Benefits Specialist | New Full-Time Opportunity in Springfield! in Springfield, Illinois at Hope

Salary Range: $45,000 - $55,000

Job Summary

Under general direction of the Director of Human Resources, plans, implements, coordinates and evaluates benefit programs and associated costs for Hope and facilitates HR absence management procedures, policies, tools, and standards. Ensures all employees are educated and informed of all benefit opportunities available; researches new benefits and makes recommendations for cost-saving and broader spectrum opportunities for employees and the agency. Provides open communication, dynamic customer service to employees and collaborates with the human resources team on clear guidelines for the employee off-boarding process. Assists with preparation, generation, and distribution of Hope payroll.

Essential Functions:

1. Administers the employee benefits for all employees. This includes, but is not limited to, Health, Dental, Vision, Short & Long-Term Disability, Life, Flexible Spending Options, Employee Wellness, Health Reimbursement Arrangements, Health Savings Accounts and 401(k) programs. This encompasses managing employee eligibility periods, educating eligible employees, collecting required documentation and processing enrollment activities for all new employees.
2. Manages on-going benefit operations by reviewing employee feedback, providing support for benefit related questions, tracking costs and financial activities through reconciliation of monthly benefit bills. Provides guidance to staff looking to submit a 401(k)-hardship withdrawal or loan.
3. Manages and tracks the employee wellness program; serves as main contact with HSHS Leadwell providing data and feedback on the efficacy of Hope’s employee wellness.
4. Manages and tracks information pertaining to Affordable Care Act; ensures compliance with ACA requirements.
5. Coordinates and manages open-enrollment meetings for employee’s agency wide. Regarding open-enrollment, ensures clear communication with external agencies, concise coordination of educational meetings across Agency sites and organizes all incoming employee enrollment information.
6. Develops, presents or coordinates educational opportunities for employees and managers on a broad range of subjects that provide support to employees in understanding and planning for their future through Hopes benefit opportunities.
7. Work with the human resources team to provide off-boarding information to exiting staff as it pertains to employee benefits. This can include, but is not limited to, documentation on COBRA, 401(k), eligible benefit time payout, unemployment benefits or outstanding payments for loans and tuition reimbursement.
8. Manages and provides support with employee leaves of absence, disability claims, FMLA and tuition reimbursement programs.
9. Ensures all unemployment claims are addressed in a timely manner. Manages and prepares for unemployment hearings as necessary.
10. Acts as the subject matter expert on and coordinates all aspects of leave within Hope, including but not limited to ADA, FMLA, Paid Parental Leave, Military, Jury Duty, Medical, and other leaves of absences.
11. Prepares, generates, and distributes bi-weekly payroll for Hope Clinical Care; verifies payroll changes working through the HRIS.
12. Tracks, monitors, and prepares tax reports as needed.
13. Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

1. Work is performed primarily in an indoor office environment, free from extreme weather conditions.
2. Work may include a moderate amount of noise (business office with computers, phone and printers).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Working knowledge of principals of health insurance and employee health benefits.
2. Current knowledge of state and federal regulations as it pertains to medical benefit plans, retirement plans, ACA, COBRA, ADA, FMLA, etc.
3. Current knowledge of unemployment law across multiple states.
4. Ability to communicate and deliver presentations clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
5. Ability to navigate and utilize various software systems such as Microsoft Office and ERP systems.
6. Ability to plan and manage multiple tasks to meet specific deadlines.
7. Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
8. Ability to analyze and prepare documents, reports and correspondence.
9. Ability to exercise sound judgement in making critical decisions.
10. Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure.
11. Ability to develop cooperative relationships with co-workers.
12. Skill in completing assignments accurately and with a high attention to detail.

Training, Academic, and Experiential Requirements:

1. High school Diploma or GED equivalent.
2. Two (2) years’ experience in customer service.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Experience with an HRIS Benefits Administration System
2. Two (2) years’ experience in Benefits, project management or FMLA/leave of absence administration.
3. Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in a Human Resources or Business Administration field.

Who We Are

Hope is a clinical, educational, and therapeutic provider for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder. We exist to help children and their families reach their maximum potential by providing state-of-the-art applied behavioral analysis therapies and access to recreation, vocational training, and individualized education programming. Our mission is to provide the best services in the most inclusive environments to encourage persons to fulfill their individual potential through evidence-based treatment, advocacy, and community education. There’s no place like Hope.

Benefits Package Includes:

• Paid holidays, sick days, vacation days, and personal days each year.
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Short & long term disability.
• Tuition reimbursement & 401(k).
• On-site health clinic for covered employees.

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