Benefits Specialist

Job Description

To apply on-line visit www.dphx.org/employment

Benefits Specialist

Purpose and Scope
To support the Diocese of Phoenix in its mission to Encounter the Living Christ, this position is responsible for effectively administering benefits and retirement programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability continuation of coverage and special HRIS projects related to the Diocese of Phoenix employee benefits programs, in line with providing a positive employee experience.

Essential Job Functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

•Administers all phases of the employee benefit plans, including and not limited to medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, 403(b) plan, LERP retirement plans and special projects, under the direction of supervisor.
•Responsible for the monthly benefit carrier invoices and billing for The Diocese of Phoenix.
•Performs a wide variety of complex administrative tasks often requiring independent judgment, attention to detail and problem solving.
• Performs project research and assists with the preparation of benefits financial analyses and presentations.
• Serves as primary contact for the different Diocesan locations by providing timely and accurate response to all employee benefits related inquiries such as Medical, Dental, LERP, 403(b), and including and not limited to assisting employees and retirees with complex retirement benefit related inquiries.
• Develops and presents relevant benefit information to Diocesan locations at the annual open enrollment meetings and HR seminars in partnership with other HR peers and supervisor.
• Ability to uphold the highest level of confidentiality on all employee related matters, records, and documents at all times.
• Maintains outside relationships with benefit carriers.
• Manages the benefit plan audits in collaboration with supervisor and finance department, including monthly audits.
• Provide audit support for employee benefit premium collections and insurance carrier billings as needed.
• Provide support with the preparation and management of annual open enrollment in collaboration with supervisor.
• May assist with mass mailings, employee announcements, flyers, training materials, and any other documentation for distribution to all Diocese of Phoenix employing locations as needed.
• Maintains an organized, up-to-date, and easily accessible filing system for employee benefit and those requested by supervisor.
• Good understanding of how HR key processes relate to day to day benefits administration to be able to effectively provide support in related areas.
• Serves as primary contact for the different Diocesan locations by providing assistance with general HRIS/payroll questions.
• Review and approve employee-submitted life events in Bswift. Notify location payroll of changes and maintain accurate records in benefit platforms (e.g., Bswift and Paylocity).
• Process continuation of coverage enrollment forms, process invoices and track payment history for participants.
• Participate in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) audit process including eligibility tracking, affordability testing, and documentation.
• Supports with wellness events in collaboration with HR team.

Additional Job Functions

• Performs any other job-related functions and projects that are necessary to ensure the smooth flow of operations and customer-service oriented environment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Excellent verbal, written, and communication skills, including the ability to compose effective business communications.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills
• Experienced with presenting to large groups.
• Ability to work with minimal direction - must be a self-starter, showing creativity and flexibility.
• Advanced knowledge of general office procedures, such as scheduling, prioritizing multiple tasks at once, and working both independently and in collaboration with other members of the department.
• Advanced experience in working with employee benefit plans of the Diocese and ability to articulate the plan rules and guidelines clearly and concisely to employees and Diocesan managerial staff.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Access, Excel, Outlook).
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and data reporting.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associates Degree or equivalent work experience.
• Extensive experience working with benefits administrative processes in a similar sized entity.
• Experience with different HRIS systems and preferred knowledge with Paylocity and BSwift.
• Vocational training in computer software applications and office procedures.
• Three years experience in an equivalent position with similar job functions.
• Experience in a human resources environment preferred.
• Is in good standing with the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church.

Work Environment

• This job operates in a professional office environment.
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and scanning machines.
• Remote work may be approved on an occasional basis.

Physical Demands

• This is largely a sedentary role; however, it also requires the ability to frequently lift and sort files, and open filing cabinets, bend or stand, as necessary.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

To apply on-line visit www.dphx.org/employment

About the Employer

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix is committed to helping the faithful encounter the living Christ through conversion, communion and solidarity.