Benefits Administrator

The Benefits Administrator works under the general direction of the Human Resources Director to complete various duties related to manage the benefits administration.

Essential Job Functions:

- Maintains benefit files on all present employees and past employees according to United Power’s record retention policy. Updates all insurance and benefit information in United Power’s HRIS program.

- Provides guidance and assistance to employees with benefit issues by answering questions, providing requested information, explaining procedures in various situations, and resolving problematic claims. Must make relevant changes in employee benefits when changes occur such as marriage, divorce, birth, and change of address.

- May act as the main point of contact for employee questions and coordination of the leave management program (including FMLA, STD/LTD, FAMLI and all applicable state/federal leaves of absences).

- Responds to verbal and written verifications of employment and information requests.

- Performs or assists in new hire orientations. Administers new employee benefit enrollment . Conducts open enrollment meetings. Follows-up with employee and various insurance providers to make sure enrollments are done properly and in the correct timeframe.

- Processes monthly benefit billings for medical, dental, vision, Section 125 plan, life, long-term disability, 401k plan, and retirement plan. Must work with the various websites to process updates and payments on billings.

- Verifies bi-weekly payments to current 401(k) provider for employee accounts including payment of any outstanding loans an Employee may have open.

- Ensures compliance with provisions of Employment Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) by completing annual testing requirements on the 401k plan and retirement plan, mid-year testing on the 401k plan and coordinating the plan audit with contracted auditing firm.

- Works with various insurance vendors to coordinate information needed for completing Form 5500’s. Information is routed to the proper company preparing the Form 5500. Follow-up is necessary to make sure the forms are completed by the deadline.

- Prepares and submits non-discrimination testing on retirement plans and Section 125 plan.

- Works closely with the Human Resources staff on all employee changes. Communicates changes to Payroll on all benefit and deduction changes.

- Provides information as needed/requested to Payroll regarding United Power’s benefit costs for each employee.

- Provides benefit and census information to broker or insurance companies when bidding on new insurance plans.

- Monitors and reports changes in state and federal laws pertaining to benefits.

- Works closely with employees nearing retirement. Answers questions about United Power policies and benefits, including but not limited to 401K, pension, and medical plan choices. Provides resources as requested to aid in their retirement planning and decision.

- Maintains the accuracy, integrity, and confidentiality of human resource, information, files documentation and records.

- Performs or assists with periodic audits of HR files and records to ensure that all required documents are collected and filed appropriately.

- Creates, expands, and maintains professional and productive working relationships with peers and stakeholders. Works collaboratively with colleagues and fosters a spirit of cooperation and inclusion in the workplace.

- Performs other such duties as may be requested or assigned to fulfill the needs of United Power in the interest of good management practice.

Minimum Qualifications:

Requires the equivalent of bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field. Must have at least three (3) years’ of experience in a similar position with increasing responsibilities, with emphasis in employee benefit administration.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

- Must have advanced skills in the application of office procedures. Must have skills working web based and networked sites.

- Must have an advanced knowledge of word processing, database, and spreadsheet software.

- Must have the ability to apply basic computational math skills, i.e., percentages, decimals and formulas within spreadsheets.

- General knowledge of human resource processes and requirements.

- Must have general knowledge of governmental laws, regulations and practices that pertain to employee benefits and leave of absences and ADA.

- Must have a demonstrated ability to follow and execute processes and embrace changes quickly.

- Must be familiar with the operation of HRIS programs and benefit portals.

- Must be familiar with Human Resource benefit law and issues. It is necessary to have knowledge in administering 401k and defined benefit retirement programs. It is also important to be knowledgeable of federal and state laws such as COBRA and ERISA, and insurance regulations and plan designs.

- Demonstrated ability to be patient and sensitive to employee requests and be able to handle the work confidentially.

Supervision Received and Exercised:

Receives direct supervision from the Human Resources Director and general guidance from the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. Handles moderately complex issues and problems, and refers more complex issues to higher-level staff. No supervisory responsibilities. May provide guidance and mentorship to human resources staff.

Essential Physical and Mental Demands:

- Eighty percent (80%) of the time is spent sitting, fifteen percent (15%) walking and another five percent (5%) standing. Lifting and/or carrying approximately thirty pounds (30 lbs.) is done occasionally when moving office equipment and preparing for events. It is frequently necessary to push and pull approximately forty pounds (40 lbs.) when opening and closing file drawers.

- Balancing is necessary at all times while sitting, standing or walking. Stooping and kneeling are done frequently when getting into file drawers and cabinets.

- Reaching, handling, and finger dexterity is frequently necessary while working at a desk, answering the phone, and operating a variety of office equipment.

- Talking clearly in an ordinary tone is done frequently on a daily basis. Hearing ordinary conversations is also necessary frequently.

- Seeing near and eye accommodation is necessary frequently while reading, writing, and working on a computer. Seeing far may occasionally be needed when attending an educational class or seminar.

- To competently perform the duties of the job, the Benefits Administrator must be alert, analytical, precise, persuasive, and patient. The required tasks also demand the following abilities: initiative and problem solving; excellent oral and written communication; both visual and tactile discrimination; concentration, memory retention, good reasoning and excellent judgment. Occasionally the job will also require ingenuity, creativity and imagination.

Working Conditions:

This job is performed in an office building at normal temperature ranges 100% of the time. Noise level is fifty to sixty decibels (50-60 dBs) which is normal conversation.

$78,200- $85,860 annually is the hiring range. Position is within a grade with a maximum of $93,520

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a generous benefits package that includes an employee retirement plan, 401K with match, paid holidays, vacation & sick leave, medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance. For a full list of benefits, please visit our careers page at https://www.unitedpower.com/careers.

United Power is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. United Power prohibits discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age 40 and over, race, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, color, religion, military or veteran status, national origin, disability, genetic information or any other applicable status protected by state or local law.

We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

NOTE: This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive; an employee will also perform other job responsibilities as assigned by the immediate supervisor or management.

Management reserves the right to change position descriptions, specifications or work schedules to accommodate individuals with disabilities or as the need arises.