Benefits & Wellness Manager

About the Role

Jackson Walker, the largest law firm in Texas, has an exciting full-time employment opportunity for a Benefits & Wellness Manager. This role leads efforts in the planning, development, and administration of benefits strategies and practices, and is responsible for day-to-day administration of the Firm’s benefits for all employees.

FLSA Status: Exempt
Department: Human Resources Department
Reports to: Benefits Director

Responsibilities

• Manage the administration and record-keeping of all benefit plans and wellness program.
• Maintain employee benefit records and prepare required reports.
• Provide claim resolution on behalf of employees, as requested.
• Maintain open communication with the Firm’s insurance broker, Third Party Administrator, and vendors. Schedule and coordinate Open Enrollment meetings with same.
• Monitor Intranet – Benefits Page and maintain accuracy of information.
• Monitor STD, LTD, and Work Place Injury/Workers Compensation claims.
• Review and manage start-to-finish Workers Compensation claims, including investigation process.
• Process all COBRA paperwork; notify all carriers of terminations/resignations; follow-up with letters, payments as required with outsourced provider, COBRA Compliance.
• Conduct new hire benefit orientations and assist in online enrollment, as required.
• Provide all benefit deduction information to Payroll.
• Work with Accounting and Payroll to resolve any differences between monthly invoice amounts and employee payroll deductions.
• Pay all benefit bills in a timely manner, after auditing statements from insurance vendors.
• Schedule Employee Assistance Provider (EAP) seminars at least once annually.
• Attend HIPAA committee meetings, as requested.
• Attend management-level insurance meetings, as requested.
• Notify Director of Benefits of any problems requiring attention/support.
• Present recommendations for program enhancements and/or cost savings to Senior Management.
• Analyze current benefits, evaluating usage, services, coverage, effectiveness, cost, plan experience, and competitive trends in benefits programs.
• Delegate the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary for carrying out assigned duties.
• Hire, train, and supervise the Benefits/Wellness Assistant in accordance with company policy and procedures.
• Review and modify, with legal consultation, benefit documentation, such as original and amended plan documents, agreements, and insurance policies.
• Instruct insurance carriers, trustees, and other administrative agencies outside of the company to effect changes in benefits program. Ensures prompt and accurate compliance.
• Review health benefit tax filings for accuracy and ensure timely delivery to the IRS.
• Manage/prepare as necessary ACA reporting.
• Prepare budgetary recommendations for benefits and wellness.
• Provide backup coverage for the Payroll Manager as needed.

Requirements

• A benefits certification and college degree are preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience and 3-5 years working with an employer of 500+ insurance users.

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; including organization and priority action decisions.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Close attention to detail; high degree of accuracy.
• Basic math skills to include percentage-based computations.
• Technical skills to include personal computer in word processing and spreadsheet applications.

Working Conditions

Normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise and temperature.