A benefits administrator has numerous responsibilities within a company’s human resources department. The job description of a benefits administrator involves overseeing the systems of compensation and benefits of a company.
Position Description
Benefits administrators perform tasks related to job analysis, pension research, attendance monitoring and workers’ compensation as well as other benefits.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities of a Benefits Administrators
- Assists in creating compensation packages that meet employees’ needs while helping the company control costs and remain competitive in the market.
- Administers the company’s benefits program.
- Reviews benefits programs particularly after mergers and acquisitions.
- Establishes best practices in recruitment, orientation, training, benefits and compensation.
- Analyzes existing wage and compensation policies especially in regards to government regulations.
- Chooses the benefits the company offers to employees.
- Knows the details of all benefits choices offered by the company.
- Explains employees’ health, dental and vision insurance as well as flexible spending accounts.
- Makes sure employees understand retirement plans and other benefits programs.
- Processes leave requests from employees.
- Facilitates affirmative action laws.
- Posts federal and state labor regulations in prominent places in the building.
- Recommends changes to employment policies to improve practices and methods.
- Communicates employee job descriptions.
- Performs employee evaluations.
- Performs employee background checks.
- Investigates references of applicants.
- Keeps meticulous records on each employee.
- Reviews proposals and chooses vendors that provide the best value for the company.
- Deals with physicians, insurance companies, attorneys, drug companies, third party administrators, workers’ compensation companies, consultants and other benefits vendors.
- Stays up-to-date on changing policies, technologies, services and state and federal regulations.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Must have experience with Microsoft Office, Access, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Must be detailed oriented and precise.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent organization skills and the ability to multi-task.
- Must be able to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
- Exceptional leadership and team management skills.
- Strong analytical skills.
- Must have knowledge of benefit contract language.
- Must have clear understanding of compliance requirements and federal and state regulations pertaining to programs like ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, Workers’ Compensation, Medicare and Social Security.
Education and Experience
- High School Diploma.
- Associate’s degree in Human Resources, Accounting or other business related field.
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Management, Business Administration, Public Policy, Finance, Statistics or Compensation and Benefits.
- Master’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration or Management.
- Juris Doctor of Law degree may be required by very large companies.
- Knowledge of computer programs and relevant computer skills
- PHR or Professional in Human Resources designation.
- CEBS or Certified Employee Benefits Specialist designation.
Work Environment
- Time is spent, for the most part, in a climate controlled office environment either in a private office or shared office space.
- Must work traditional hours of Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Must be able to work more than 40 hours a week, particularly during renegotiation of various contracts.
Salary
- Salaries range from $34,000 to $55,000 in small to mid-size companies.
- Salaries range from $60,000 to $80,000 in larger companies.
- Salaries can be as high as $160,000 in Fortune 500 companies where a law degree is required.
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