Director of Benefits

Overview

The benefits Director is responsible for directing and planning the day-to-day operations of group benefits programs, designing quality benefits plans, investigating new programs, improving existing programs, supervising and monitoring benefits administration, and ensuring compliance with applicable government regulations.

Responsibilities

• Research employee benefits plans and vendors to identify those that present the best value.
• Design, recommend and implement new benefits programs.
• Examine possible plan designs and benefits cost changes.
• Negotiate with vendors and administrators for best plans, options and rates.
• Serve as primary contact for plan vendors and third-party administrators.
• Cook up and monitor transfer of data to external contacts for services, premiums and plan administration.
• Evaluate and revise internal processes to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
• Document and maintain administrative procedures for assigned benefits processes.
• Ensure compliance with applicable government regulations.
• Ensure timeliness and accuracy of required reporting and fees.
• Coordinate daily benefits processing.
• Handle enrollments, COBRA, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, disability, pension/403b, accident and death claims, rollovers, QDROs, QMCSOs, distributions, loans, hardships and compliance testing.
• Oversee maintenance of employee benefits files, maintain group benefits database and update employee payroll records.
• Gather employee data and oversee the processing of monthly billings and the preparation of vouchers for payment of administrative fees for all group plans.
• Audit the accuracy and performance of functions performed by benefits staff.
• Analyze current benefits, evaluating the use, services, coverage, effectiveness, cost, plan experience and competitive trends in benefits programs, and identify the company's stance.
• Perform plan audits.
• Prepare, collect and organize data for actuarial assessments.
• Review data in conjunction with actuarial evaluation task forces.
• Review both short- and long-range cost estimates/projections and relevant statistical analyses regarding modifications in benefits programs and implementation of new programs.
• Survey industry trends.
• Complete benefits surveys and review information obtained from the results.
• Analyze complex benefits information.
• Forecast trends and assist with future benefits designs.
• Develop specific recommendations for review by management.
• Maintain administrative costs of benefits programs and recommend cost containment strategies, including alternative methods for administration and funding.
• Prepare budgetary recommendations and assist in the monitoring, verifying and reconciling of budgeted funds.

Qualifications

• Three (3) to five (5) years of related benefits or employee benefits administration experience required.
• Bachelor's degree in human resource management or related required.
• SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP and CEBS professional designations preferred.
• Knowledge of benefits contract language.
• 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, Section 125, workers' compensation, Medicare, OBRA, and Social Security and DOL requirements.
• Ability to understand, evaluate and make judgment on proposals (RFPs).
• Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to use Microsoft products, including PowerPoint; experience with HRIS and benefits databases.
• Project and team management/leadership skills and experience.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment with associates.
• Effective planning and priority setting.
• Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills and a thorough knowledge of plan designs.
• Excellent communication and organization skill.

About DCH Health System

For over 90 years, when the people of West Alabama needed healthcare, they’ve turned to DCH Health System. Based in Tuscaloosa, AL, DCH Health System has been providing quality and compassionate healthcare to the residents of West Alabama. Comprised of DCH Regional Medical Center, Northport Medical Center and Fayette Medical Center, the DCH Health System provides comprehensive services in: cancer treatment, critical care, cardiac services, bloodless medicine, home health care, sleep medicine, occupational medicine, sports medicine, spine/pain care, therapy services, women’s services and much more!