Senior Employee Benefits Specialist (5211)

SEPTA is the sixth-largest transportation system in the U.S., connecting communities across a 2,200-square-mile service region. We are at the forefront of innovation in the transit industry, ensuring reliable and efficient services while driving economic growth in the Philadelphia region.

About the role

The Senior Employee Benefits Specialist is responsible for the administration and strategic support of SEPTA's retiree and employee benefits programs. They serve as a vital link between employees and insurance providers, ensuring that benefits are clearly explained, accessible, and compliant with all federal and state regulations. Coordinates the Authority's COBRA program and conducts eligibility audits to ensure that participants are enrolled in the proper plans and are making appropriate contributions. The Employee Benefits Specialist will ensure proper and timely delivery of benefits and issue resolution for participants.

Responsibilities

• Administer all COBRA functions including enrollment, eligibility, termination, age-out, and all other COBRA-related events and functions.
• Ensure adherence to federal and state laws, including but not limited to ACA, FMLA, and HIPAA.
• Present at new employee orientations as scheduled, explaining benefit options, assisting the new employee with enrollment, and participating in annual enrollment sessions.
• Resolve benefits-related claims, inquiries, and complaints.
• Partner with vendors, consultants, and internal stakeholders to ensure smooth planning and operations.
• Assist with annual renewals, audits, and compliance requirements.
• Support benefits communications and employee education initiatives.
• Analyze and interpret benefits data and provide insights to improve plan effectiveness.
• Answer complex benefits questions.
• Conduct medical and prescription (and other benefit) eligibility audits, follow up with corrections, and communicate changes to participants and vendors.
• Conduct dependent audits, obtain missing data, and enter them in the mainframe. Follow up with non-responsive employees.
• Review and follow up on prescription drug rebate audits.
• Assist with the annual Form 1095-C production and distribution.
• Comply with all Authority and departmental safety and security policies and procedures as well as all applicable job safety responsibilities. Report any safety concerns, compromises, or hazards affecting operations, the public, self, and/or other employees. Responsible for personal safety and is encouraged to promote the safety of others.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or finance preferred with a minimum of three (3) years of experience in employee benefits administration/analysis or related field of HR.
• Experience with COBRA, HR Administration, auditing, vendor relations, interpreting employee benefits contracts provisions, medical benefits, and regulatory compliance including but not limited to HIPAA, FMLA, ACA.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent customer relations skills.
• Ability to use critical thinking skills to solve complex problems.
• Familiarity with human resources information systems as an end user is preferred.
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite is required.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage – Medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans with little to no employee premiums.
• Retirement Security – Participate in a Defined Benefit Pension Plan and a 457B Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Work-Life Balance – Paid parental leave, generous vacation time, and paid holidays.
• Employee Wellness – Access to wellness programs and resources to support physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
• Tuition reimbursement to support education and career advancement.
• Student Loan Assistance – Positions qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
• Free SEPTA Transportation Pass, providing unlimited access to all SEPTA services.

Pay

$73,164.00 - $91,442.00

Job Grade: SAM 38