00001843 - Benefits Manager

The Benefits Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of benefits administration and open enrollment processes within the College. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence, the Benefits Manager coordinates the annual open enrollment period, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for employees while adhering to established timelines and regulatory requirements. This includes collaborating with cross-functional teams to communicate plan changes, conducting employee education sessions, and providing personalized assistance to facilitate enrollment decisions. Additionally, the Benefits Manager manages day-to-day benefits administration tasks, such as processing enrollments, changes, and terminations, liaising with benefit vendors, and resolving employee inquiries and concerns in a timely manner. By leveraging expertise in benefits compliance, data analysis, and employee advocacy, the Benefits Manager plays a critical role in enhancing employee satisfaction, promoting engagement, and supporting the organization's overall strategic objectives.

Requisition ID:
Position Number: 00001843
Employee Group:  Professional, Management and Administration
Schedule: 40 hours/52 weeks
Compensation:
Benefits: Full-time Part-time Limited Benefits
Reports to:
Posting Opens:
Posting Closes: 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Benefits Administration: 

  • Research new benefit program options and make specific recommendations for new an/or revised benefit programs for management consideration

  • Analysis and provide guidance related to plan design, compliance, administration & utilization of web-based applications

  • Serve as the primary contact for GRCC’s benefits agents; effectively maintain vendor relations to discuss plan upgrades, new products, investigate discrepancies and provide information in non-routine situations 

  • Analyze cost containment procedures to assure maximum coverage at the least possible cost to College and employees 

  • Collect industry and community benchmarking, implementing new or modified employee benefit plans and policies 

  • Distribute plan communication materials, compliance related documents and best practice surveys and trends

  • Manage the domestic partner benefits program; including calculating and communicating tax implications, maintaining the program and collaborating with payroll for accurate system set up

  • Prepare and maintain written policies and procedures on benefit programs

  • Ensure high levels of customer service to internal and external clients while focusing on multiple details and tasks in a high volume, time sensitive, confidential environment  

  • Coordinate with Human Resources to provide best possible care, service and benefit programs for employees on leave  

  • Identify, organize and/or perform administrative functions required to efficiently and effectively administer benefit plans

Supervision and Leadership: 

  • Oversee the coordination and organization of employee benefit files and other record keeping requirements 

  • Oversee the Employee Leave and Compliance Specialist and the Employee Benefit Specialist

Annual Enrollment and Compliance: 

  • Ensure compliance with Section 125, FSA, COBRA, HIPAA, and FMLA, as well as other applicable state and federal benefit laws

  • Analyze and review data for compliance with the Affordable Care Act and Public Act 152 of Michigan

  • Prepare presentations an communicate changes and updates to all employee groups at open enrollment and other benefit related forums

  • Lead the administration of workers compensation to ensure compliance with local and state safety (MiOSHA/OSHA) laws and regulations 

    • This includes case management and communicating with employees, supervisors and providers

  • Prepare and lead the external workers compensation audit, annually 

  • Safeguard the privacy of employee information from improper use and disclosure, according to the state and federal law as well as College policies

  • Maintain plan documents and compliance files 

Data Analysis and Reporting: 

  • Lead testing and implementation for online benefits programs; including for external enrollment or mandatory reporting as well as internal employee use 

  • Lead system updates for testing and implementation; including rates, plans, open enrollment, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, COBRA and section 125 

  • Participate in and/or review surveys and analyze results

Collaboration: 

  • Assist with the request for proposal process, including evaluating vendors’ products and services

  • Provide support to employees with claims assistance and review, policy interpretation and coordination with carriers and providers  

Budget Management: 

  • Develop and manage the budget for Student Employment Services, ensuring fiscal responsibility and resource optimization

Other Job Functions: 

  • Persons in this role are identified as a Campus Security Authority (CSA). CSA's will be trained and responsible for reporting Clery Reportable Crimes to Campus Police as required by the Clery Act

  • Regular attendance during normal scheduled hours is required. Being present is essential for serving customers and performing the essential functions of this position

  • Performs other related duties as assigned

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Educational Credentials

  • Bachelor’s degree or 8-10 years related benefits experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience

Work Experience

  • Seeking 8-10 years of hands-on experience in development, implementation and administration experience with Cafeteria Plans and Flexible Spending Accounts

  • CEBS or related certification a plus

  • Working knowledge of Federal and State benefit related laws (i.e. HIPAA, ERISA, FMLA, FSA, HRA, HSA, COBRA and Worker’s Compensation

  • Must have versatile computer skills (MS Office with emphasis on Excel, Word and Power Point).  PeopleSoft and report writing proficiency a plus

Skills

  • Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively communicate benefit options, policies, and changes to employees, as well as to collaborate with cross-functional teams and external benefit vendors

  • Customer Service: Dedication to providing excellent customer service to employees, including promptly addressing benefit inquiries, resolving issues, and guiding employees through benefit-related processes 

  • Benefits Administration: Proficiency in administering various employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, life insurance, disability benefits and wellness programs

  • Regulatory Compliance: Comprehensive understanding of benefits regulations such as ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, FMLA and other relevant laws to ensure compliance in benefits program design and administration

  • Attention to Detail: Strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy in benefits administration, data entry, and documentation, as well as to identify discrepancies or errors for resolution

  • Ethical Conduct: Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive employee information with integrity and discretion in accordance with ethical and legal standards

  • Continuous Learning: Willingness to stay updated on industry trends, best practices, and changes in benefits regulations to ensure the organizations benefit programs remain competitive, compliant, and aligned with employee needs

Physical Demands

  • The position requires long periods of sitting, reading and writing, listening and computer work

Mental Demands

  • Must be able to think critically to assess the effectiveness of strategies, and making data driven decisions

  • Problem solving abilities related to issues that arise with employees and benefits vendors 

  • Decision-making skills to make informed decisions about benefits offerings, vendor selection, cost-saving measures and program improvement

  • Must be able to uphold ethical standards and maintain confidentiality in handling sensitive employee information, benefit data, and vendor relationships

Working Conditions

  • GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our policies website

  • Must be able to work flexible hours (i.e. evenings and night) including occasional weekends

  • Ability to work in fast-paced environment that calls for flexibility/adaptability and the ability to handle multiple interruptions and make quick decisions

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