Senior Benefits Specialist

About the role

Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) is a mission-driven, community-based medical university committed to educating health professionals, advancing discovery, and improving the health of our region. The Senior Benefits Specialist serves as the institution's subject matter expert on employee health, welfare, and retirement benefit programs, including accommodation requests and other benefit-related initiatives. This role provides comprehensive support, guidance, and administration to employees on all benefit matters, ensuring accurate, timely, and effective service. The position is full-time (Pay Grade MN10) in the Office of Human Resources.

Responsibilities

• Benefits Administration: Administer all benefit plans and programs including design and promotion of wellness initiatives; manage the benefits administration platform, process all enrollments and terminations and required documents with providers and payroll to ensure accurate records and deductions; complete analysis of comparison and survey data and employee utilization of current benefit plans to assist in development of specific recommendations for management review. Ensure plans are administered in accordance with plan provisions and federal and state regulations.
• Open Enrollment: Plan and administer annual open enrollment and new-hire benefits orientation programs, educating employees on benefit offerings and plan provisions to support informed enrollment decisions. Serve as a resource for benefit-related questions and resolve issues involving benefits, services, or claims, escalating complex matters to the Executive Director or vendors as appropriate.
• Benefits Partnership: Foster strong working relationships with all benefit providers/vendors; recommend improvements to existing programs/strategies and investigate new benefit programs; provide analytical and technical support to ensure effective delivery of benefit programs. Oversee the processing of all provider billings ensuring a review for accuracy has been completed; resolve discrepancies as needed prior to submitting payment by due dates.
• Data Management: Coordinate with IT and Accounting as needed to provide departmental support in all areas of data management related to benefits to ensure the integrity and accuracy of all records and reporting; ensure all system entries meet the requirements and timelines associated with payroll processing.
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to employee benefits administration.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field OR equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of general HR or related experience with emphasis on benefits and data management activities.
• Knowledge of employee data management to ensure federal and state regulatory compliance specific to benefits (i.e., COBRA, HIPAA, ADA).
• Proven experience with utilization of proprietary data management/HRIS systems.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Preferred: Master's degree.
• Preferred: CEBS, SHRM-CP, SPHR or PHR Certification.
• Preferred: Knowledge and/or familiarity with Banner system functionality.

Benefits

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance through Medical Mutual
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Short- and long-term disability coverage, long-term care coverage options, and life insurance
• State retirement plan with 14% employer matching
• Generous vacation and sick leave, plus 11 paid holidays each year
• Hybrid work environment (up to two remote days per week after six months, per Policy #3349-7-151)
• Educational benefits with partner universities (Policy #3349-07-45)
• Ongoing investment in professional growth through on-site training and Lean Six Sigma certification
• Employee wellness activities and initiatives supporting healthy work-life balance

Pay

Starting salary range: $62,167 – $68,287, commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Full-time position. Hybrid work arrangement available (up to two remote days per week after six months of employment).

Physical Requirements

Must be able to utilize a phone, computer, and other office equipment.