Benefits Specialist

Benefits Specialist

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.

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.

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Manage day to day issues of the benefits programs.
• Provide direction, guidance and assistance to agency HR staff, benefits coordinators and employees.
• Resolve benefit administration questions and issues raised by agencies, employees and employee family members.
• Receive correction requests for PeopleSoft data errors and ensures all necessary documentation is gathered.
• Make all necessary data corrections or notifies agency how to resolve the issue.
• Work with agency/employees and carrier to do emergency membership loads.
• Research claims, disputes, and eligibility and work with the carriers to ensure claims are properly adjudicated.
• Assist in problem resolution/administration/review files for disability/WC/TPA.
• Provide training and education on various benefits programs to managers and employees.
• Conduct thorough review of benefit election complaints and appeals submitted to Benefits Division.
• Analyze information, prepare response, and take any necessary action with vendor, agency or employee.
• Serve as liaison between vendor and agency or employee.
• Maintain vendor contact to investigate discrepancies, exchange information and resolve issues.
• Troubleshoot problems related to benefits including system issues or discreptencies.
• Provide input on solutions and suggestions for improvements to administration of benefits programs.
• Participate in special projects including, but not limited to, annual Open Enrollment activities, Retiree Flexible Spending Account program, Early Retiree Health Insurance Program, and PeopleSoft system testing.

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:

You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment:

• Considerable knowledge of COBRA, HIPAA, Section 125 and other federal and state benefits laws and regulations.
• Working knowledge of fundamentals, laws, regulations, theories and practices of Human Resources Management.
• Working knowledge of benefits administration.
• Ability to work independently, anticipate problems and initiate corrective actions.
• Ability to effectively plan and organize work of section.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively with others.
• Effective customer service skills.
• Effective problem-solving skills.

You must satisfy the following requirements to continue employment:

• Working knowledge of Indiana State Government: organization, needs, policies and procedures.
• Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

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

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.