Position Overview

The Benefits Administrator is responsible for the full employee lifecycle and administration of Health and Welfare benefits on behalf of the company.  This includes medical plans, leaves of absence, worker’s compensation claims, ancillary benefits, and retirement plans.  This role oversees certain changes to employee records, both personal and work-related, sharing options with employees that suit their benefits needs, such as EAP resources or specialized consultant contacts that support employee benefits enrollments and changes, and responsiveness to general questions regarding general Human Resources policies and functions.  The incumbent ensures superior service is met through direct employee contact and ongoing enhancements to the self-service model ensuring an efficient and clear process for all.

This position is a hybrid role with onsite and remote work.  Initially, during training period, work with be performed onsite in Downers Grove and will later offer the flexibility of both onsite and remote work (IL only) flexibility.  

Essential Job Functions

• Manage benefits functions, including new hire enrollments, qualifying life event changes, COBRA enrollments, and other employee benefit change requests. Works effectively with brokers, carriers, or other representatives to proactively resolve complex matters. 
• Effectively interprets the interplay between the various leaves, benefit plans, and company policies and manages these effectively in consultation with third-party leave administrator.
• Proactively manage the LOA process engaging employees, managers, HR and third-party administrator to ensure all parties meet obligations; track and manage associated records.
• Manage employee changes within HRIS and related systems; serve as primary recipient of change requests ensuring accurate and timely records.
• Manage payroll authorization process, including assembly of supporting documentation and reports for changes included in payroll, submission and approval by Senior HR management, and confirmation of information updates in appropriate systems (HRIS, benefits, etc.).
• Partner with manager as Compliance lead. Ensure HR compliance obligations meet regulations and company standards, respond to Audit requests and maintain records accordingly.
• Serve as primary resource for employee data updates and election changes in various systems including the HRIS (address change, marriage, divorce, birth/adoption, payroll, insurance enrollment and QLEs, H.S.A. and F.S.A.).
• Oversee Human Resources and Benefits email boxes. Personally address or redirect (as necessary) inquiries in a timely manner. Serve as first point of contact/referral for questions or requests as they are submitted. 
• Manage monthly bill payments, including general operating expenses, benefits invoices, and incidental bills, including reconciling statements against internal supporting documentation.
• Handle incoming requests for information and approval, such as Tuition Reimbursements, VOEs and other requests as appropriate. .

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s’ degree and three or more years of demonstrated experience in Human Resources, preferably focused in benefits, leave administration and employee support; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Competencies

• Self-directed and works with autonomy and authority in areas of direct responsibility; maintains a broader awareness of other areas of HR and engages with colleagues collaboratively amongst HR functions.
• Takes ownership and accountability for direct work; leverages colleagues for areas outside of direct responsibility. Uses sound judgment and makes good decisions that support the overall HR and organization’s objectives.
• Displays effective communication skills by relaying information clearly to others, communicating commitments and priorities for self, and listening effectively to ensure success. Receives feedback and direction well, incorporating it into work tasks; requests clarity as appropriate.
• Displays effective time management and prioritization skills. Sets calendar and activities according to items of high importance and meets deadlines.  Multi-tasks effectively to ensure priorities and deadlines are met and delivery of superior customer service.
• Work output is on time, meets all deliverables and produces high quality work. Known for proactive communication, anticipates problems and delivers effective solutions; responds timely to all inquiries.
• Experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with HRIS software structure and navigation.
• Knowledge of HR regulations, benefit coverage, and leave policies; understands & applies to conform and meet regulations and bank policy standards.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels.
• Progressive outlook; seeks opportunities for improvement and efficiency of process.