Benefits Analyst (Immediate Opening)

Benefits Analyst

Benefits Department

Position overview:

The Benefits Analyst (BA) is responsible for the overall administration of various supplemental plans for 10,000+ employees across 11 regions and 5 states.  The BA will conduct analysis in evaluating participation and utilization rates, completing monthly billing reconciliations, and supporting with benefits-related payroll deductions ensuring accuracy and timeliness.  It is essential the BA has experience in administrating various types of supplemental plans including vision, dental, short-term, long-term disability, life insurance, hospital indemnity, and many more plan options.  The BA must pose strong analytical and excel skills and must be customer service oriented.  Additionally, the BA will aim to evaluate and improve processes to ensure a streamlined administration is operating with efficiency and accuracy.  In addition, the MPA supports to ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations across our 5 states of operations.

This is a full-time remote/on-site position based in Texas/Louisiana/Florida/Arkansas/Ohio with preference given to candidates who live in Texas or who are willing to relocate.  Some travel is required.  We are looking to fill this role by July 1, 2022.  The MPA will be part of the Benefits Team which supports the organization on a national level. 

Compensation & Benefits:

Salaries for people entering this role typically fall $51,946 and $61,816, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for a performance bonus based on team performance and goal attainment. 

Additionally, we offer medical, dental, vision, and supplemental benefits as well as retirement plans and a generous vacation package. You can find more information about our benefits at https://ideapublicschools.org/careers/benefits/.

* IDEA may offer a relocation stipend to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.

In this role you will:

• Complete reconciliations for all benefits plan and evaluating shortage and overage reports
• Maintain and audits staff data in Tyler Munis, partnering with EIS team to ensure accuracy
• Coordinate with Accounting to ensure variances are matching against what was remitted to carriers and makes changes/revisions when necessary
• Audit payroll groups to ensure benefits-related deductions are accurately set-up and ready for payroll processing
• Compare and analyze data between EIS and Enrollment Platform to ensure accuracy in job classes, benefits eligibility, payroll/deduction frequencies, and accurate rates.
• Partner with the Payroll Department to identify issues in their processes that impact the accuracy of benefits-related deductions
• Manage through Manual Trade adjustments
• Coordinate with third parties to identify cause of discrepancies and problem-solve
• Work through various challenges, including challenges with carriers where it may be difficult to obtain retro credits/charges by designated time.  This requires consistency in communication and building an effective relationship with TPA
• Complete Benefits Summary Reports to identify participation rates and monitor budgets
• Coordinate daily benefits processing including employee personnel actions such as changes in location, position, entities, and or pay/deduction frequencies.
• Handle enrollments, COBRA, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, disability, accident, and other complex issues.
• Coordinate transfer of data to external contacts for services, premiums, and plan administration.
• Provide customer service support to internal and external customers. Develop communication tools to enhance understanding of the company's benefits package.

Required experience:

• Bachelor's degree in human resource management or related field preferred, and three to five years of related benefits or employee benefits administration experience. Experience accepted in lieu of degree. 
• SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP and CEBS professional designations preferred

Required technology:

• Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to use Microsoft products, including PowerPoint, experience with Employee Information Systems, Enrollment Platforms, and other benefits databases.
• Strong excel knowledge and skills.

Preferred skills/experience:

• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment with associates.
• Effective planning and priority setting. Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills and a thorough knowledge of plan designs.
• Knowledge of all pertinent federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements, both adopted and pending, affecting employee benefits programs, including the ACA, ERISA, and COBRA.
• Excellent communication and organization skills.

Goals:

As part of the Benefits team, you will contribute to reaching the following ambitious goals:

1. 95% of Payroll Accuracy Rate Overall (total supplemental benefits errors/total transactions for each report)
2. 95% Accuracy for Manual Trade Deductions
3. 98% of Reports Submitted on Time
4. At least 3 Continuous Improvement Initiatives are Executed and Implemented
5. Management to 1% of HealthCare Budgets based on projections

Physical Requirements: (Optional)

·           Must be able to sit for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area.

·           Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision. 

·           Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move 15 pounds (occasionally)

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At IDEA we recognize that racism, bias, and privilege exist in society. We are committed to an organizational culture that promotes awareness and inclusivity for our students and staff and supports their path to positively impact our broader society. We are committed to recognizing the impact of racism and privilege, and commit as an organization to have equitable practices, policies, and structures.  Visit https://ideapublicschools.org/dei/ to learn about IDEA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Anti-Racist and Anti-Bias commitment.

Learn more about IDEA

• IDEA’s Core Values

• https://ideapublicschools.org/careers/leadership/
• https://ideapublicschools.org/our-approach/
• https://ideapublicschools.org/our-story/impact-magazine/
• https://ideapublicschools.org/our-story/history/
• https://ideapublicschools.org/blog/introducing-our-revised-core-values/