Manager, Benefits

Manager, Benefits

Responsible for the day to day operations of Rochester Regional Health's benefit programs. Ensures plans run smoothly, investigates discrepancies, improves benefit performance and efficiency, analyzes operations and enhance / restructure processes as necessary. Ensures compliance with benefit laws and regulations. With guidance from the Director and Vice President, the Benefits Manager develops, recommends and implements new or modified plans and employee benefits.

Manages administration of employee benefit programs including self-funded medical, dental, pharmacy, vision, etc. Researches, recommends and implements changes to programs for annual review. Maintains knowledge of benefit programs and policies. Advises and counsels management and employees on existing benefit policies and plans. Assists with audits of benefit plan programs as needed to maintain compliance. Responds promptly to staff and general employee questions.

Effectively uses critical thinking skills and attention to detail to conduct a thorough analysis of market values, affordability, and internal operational factors to make benefit plan recommendations, often relying on inference as well as concrete resource materials.

Serves as subject matter expert and communicates effectively with Business Partners, Recruitment, and leadership across RRH.

Designs and maintains spreadsheet costing models to recommend new benefit options (i.e., types of benefits and different employer / employee contribution levels).

Conducts business analysis in partnership with the operation and other HR functional areas to understand business needs and maintain a competitive benefit offering.

Participates in benefit surveys to determine benefit trends and to monitor the competitiveness of RRH's benefit programs. Analyzes existing benefit plans, policies, and prevailing practices among best in class organizations to establish remarkable benefits programs that are managed flawlessly. Crafts innovative benefit solutions that balance cost-containment and attraction and retention needs. Evaluates, recommends, and implements changes and improvements in benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, STD, LTD, life, FSA ensuring alignment with the organization's goals and strategies.

Identifies strategic benefit policies and goals.

Ensures company compliance with all laws and regulations pertaining to group health and welfare plans including ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, etc. Reviews and analyzes changes to state and federal laws pertaining to benefits and reports necessary or suggested changes to Management. Coordinates benefit plan documents and summary plan descriptions. Develops and revises all benefit policies and procedures as needed.

Manages and reviews annual compliance activities (5500, plan audits). Additional regulatory compliance includes Summary Annual Reports, Summary Plan Descriptions and COBRA / HIPAA.

Consults with outside legal counsel, actuaries, government agencies, and consultants on a regular basis dealing with plan design, communication and compliance issues.

Key player in the planning and execution of the annual benefits Open Enrolment, which includes but is not limited to, creating and overseeing project plan timelines, creating communication materials, testing online enrollment system, conducting open enrollment meetings and developing cost strategy.

Participates in negotiations with insurance carriers and outsources providers regarding contractual obligations and rates by reviewing all contracts against needs and performance standards of the organization.

Collaborating with Director and Vice President, resolves complex issues with carriers, brokers, and vendors and manages external partners to a high level of contribution and quality on behalf of RRH and the employees. Follows through until satisfactory completion is assured.

Manages and monitors performance of carriers, vendors, and auditors for services and plan administration.

Works in collaboration with Director and Vice President to establish and monitor the annual budget including forecasting future costs.

Develops communications using positive and proactive campaigns to maximize participation and program effectiveness. Educates employees about the company's benefit plans, programs and any proposed changes. Prepares and communicates information to employees and former employees about benefit programs, procedures, changes, government-mandated disclosures.

Manages benefits staff and is responsible for hiring, performance appraisals, promotions, staff development, salary increases, discipline, training and development and process control to ensure consistent departmental procedures and process are administered. Monitors the group's work flows using key indicators and staffs appropriately to ensure deadlines, accuracy requirements, and departmental objectives are met.

Backs up the Benefits Department when necessary-including the Director, Senior Analysts and Analysts.

Ability to evaluate current workflows and processes and implement improvements.

Audits accuracy of group benefit program information. Ensures timely and accurate transfer of information to third party administrator, Payroll Department and other authorized entities. Responsible for timely and accurate invoice reconciliation monthly, processing of monthly billings and requests for payments.

Proficient in all HR and Benefit systems. Assists in maintaining databases and makes recommendations for updates as needed. Works with HRIS to develop and build Benefit reports and analytics to support internal and external business needs.

Displays an understanding and skilled use of the various HRIS databases, web-based applications and general flow of system interfaces for processing purposes.

Exhibits professional growth, development and competitive intelligence by serving on committees, attending seminars / courses and keeping abreast of legal issues and HR trends.

Performs other duties as assigned

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field.

Minimum of 5 years benefits administration experience.

Minimum of 3 years experience in management.

Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

CBS certification preferred.

Strong analytical, critical thinking and problem solving skills as well as attention to detail, project management, planning and organizing skills required.

Exceptional customer service and PC skills required.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriate handling of sensitive information with tact and discretion required.

High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) required.

Excellent verbal and written communication and group presentation skills, with the ability to convey a positive and professional image in person, to work effectively with employees and managers, and to interact effectively with diverse personalities and backgrounds.

Experience developing high quality, informative, and concise benefit communications.

Ability to manage multiple, and often simultaneous, projects and tasks, ensuring a quick pace on each, to successfully meet deadlines and consistently deliver at a high level of quality.

Ability to work autonomously, while ensuring alignment with HR department and overall business goals.

Thorough knowledge of pertinent federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements, both adopted and pending, affecting employee benefit programs, including Health Care Reform, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, Section 125, Social Security and DOL requirements.

Ability to use relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations and company standards.

Pay Range : $75,000.00 - $120,000.00

Location : Rochester, Postal Code : 14617