Benefits Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

Under direct supervision, the Benefit Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day tasks related to the administration of Company sponsored group insurance programs (health, dental, vision, long-term and short-term, disability, life, AD&D, flexible spending and health savings accounts, and voluntary benefit plans) and Company Sponsored 401(k) Retirement Plans. This includes: maintaining an in-depth understanding of the plans, employee enrollment and change administration, answering 401(k) and insurance related questions, maintaining federal compliance, and resolving carrier issues, invoice audits and reconciliations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Perform and coordinate daily administrative functions related to the Company sponsored employee insurance plans, such as group life, medical, dental, vision, accidental death and dismemberment, short term-disability, long term disability, flexible spending and health saving accounts, retirement plans and voluntary benefit plans.
• Prepare and/or audit check requests to be submitted to Accounts Payable for detail accuracy per A/P processes, including: Benefit vendor payment, Benefit claims payment, Union payments: pension, dues, H&W and other necessary benefit-related payments.
• Conduct new hire benefit orientations.
• Ensure all new hires complete enrollment paperwork and submit required documentation, accurately enroll employees in plans, and communicate deductions to payroll timely.
• Prepare new hire benefit packets and present new hire benefits orientation.
• Assist new hires and current employees with qualifying events using employee self-service.
• Coordinate and assist in developing materials for annual Open Enrollment.
• Assist in preparation of communications to participants for education or compliance purposes.
• Provide customer service support to internal and external customers.
• Handle benefit inquiries and complaints; ensure quick, equitable, courteous resolution.
• Develop standard operating procedures for benefit related processes.
• Maintain appropriate records and files for participants and plan administration.
• Assist Plan Administrator with quarterly Trustee meetings and any board related action items.
• Assist with audit preparation by gathering required information and contacting participants.
• Work with other Benefit staff and Accounting team with premium calculations, reconciliations and resolves employee’s deductions and/or billing issues timely.
• Audit and reconcile insurance invoices monthly, notify vendors of discrepancies, and submit check requests to accounting to ensure bills are paid timely.
• Transmits files to vendors and research errors if they occur.
• Resolve administrative issues with the vendor representatives.
• Provide census information.
• Use different audiovisual tools and software, assist in developing clear and useful benefit related presentations and communications.
• Maintain current knowledge of benefit trends, best practices, and ERISA and Health Care Reform Compliance.
• Ensure HIPAA processes are followed by maintaining PHI confidentiality.

Additional Functions

• Participate in Company required training.
• Work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• High levels of accuracy or auditing.
• Intermediate knowledge of sponsored employee benefit and insurance plans, best practices, ERISA laws and regulations and state and federal compliance as related to the field.  Ability to learn and understand the Company’s benefit plan.
• Ability to comprehend union related contracts and regulations.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize, multi-task, and confidentially process and maintain data with accuracy with minimal oversight.
• Advanced computer skills specifically using Microsoft Office Suite; ability to learn additional computer skills or software programs.
• Ability to enter data accurately into databases.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively and cooperatively with all levels of management and staff.
• Effective oral and technical written communication skills to effectively and clearly communicate complex information to others as well as to present information in front of a group.
• Ability to use general office equipment such as fax, phone, copier, etc.
• Strong professional customer service skills, including active listening, prompt service and follow-up.
• Active listening skills: attentiveness when listening to others to understand and ask appropriate questions.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to evaluate data and consider decision impact across multiple areas.
• Strong decision analysis and problem-solving skills; ability to draw conclusions and justify decisions.
• Ability to learn and understand corporate policies and procedures and how they relate to Calista’s goals.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical computations, detect unobvious facts and issues, and exercise resourcefulness in resolving problems.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle in a safe and efficient manner.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associates or Bachelor’s degree in Business, Human Resource, Finance, or related field preferred.
• Two or more years’ related benefit experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of benefits and accounting experience preferred.
• Experience administering Company sponsored benefit plans preferred.
• Retirement plan administration experience preferred.
• Experience using an HRIS system; Deltek Cost Point and Workday experience preferred.
• Certified Employee Benefit Specialist Certification preferred.
• Valid state driver’s license and be qualified to operate a vehicle under the conditions of Calista’s Driving Policy.
• Ability to pass a drug, driving, credit, and background screening.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Calista Corporation Human Resources team has a fast-paced multi-tasking customer service-oriented office environment requiring a high degree of efficient and effective performance.  Adaptability regarding schedule and task changes is necessary to accommodate changing priorities.  Overtime may be required.

PHYSICAL/VISUAL/MENTAL/ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

PREFERENCE STATEMENT
Preference will be given to Calista shareholders and their descendants and to spouses of Calista shareholders, and to shareholders of other corporations created pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, in accordance with Title 43 U.S. Code 1626(g).

EEO STATEMENT
Additionally, it is our policy to select, place, train and promote the most qualified individuals based upon relevant factors such as work quality, attitude and experience, so as to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees in compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws and without regard to non-work related factors such as race, color, religion/creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, genetic information, or other protected status. When applicable, our policy of non-discrimination applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, transfer, promotion, placement, layoff, compensation, termination, reduction in force and benefits.
 
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
It is Calista and Subsidiaries' business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities.
 
The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job.  It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements.
 
This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.