responsibilities

Partners with Leaders, HR Business Partners, and Third-Party administrators in the weekly process of Team Members eligibility.
Trains, mentors and gives work direction to other less experienced Benefits Specialists.
Builds relationships with Team Members and Leaders, and acts as a point of contact for our Insurance Carriers.
Effectively communicates daily via phone, mail, and email to Team Member inquiries and requests regarding their benefits.
Works with Supervisor on communication strategies designed to effectively communicate new and existing Benefits, Retirement, and Wellness programs to Team Members.
Responsible for reconciling bills from carriers as well as internal and external system audits, as needed.
Performs 401k plan administration including but not limited to enrollments, terminations, contribution changes, change of address, employer matching, audit preparation, reviews hardship withdrawal requests, and provides monthly audit reporting.
Responsible for assisting in the planning and organizing of the annual open enrollment process for all GCNA Team Members. Includes scheduling and organizing facilities, preparing documents, coordination with insurance company representatives and other vendors, coordinating and scheduling staffing for all open enrollment activities, etc.
Coordinates dissemination of information with providers.
Assists Supervisor and Brokers to design, evaluate and recommend modifications to the benefit programs, as well as wellness initiatives to ensure that programs are current, competitive, and in compliance with all legal requirements.
Assists with Team Member retro-payment adjustments for benefits after the effective date of enrollment, changes, terminations, etc. and partners with Payroll for processing.
Assists with the reporting requirements of all relevant government rules and regulations, including the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
Tracks and processes medical support orders, including any follow-up that may be needed.
Reviews audit reports generated by various sources and resolves benefit data discrepancies.
Mediates between benefit providers and Team Members, such as assisting in handling Team Member’s routine benefit-related questions.
Assists with the wellness program, including impactful events and challenges for all GCNA Team Members that promote well-being. This may require travel to other locations.
Coordinates with vendor on the Team Member notification of COBRA eligibility to household members and Team Members that are on a leave of absence; includes notification to household members of eligibility for COBRA, etc. when benefits are discontinued.
Ensures the tickets in Jira for 401k and benefit related questions are reviewed on a regular basis, providing information to Team Members inquiring about GCNA’s 401k and benefit plans.
Maintains current knowledge of State and Federal legislation regarding Team Member benefits or anything that may impact Team Member benefits including Health Care Reform.
Contributes to building a cohesive work environment by working together as a team.
Models Goodwill Core Values – Trust, Collaboration, Engagement, Ownership, and Innovation.
Performs other related duties, as assigned.