Health & Welfare Benefits Specialist - Employee Benefits

Health & Welfare Benefits Specialist - Employee Benefits

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP has forged a reputation as one of the most prestigious law firms in the world. Relying on innovation, intellect, teamwork and tenacity, our lawyers deliver the highest quality advice and novel solutions to our clients' legal issues. We are known for handling the most complex transactions, litigation/controversy issues, and regulatory matters, as well as for the strong partnerships we build with clients and each other. Our attorneys, who reflect a broad range of experiences and perspectives, work together seamlessly across 50-plus practices and 21 offices in the world's major financial centers.

We are seeking a Health & Welfare Benefits Specialist - Employee Benefits. This position will be based in our NY office (hybrid). This role serves as a subject matter expert for the daily operational administrative functions of the Firm's CHOICE Benefits Program, supporting the U.S. and international health and welfare plans for attorneys and business service professionals. This role ensures employees are supported and informed about their benefits and contributes to departmental projects that advance the benefit programs goals and objectives.

Responsibilities include:

• Overseeing the U.S. and international benefits enrollment process, (e.g., new hires/adds/status changes/terms) ensuring that benefits data and information is maintained in Workday and relevant Excel spreadsheets.
• Conducting and overseeing auditing of daily, weekly, and monthly Workday benefits reports and conducting related operational transactions.
• Managing employee election tracking and follow up communications, ensuring timely delivery of next step notifications and monitors progress through completion.
• Supporting the COBRA administration process, including eligibility management, verification of coverage, and relevant communications.
• Processing qualified status changes and payroll adjustments.
• Verifying and processing insurance carriers' premium invoice reports and wire requests.
• Reconciling carrier premium discrepancy reports.
• Conducting routine auditing of benefits data to ensure accuracy and integrity, troubleshooting and resolving identified discrepancies.
• Acting as liaison to insurance carriers regarding enrollments/changes/terminations.
• Responding to inquiries regarding benefits plans (e.g., eligibility, forms, customer service number, general plan questions).
• Troubleshooting employees' inquiries and escalating matters, when necessary.
• Supporting the Firm's annual open enrollment process.
• Ensuring data privacy, security and integrity of all benefits related information.
• Conducting benefits orientations and one-on-one informational meetings.
• Monitoring departmental hotline voicemail and e-mail box responding to health and welfare benefit-related questions.
• Maintaining employee benefits records in SRM; filing all relevant information and performing audits of records as needed.
• Acting as back-up support for other team members responsible for Partners' and retirees' health and welfare benefits program administration.
• Reviewing and maintaining health and welfare procedure documentation.
• Processing and distributing department mail.
• Demonstrating effective interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills to facilitate effective work relationships with others.
• Managing Firm resources responsibly.
• Complying with and understanding Firm operation, policies, and procedures.
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of relevant firm computer software programs (e.g., Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), with the ability to learn new software and operating systems
• Strong knowledge of health and welfare benefits administrative procedures and applicable laws
• Strong customer service skills
• Strong math/analytical aptitude
• Strong computer skills; proficiency in MS Excel
• Ability to read, interpret and follow instructions
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal and communication skills, both verbally and in writing
• Demonstrates close attention to detail
• Must be self-directing requiring minimal supervision
• Ability to handle multiple projects and shifting priorities
• Ability to handle sensitive matters and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to organize and prioritize work
• Ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work well in a demanding and fast-paced environment
• Ability to work well independently as well as effectively within a team
• Flexibility to adjust hours and work the hours necessary to meet operating and business needs
• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment and take direction from senior departmental staff
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to deal courteously/effectively with others

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum of two years of health and welfare benefits administration related experience
• Prior experience in a law firm or professional services environment preferred
• Workday or equivalent HRIS experience in administration of benefits preferred

Culture & Life at Skadden:

What makes Skadden special is our people and the culture, community and spirit of collaboration we have created. We believe in teamwork and inspiring each other to be our best in an atmosphere that promotes professionalism and excellence in all that we do. We know that inclusion and drawing on the strength of a wide spectrum of talent only make us better and is vital to the firm's success. Our goal is for everyone at the firm to enjoy a challenging career with opportunities for development and growth and to support the well-being of our attorneys and business services professionals.

Benefits:

• Competitive salaries and year-end discretionary bonuses.
• Comprehensive health care (medical, dental, vision), savings plan/401(k) and voluntary benefits.
• Generous paid time off.
• Paid leave options, including parental.
• In-classroom, remote, and on-demand learning and professional development opportunities.
• Robust well-being classes and programs.
• Opportunities to give back and make an impact in local communities.

The starting base salary for this position is expected to be within the range listed under Salary Details. Actual salary will be determined based on skills, experience (to the extent relevant) and other-job related factors, consistent with applicable law.

Salary Details: $85,000 - $95,000

EEO Statement:

Skadden is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It does not discriminate against applicants or employees based on any legally impermissible factor including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, alienage or citizenship status, marital or familial status, domestic partnership status, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, change of sex or transgender status, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual and reproductive health decisions, disability, any protected military or veteran status, or status as a victim of domestic or dating violence, sexual assault or offense, or stalking.