Benefits Analyst

Benefits Analyst

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana State Personnel Department (INSPD): As an agency operating a shared services model, we provide the executive branch of state government with top-notch HR services. INSPD has a dedicated team of human resources professionals working in many capacities, including director-level, generalists and specialists in each discipline of human resources. Joining our team will open the door to many opportunities for lateral and upward mobility.

Role Overview:

A Benefits Analyst is responsible for the administration of various statewide employee benefit programs and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Programs include health, dental, vision, life insurance and flexible spending accounts. In addition, the candidate oversees administration of the disability and workers' compensation programs.

Salary Statement: The salary for this position traditionally starts at $67,314.00, but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Conducts extensive and detailed audits of vendors, programs, and benefit trends to ensure compliance with contracts, Federal and State regulations, policies, and practices.
• Compiles, analyzes, evaluates, and interprets large amounts of data from a multitude of sources such as PeopleSoft, Federal and State regulations, vendor reports and contracts to provide internal and external reports along with recommendations.
• Establishes new processes and implements necessary changes to stay compliant on all Federal and State regulations and legislation that may affect employee benefits.
• Troubleshoots and resolves problems related to benefits including HRIS system issues and discrepancies between PeopleSoft, vendor reports and administration of vendor contracts.
• Completes user acceptance testing for the HRIS benefit module and collaboratively works with IOT to coordinate all system configuration changes.
• Monitor application software systems to ensure proper execution and performance.
• Serves as a project manager in implementing and administering complex state-wide programs and initiatives that have a direct financial impact to the state.
• Independently resolved benefit appeal requests by analyzing data, reviewing contracts, guidelines and supporting documentation.
• Oversees and resolves eligibility, billing, and claim disputes with the vendor, agency, or employee.
• Serves as a technical expert and team lead within the Benefits Division by providing direction, guidance, and assistance to Benefits Specialists.
• Evaluates requests for proposals (RFP) for benefit vendors.
• Audits legal compliance document such as Summary Plan descriptions and ensure the distribution of annual compliance notices.
• Coordinates Medicare Secondary Payer claims with CMS.
• Leads informational and training sessions regarding benefits.
• Independently resolves premium errors by calculating, analyzing, and interpreting data for each individual circumstance.
• Identifies data entry errors that have a direct impact on the employees' benefits / job status and collaborates with other entities to ensure that the error is corrected timely.
• Recommends improvements on current benefit processes and programs, based on metrics and analysis to improve efficiencies.
• Acts as a liaison between vendor, agency, and employee.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Extensive knowledge of State of Indiana benefits programs including health, dental, vision, life, flexible spending accounts, short and long term disability and worker's compensation;
• Extensive knowledge of COBRA, HIPAA, Section 125 and other federal and state benefits laws and regulations.
• Extensive knowledge of principles, laws, regulations, theories and practices of Human Resources Management.
• Extensive experience with data analysis and manipulating data.
• Possess strong analytical, written, and verbal communication, detail orientation and technology skills.
• Ability to make sound and well informed decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions and commits to action.
• Ability to establish priorities and monitor effectiveness of programs.
• Ability to effectively and independently plan and organize work of the section.
• Ability to work independently, anticipate problems, and initiate corrective actions.
• Ability to work effectively with others.
• Effective customer service skills.
• Effective problem-solving skills.

You must satisfy the following requirements to continue employment:

• Thorough knowledge of State Personnel Policies.
• Thorough knowledge of SPD's mission, vision and organizational structure.
• Advanced knowledge of PeopleSoft benefits administration.
• Working knowledge of Indiana State Government: organization, needs, policies and procedures.

A degree is not required. However, at least six (6) years of work experience in human resources management, including compensation, benefits, employee relations, employment law, affirmative action, recruiting, or human resource development and/or retail management; plan management; field supervisory experience; or related experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered. Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
• 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity: The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.