Benefits Administrator (FT)

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, 100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd, Acme, Michigan, United States of America Req #1640

SUMMARY The Benefits Administrator is a salaried exempt, in person, position at GTRS responsible for executing on the administration functions of the (GTRS) Grand Traverse Resort and Spa group benefit program offerings (group health, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, worker's compensation, life insurance, various supplemental insurance plan options, flexible spending plan, 401K retirement plan, and COBRA, etc.). The position manages the work-related injury process, OSHA filing, FMLA leave administration and support managers with questions on EST employee usage. Additionally, the Benefits Administrator will provide excellent customer service, conducting 1 on 1 benefits meetings for new hires and works to find creative opportunities to enhance and educate the GTRS workforce on benefits and wellness.

This position reports to the Director of Human Resources and will work cooperatively with the Recruitment and Employment Manager, Vice President of Finance, Controller and Payroll Manager during specific times or work functions. The Benefits Administrator will support the Director of Human Resources on product selection and plan design while administering and handling all day-to-day administrative duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Determines benefits eligibility, distributes benefits enrollment materials, enrolls employees with carriers and ensures the accuracy of all benefits enrollments in the HRCM system (Dayforce) to provide vendors with accurate eligibility information, coordinating the transfer of data to external contacts for services, premiums, and plan administration.
• Conducts daily benefits processing. Handles enrollments, COBRA, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, disability, accident and death claims, rollovers, distributions, loans, hardships, and compliance testing. Serves as the primary contact for plan vendors and third-party administrators.
• Creates SOP’s and documents and maintains administrative procedures for assigned benefits processes.
• Develop communication plans and strategies to enhance understanding of the company’s benefit offerings.
• Presents and assists at new hire orientation, leads open enrollment meetings, provides support on benefit claims, processes life change events, educates on plan options/changes, navigates benefits utilization questions, processes, and explains termination of benefits, and other situations as needed.
• Distributes materials for benefits orientations, open enrollment and summary plan descriptions.
• Performs quality checks of benefits-related data and plays a key role in plan audits by providing all necessary data timely and as requested.
• Responds to benefits inquiries from managers and employees on plan provisions, benefits enrollments, status changes and other general inquiries.
• Processes and administers all leave-of-absence requests and disability paperwork: medical, personal, disability, EST and FMLA.
• Effectively interprets EST, FMLA and ADA implications as they relate to leave of absences/disabilities.
• Administers the employee savings plans that may include the company’s 401(k) plan, personal savings plans, and deferred compensation programs.
• Responds to 401(k) inquiries from managers and employees relating to enrollments, plan changes and contribution amounts. Manages the annual catch-up contribution enrollment.
• Administers the tuition reimbursement program.
• Provides necessary reports for allocation/billing charges.
• Ensures compliance with applicable government regulations: HIPPA, ERISA, IRS, DOL, Insurance Commissioners, etc. Ensures timeliness and accuracy of required reporting and fees.
• Maintains employee benefit files, maintain group benefits database and update employee deductions and arrears for benefit elections as needed.
• Gathers employee data and reconciles the processing of monthly billings and the preparation of vouchers for payment of administrative fees for all group plans.
• Allocates group health and dental claims monthly and review quarterly.
• Conducts plan audits. Prepares, collects, and organizes data for actuarial assessments. Review data in conjunction with actuarial evaluation.
• Reviews and processes all work related injuries with the workers compensation insurance carrier and risk management carriers; maintains OSHA logs, ensuring OSHA compliance.
• Works cooperatively with the Director of Human Resources and Vice President of Finance on the following:
• Analyzing current benefits, evaluating the use, services, coverage, effectiveness, cost, plan experience and competitive trends in benefits programs, and identifying the company's stance.
• Surveying industry trends. Completes benefit surveys and reviews information obtained from the results. Analyzes complex benefits information. Forecast trends and assist with future benefits designs. Develop specific recommendations for review by management.
• Reviewing both short- and long-range cost estimates/projections and relevant statistical analyses regarding modifications in benefits programs and implementation of new programs.
• Researching and recommending benefit offerings that present new and value-added benefit options, assisting in the negotiations with vendors and for best plans, options and rates.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in human resource management or related field, and three to five years of related benefits or employee benefits administration experience preferred. (Will consider two years’ experience in HR and/or benefits administration, depending on overall knowledge, skills and abilities.)
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP and /or HRCI certification, preferred

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to use Microsoft products, including PowerPoint; experience with HRIS and benefits databases.
• Strong analytical skills are required
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Knowledge and experience in employee benefits and applicable laws with a general knowledge of benefits contract language
• Effective planning and priority setting; with the ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of all pertinent federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements, both adopted and pending, affecting employee benefits programs, including the ACA, ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, EST, Section 125, workers' compensation, Medicare, OBRA, and Social Security and DOL requirements.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time.

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS

• Must be able to effectively handle stressful and confidential situations while remaining confident, focused and professional.
• Must be able to deal with difficult people without losing perspective and remaining sympathetic
• Must maintain high emotional intelligence and balance the interests of the employee and business at the same time
• Must be able to work productively under strict time restraints with variable deadlines
• Must have the mental aptitude to handle multiple inquiries, duties and timelines; successfully being able to multi-task
• Must maintain confidentiality of information that is exchanged within the department and business

WORKING CONDITIONS

Onsite position in an office and team environment with a moderate noise level. Periods of high employee traffic volumes will occur. Traditional onsite office hours of 8am to 5pm or 9am to 6pm are required. Must be able to work flexible hours and an occasional weekend based upon workload. A team type mentality is important to the HR office environment and the willingness to take on additional responsibilities when needed.

COMMENTS

Native American Preference will apply. Must be able to pass a background investigation and a drug screen as a condition of employment.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change the duties of the position at any time. Any qualifications to be considered an equivalent in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval of the Director of Human Resources.