STATE BENEFITS SUPERVISOR/EXPERT

State of Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

4d•$76,335 - $112,976

About The Position

The State Benefits Supervisor/Expert is responsible for overseeing and managing the day-to-day administration operations of the State of Arkansas employee benefits programs, including health insurance, life insurance, disability benefits, and other state-specific offerings. This role involves leading a team of benefits staff, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, optimizing benefits delivery, and providing strategic insights to enhance the overall benefits program. The Benefits Supervisor/Expert will act as a key subject matter expert in the field of employee benefits and play a leadership role in shaping the state’s benefits programs to align with organizational goals and employee needs. The assignment of supervisory duties is determined by the hiring agency's operational needs. Non-supervisory roles will serve as senior technical experts.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field, plus five (5) years of experience in benefits analysis, administration or a related field.
In-depth knowledge of a broad range of employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance, and disability benefits.
Proficient in analyzing complex data sets, identifying trends, and creating reports for senior management.
Extensive knowledge of benefits-related laws and regulations, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA), COBRA, FMLA, HIPAA, and Arkansas-specific regulations.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex benefits-related information to a diverse audience.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to address and resolve complex benefits issues.
Strong customer service skills with the ability to address employee concerns and issues with patience and professionalism.
Ability to effectively manage escalated issues and communicate sensitive information with discretion.
Bachelor’s degree in public administration, health sciences, business, social sciences, or a related field; Three years of experience in program management, wellness coordination, data-driven program evaluation, communications, or related work.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing wellness, incentive, or engagement programs in a government or large organizational setting.
Experience producing communication materials, training content, or program documentation.
Experience with HIPAA-compliant systems, data reporting tools, or digital engagement platforms.
Experience delivering employee training, workshops, or engagement activities.

Responsibilities

May manage and supervise a team of Benefits Coordinators and Analysts, providing guidance, mentorship, and training to ensure efficient benefits administration.
May delegate tasks, review performance, and conduct performance evaluations for team members.
Oversee the full range of employee benefits offerings for state employees, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and other programs.
Ensure all benefits programs comply with federal and state regulations, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA), COBRA, FMLA, HIPAA, and Arkansas-specific requirements.
Oversee the collection and analysis of benefits data, including program utilization, employee participation, and cost-effectiveness
Serve as the expert resource for both employees and department leadership on all benefits-related matters.
Create and maintain employee-facing resources such as benefits guides, FAQs, and instructional materials.
Conduct training sessions for employees to improve understanding of benefits offerings and ensure high levels of engagement during open enrollment periods.
Act as the primary point of contact for external benefits vendors.
Oversee and address complex employee issues related to benefits, including eligibility concerns, claims disputes, and coverage discrepancies.
Lead and coordinate the annual open enrollment process.
Ensure that employees are properly informed of their benefits options and deadlines, and provide guidance during the enrollment process.
Handle any escalated concerns or complex enrollment situations.
Design, launch, and operationalize the Arkansas Wellness Program across participating state agencies.
Manage and administer the Wellness Dashboard software platform, including user access, reporting features, vendor coordination, and system performance oversight.
Develop and maintain statewide partnerships to support wellness, engagement, and incentive-based program components.
Develop program materials, guidance documents, communication assets, and outreach content to support statewide implementation.
Lead communication, branding, and engagement strategies to promote participation in and visibility for the Wellness Program.
Coordinate and manage program timelines, scheduling, rollout plans, and event calendars to ensure timely progress and deliverables.
Evaluate program data, generate performance reports, and present key findings to leadership and stakeholders.
Maintain strict compliance with all privacy, security, and HIPAA requirements associated with participant data.
Coordinate, schedule, and deliver Lunch & Learn sessions, wellness challenges, and employee engagement activities.
Manage inside program budget parameters, procurement processes, and adhere to vendor agreements in accordance with state policies.
Provide training, guidance, and technical assistance to agencies implementing the Wellness Program at the local level.
Collaborate with the SAS Program Supervisor/Expert to ensure alignment with division priorities and strategic goals.