The Benefits Analyst is responsible for managing, analyzing, and optimizing an organization's employee benefits programs, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness initiatives. Their primary goal is to ensure that benefit offerings are competitive, cost-effective, compliant with regulations, and support employee satisfaction and retention.
Principle Responsibilities
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Program Administration: Administer day-to-day operations of benefits plans (e.g., health, dental, vision, 401(k), leave of absence programs). This includes managing enrollment processes for new hires and during annual open enrollment periods, as well as processing changes and terminations.
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Data Analysis & Reporting: Collect and analyze data on benefits utilization, costs, and market trends to identify opportunities for improvement and cost-saving strategies. Prepare reports and presentations for management to inform decision-making.
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Compliance: Ensure all benefit programs comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, such as the ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, and COBRA. This may involve preparing and submitting required compliance filings (e.g., Form 5500s).
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Vendor Management: Collaborate with external vendors, insurance carriers, and brokers to manage contracts, resolve claims issues, and ensure effective service delivery.
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Employee Communication & Support: Serve as a primary point of contact for employee benefits questions, explaining options and procedures clearly and with discretion for confidential information. Develop communication materials, handbooks, and host educational meetings or orientations.
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Strategy & Recommendations: Research industry best practices to benchmark the company's offerings and recommend enhancements to existing plans or the introduction of new programs to attract and retain talent.
Competencies
- Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, both oral and written
- Eagerness to work independently as well as part of a team, with flexibility and willingness to learn and take initiative on a variety of tasks and projects in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of information and exercise good judgment and discretion in handling and disseminating information
- Highly detail-oriented with the ability to handle shifting deadlines and priorities
- High level of commitment, sound judgment, excellent follow-through, and initiative
Education/Experience
- Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Business Administration, Human Resources Management, or equivalent experience
- Three + years of Benefits experience in a medium-sized organization with employees in multiple states.
- Strong working knowledge of governmental regulations related to benefits such as ADA, FMLA, HIPAA, COBRA, ERISA, FLSA, and ACA.
- Demonstrated experience in the administration of various benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, EAP, life insurance, and disability
- Experience working with highly confidential information while maintaining discretion.
The posted salary range for this position is $65,000 to $85,000 annually. Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s skills, experience, and qualifications.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
