Benefits Counselor II (Human Resources) #26102

About the role

This position reports to the Associate Vice President for Human Resources. The primary responsibilities are to manage the college's employee benefits program for over 700 employees while staying current on all state and federal mandates regarding employee health and retirement benefits.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and direct Open Enrollments
• Provide benefit counsel and conduct new-hire benefits orientation
• Ensure benefits compliance and process Affordable Care Act 1095s
• Make insurance offers to eligible part-time and adjunct employees in accordance with IRS regulations and annual reporting standards
• Inform all benefit-eligible employees of changes in coverage and/or procedures regarding insurance, retirement systems, savings options, and any other benefits-related issue
• Prepare monthly benefit-related remittances for vendors, including reconciling bills with the general ledger
• Verify quarterly retirement deduction information in preparation for payment

Minimum and Additional Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and professional in insurance or retirement programs
• Preferred: bachelor’s degree and one (1) year of professional experience in state employee benefits administration

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, Human Resources Management, Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• Three (3) years of professional experience administering employee insurance benefits and retirement programs
• Additional education and training as a Benefits Administrator within a state agency
• Experience interpreting and applying regulations pertaining to public employee health, retirement, and savings plans
• Strong financial aptitude with the ability to understand and manage the fiscal aspects of benefits administration, including benefit deductions, reconciliations, billing, payroll impacts, and financial reporting
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including the ability to analyze data, perform complex reconciliations, utilize formulas, pivot tables, and generate reports to support benefits administration, compliance, and auditing functions
• Demonstrated background in providing exceptional customer service and building positive relationships with employees, retirees, vendors, and other stakeholders
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to explain complex benefits information clearly, professionally, and compassionately to diverse audiences
• Ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization, exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive or confidential matters, and respond to inquiries with accuracy, professionalism, and a high level of customer care
• Strong emphasis on analytical and problem-solving abilities, experience working within insurance and HR database systems, and the ability to quickly adapt to changing benefits laws, regulations, and program requirements
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external partners, manage multiple priorities, and maintain strict confidentiality
• Working experience with Ellucian Colleague is strongly preferred