Benefits Specialist- Chattanooga, TN

SUMMARY:

This position is 100% in the office and supports the Benefits Manager by providing overall benefits support, including handling employee questions, processing benefit enrollments and changes, invoice reconciliation, and file maintenance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Other duties may be assigned by Human Resources:

• Assists in administering and communicating the company’s benefits programs, including health and welfare (medical, dental, vision, prescription, life insurance, disability, AD&D, EAP) and retirement plans in regard to plan options, policy features, enrollment, and other requirements;
• Assists employees with enrollment, eligibility, payroll deduction, and benefit claim inquiries via telephone and email;
• Assists in administering leave of absence programs, including Short-Term Disability (STD), FMLA, Long Term Disability (LTD), personal, and military leave;
• Enters benefits-related data into the computerized human resources information system;
• Coordinates filing and records management for the benefits department;
• Participates in Customer Service support to provide and maintain employee satisfaction;
• Determines when appropriate to escalate issues to management, broker, or carrier;
• Assists the Benefits Manager in developing annual reports for the HR/Benefits areas and provides data and trend analysis;
• Assists in the development of communication materials for benefit plan changes, open enrollment, and other events;
• Assists in periodic audits of benefit plans to ensure proper eligibility, enrollment, and administration;
• Ensures company compliance with federal and state laws.
• Participates in companywide Human Resources initiatives and projects;
• Responds to Medical Support Notices and coordinates with Insurance Carriers;
• Updating employee benefits; Examining employee files to answer inquiries and provide information to authorized persons;
• Answers phone and redirects calls in a timely manner;
• Performs other clerical duties as needed, such as filing, photocopying and collating, sorting mail;
• Responds to inquiries regarding personnel policies, procedures, and programs.SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Benefits Administrator is subject to supervision from the Benefits Manager/or Sr. Benefits Administrator.

COMPETENCY:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem-solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics;
• Technical Skills – Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others;
• Interpersonal Skills – Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentially; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others’ ideas and tries new things;
• Oral Communication – Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Written Communication – Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information;
• Diversity – Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce;
• Ethics – Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
• Organizational Support – Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization’s goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity;
• Judgement – Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgement; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions;
• Professionalism – Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments;
• Quality – Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Adaptability – Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events;

QUALIFICATIONS:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: Associate's degree (A.A) or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school; or minimum two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals in English. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees, or organizations.
• MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• REASONING ABILITY: Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• COMPUTER SKILLS: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Human Resource software, Internet programs, Payroll systems, Spreadsheet softare and Word processing software.
• CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Valid Driver's License
• OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: Ability to pass a drug screen and criminal background check.
• PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, the ability to adjust focus, and the ability to see and distinguish basic colors.
• WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
• Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.