Senior Benefits Analyst

About the role

As our Senior Benefits Analyst, you will contribute to a wide variety of complex activities involving the management of health and welfare benefit plans and programs. Using analytical, problem-solving, critical thinking, organization, collaboration, and communication skills, this position is responsible for providing subject matter expertise on administration, compliance, vendor management, reporting, as well as employee communication and education for the full suite of employee benefit programs.

The role involves conducting research and data analysis regarding various aspects of the plans and vendor integrations, identifying and developing process improvements, and implementing programs accordingly.

Responsibilities

• Become a subject matter expert on all R1 benefit programs and insurance plans, including health, life, disability, retirement savings, wellbeing, voluntary plans, and spending accounts.
• Manage compliance calendar and assist with or coordinate completion of activities in a timely manner throughout the year.
• Recommend and develop communications strategy and materials in collaboration with the Communications team to promote benefit and wellness programs, increase utilization or engagement, seek feedback, enhance resources, and educate Associates at all levels of the organization to improve understanding, awareness, and appropriate utilization of available benefits and tools.
• Explain and occasionally present to Associates about benefit programs with a strong customer service mindset.
• Resolve complex, non-routine benefits issues.
• Provide project management support for benefit-related projects.
• Remain current on regulatory and legal updates and actively review them to assist in determining which actions may be required by R1. Seek an understanding of the implications for R1, any options available for compliance, and develop recommendations for approval.
• Work closely with third-party vendors and internal IT teams to identify system requirements, ensure compatibility and functionality, and ensure that all electronic files are sent to vendors with accurate data and in a timely manner.
• Assist in troubleshooting and resolving electronic file (integration) issues, and oversee enhancements or changes to ensure data integrity, accuracy of plan administration, and completeness.
• Serve as subject matter expert of Workday benefit-related configuration, vendor integrations, and new program implementations. Oversee accurate setup and maintenance in these areas with support from our HR Technical team.
• Lead efforts to improve new Associates' onboarding experience, as it relates to benefits, to ensure understanding of the available benefit options, enrollment access, and resources.
• Periodically audit benefit enrollment records against carrier records to ensure accuracy. Coordinate resolution of discrepancies and follow through to ensure completion.
• Periodically audit invoices for accuracy and to ensure appropriate premium payments in accordance with contract terms and enrollment numbers.
• Regularly audit payroll benefit deductions for accuracy and coordinate corrections.
• Interpret and explain R1 benefits and policies in clear, non-technical language that will be understandable to Associates at all levels of the organization. Respond to Associate inquiries accurately, timely, and professionally.
• Collaborate with consultants, benefit vendors, and third-party administrators to evaluate existing benefit programs and utilization and propose changes. Assist in conducting focus groups or developing survey questions to gather feedback from Associates.
• Assist with Open Enrollment coordination, communications, and related activities, including renewal of plans, updates to documentation, overseeing carrier integration changes, testing of enrollment workflow, and reporting.
• Prepare reports and conduct analysis to provide information for decision-making, audits, benefits administration issues, or other ad hoc requests.
• Proactively seek opportunities for efficiency, improvement, and harmonization and make recommendations.
• Investigate issues to determine root cause and develop solutions to prevent recurrence.

Requirements

• Minimum of 4 years of experience, with at least 2 years specifically related to the responsibilities of this role.
• Prior experience and basic working knowledge of Workday (including payroll deductions and integrations), and basic reporting preferred.
• Experience with benefits administration services and systems preferred.
• Experience conducting benefit presentations, benefit fairs, or Associate onboarding sessions virtually.
• Bachelor's degree. Equivalent experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) preferred.
• Intermediate skills in Excel, including performing VLOOKUPs, creating pivot tables, and manipulating data in various formats.
• Basic working knowledge of group insurance plan processing and administration, both self-insured and fully insured designs.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing system configuration, interfaces, and performing implementations and change management for an HRIS system and/or new benefit programs, including coordinating with IT/Technical or other internal and vendor teams to succeed.
• Self-motivated, collaborative, solutions-driven, and confident, taking initiative with little direction.
• Ability to handle sensitive information relevant to healthcare and other confidential issues with discretion and care, and in compliance with HIPAA and other regulatory or policy requirements.
• Ability to learn quickly, understand, and apply complex rules, procedures, regulations, and guidelines.

Skills

• Benefits Compliance Knowledge
• Data Analysis and Reporting
• Project Planning and Coordination
• Benefits Communication and Education
• Attention to Detail
• Customer Service
• Process Improvement

Pay

For this US-based position, the base pay range is $65,478.00 - $96,885.29 per year. Individual pay is determined by role, level, location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. This job is eligible to participate in our annual bonus plan at a target of 10.00%.

Benefits

R1 offers a competitive benefits package, including opportunities for professional growth, collaboration, and meaningful work that makes a difference in communities served around the world.