Responsible for the effective administration, communication, and ongoing evaluation of employee benefit programs at UMMS. This role acts as a crucial liaison among employees, vendors, and internal departments to ensure employee/member needs are addressed in a timely and efficient manner, and that organizational benefit programs remain compliant. Uses expertise in benefits administration to support both daily operations and strategic initiatives, contributing to the overall mission and operational excellence of UMMS. Supports the administration of benefit plans by ensuring data sent to and received by vendors is accurate and processed timely.

Primary Responsibilities

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job responsibilities performed.

Administers employee benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, leaves, disability, flexible spending accounts, health care spending accounts, wellness programs, and COBRA in accordance with plan documents and UMMS benefit policies/procedures; serves as a contact between vendor and employees.

Responds to daily inquiries from team members in the case management system, providing a level of customer service that aligns with service level agreements and expectations. Performs analysis of the issue and resolves comprehensively to the member and within the system.

Manages automated solutions. Coordinates the execution of benefit enrollment windows, including working with HRIS and IT teams on implementation. Liaises with internal staff (HR, HRIS, IT, Payroll, Finance) and with external vendors on retrieving, testing, and validating participant data out of UMMS data systems as well as out of vendors data systems, including coordination/synchronization of data between the two. Responsible for monitoring, researching and validating all data/data integrity related to benefit plans by performing regular self-audits and reconciliations of eligibility, enrollment, hours and earnings, funding, and billing data in accordance with plan documents and policies and procedures. Escalates problematic findings to resolve discrepancies.

Prepares communication materials for benefits training including orientation and open enrollment, presents information regarding the various benefit plans. Assists in the design and implementation of employee benefit communications including periodic benefits updates, Summary Plan Descriptions, new hire materials, and open enrollment materials. May assist leadership in monitoring vendor performance reporting.

Performs initial preparation and/or reconciliation of funding for benefit plans (voluntary benefits, outsourced benefits). Receives, validates, records, and processes payments for all vendors fees/invoices.Audits and monitors costs, claims, and participants in benefit plans.

Provides periodic recommendations to management for potential process and/or reporting improvements.Assists in the development and implementation of cost-effective and customer-responsive benefits administration systems.

Prepares and delivers training to managers and employees to promote knowledge and strategic and compliant management of benefits.

Participates in various internal and external educational programs and professional activities to keep abreast of new developments, current trends, and improve technical expertise in benefits, HR, and healthcare-related areas.

Performs all other duties as assigned

Education & Experience - Required

Bachelor's degree in business, Human Resources, Finance/Accounting, or related field or at least or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Two years of human resource experience to include the administration of and requirements for all applicable health and welfare and leave benefits plans.

Education & Experience - Preferred

Experience working in a shared services and/or call center environment.

One (1) year of experience working with benefits administration systems

Coursework/seminar or certification in the benefits areas (e.g. Certified Employee Benefit Specialist, Certified Benefits Professional, or related course work).

Healthcare industry experience.