Benefits Manager

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Benefits Manager
The candidate will be responsible for: Administer health and welfare benefit programs in all firm offices; review and process enrollments, eligibility files, changes in status including eligibility, addresses, dependents and beneficiaries, and terminations; work with Payroll to recoup or refund premiums, if applicable; provide benefit deduction and enrollment guidance to the HR Coordinator. Work closely with Payroll on various Payroll and HR functions such as W-2’s and administration of various state, federal and firm programs (e.g. NYS Paid Family Leave, telecommuting research). Educate and assist firm personnel and Partners in all offices in understanding and using their group benefit plans by explaining the plan features, answering questions, and providing guidance on coverage questions on a daily basis. Assist individuals who have claim problems by answering their questions, contacting the insurance vendor representative and/or insurance broker, explaining courses of action, and keeping detailed records of communications/transactions; work with brokers for assistance with claims appeals. Review and update plan documents, benefit summaries, benefit packets, Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC), firm handbooks and various documents to ensure accuracy and compliance. Research and recommend new benefit options to ensure that the firm remains competitive in its benefits offerings and to manage benefit costs. Manage entire firm Leave of Absence (LOA) program for the NY, Miami and DC offices; LOA’s include NYS disability, FMLA, NYS PFL, firm PL and workers’ compensation leaves; explain leave policies and procedures, maintain accurate benefit files and work with Payroll, HR team and vendors for adjustments to pay rates, benefit/leave balance and accrual; ensure that all LOA’s are being administered according to state, local and federal laws and in accordance with the firm’s LOA policies. Utilize the firm’s HRIS system to run reports, automate various HR functions and processes; act as a lead in conjunction with the HR manager on the firm’s HRIS capabilities. Manage the firm’s annual Open Enrollment (OE) period, including reviewing utilization data, participating in planning/utilization meetings, creating the electronic OE, working with ERISA counsel and Finance on benefit packet language, setting up and participating in vendor meetings, following-up with employees regarding their elections and ensuring that all changes are processed correctly by auditing elections with the HR Manager. Work as a back-up to the HR Manager to administer the firm’s 401(k) plan; includes processing of distribution forms, rollovers, processing employee deferral changes, employee education and working with ERISA counsel. Manage HR-related content on the firm’s intranet and employee self-service page. Oversee the COBRA benefit program to ensure that all payments are processed on a timely basis and that all communications to COBRA participants including COBRA packets and COBRA ending letters are sent out on a timely basis; work with the Finance Department/Administrative Manager on updating reports related to COBRA and retiree and charges to Partner Year-End Statements. Increase employee awareness of benefit programs by coordinating various programs throughout the year such as: EAP seminars, AED/CPR/FA training, blood drives flu shots, health fairs and other educational programs offered by firm’s benefit vendors. Review Form 5500 for firm’s health and welfare benefits and coordinate between brokers and ERISA counsel to finalize, approve and file documents on a timely basis. Work in conjunction with other Professional departments and offices to host firm-wide initiatives throughout the year, as part of the firm’s strategic goals. Includes planning, ordering, working with food vendors, coordinating announcements with Marketing. Attend various seminars and webinars to remain knowledgeable on various HR and Benefits laws and regulations; remain up to date on recent HR and Benefit related law changes. Work with the Director of HR and HR Manager on annual law firm compensation / salary surveys and other benefits-related surveys. Assist with and manage other Human Resources functions and projects as needed. Should have 6 years of benefits administration experience and either a four year undergraduate degree or 10+ years’ experience as a benefits representative. Must have an in-depth knowledge of and hands-on administration experience with group medical/dental/vision/EAP, FSA, life, short and long-term disability and workers’ compensation insurance plans and procedures. Must also be knowledgeable in federal and state employment laws and regulations including FMLA, ADA, HIPAA as well as general employment law procedures. Should have excellent interpersonal, writing and speaking skills; be organized and detail oriented; be able to juggle several tasks simultaneously; and work effectively under pressure.

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