Benefits Administrator

Title: Benefits Administrator

State Role Title: Salary Non-Specified

Hiring Range: Hiring range for this position is $71,885-$82,668, commensurate with education and experience

Pay Band: UG

Agency: VA Cannabis Control Authority

Location: VA Cannabis Control Authority

Agency Website: https://cca.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Organization Objective

As an independent, political subdivision, the Virginia Cannabis Control's (CCA) mission is to promote public safety, advance public health, and protect communities in the Commonwealth through effective medical cannabis oversight and balanced and inclusive cannabis regulation, policy, and education.   As an independent, political subdivision, the Virginia Cannabis Control's (CCA) mission is to promote public safety, advance public health, and protect communities in the Commonwealth through effective medical cannabis oversight and balanced and inclusive cannabis regulation, policy, and education.

Purpose of Position

The Benefits Administrator administers and manages employee benefit programs, including healthcare, retirement plans (VRS, ORP), leave programs (FMLA), Short-Term Disability (STD), Long-Term Disability (LTD), and Worker's Compensation, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and organizational policies. This role serves as a subject matter expert for benefits inquiries, provides guidance to employees and managers, and partners with vendors and internal stakeholders to deliver accurate, timely, and customer-focused benefits services.

Healthcare Benefits Administration

• Administer group health plans (medical, dental, vision) and related programs (HSA, FSA, EAP).
• Coordinate annual open enrollment, including communication materials, system updates, and employee support.
• Process benefit elections, changes, and terminations in HRIS and carrier systems.
• Resolve coverage issues and liaise with insurance carriers for claims and eligibility inquiries.
• Ensure compliance with ACA reporting and other healthcare regulations.

Retirement Plan Management (VRS, ORP)

• Serve as primary contact for Virginia Retirement System (VRS) and Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) administration.
• Educate employees on retirement plan options, contribution limits, and vesting schedules.
• Process enrollments, changes, and terminations; maintain accurate records in HRIS and in VNAV.
• Complete monthly VNAV reconciliation.

Leave Program Administration (FMLA & Disability)

• Administer Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and other leave programs (parental, military, personal).
• Review and approve leave requests; calculate eligibility and track usage.
• Communicate leave rights and responsibilities to employees and managers.
• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with federal and state leave laws.
• Manage Short-Term Disability (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) claims, including eligibility verification, coordination with carriers, and employee communication.
• Ensure timely processing of disability claims and accurate payroll adjustments.

Worker's Compensation

• Manage Worker's Compensation claims, including initial reporting, documentation, and follow-up with carriers.
• Coordinate with employees, managers, and medical providers to facilitate return-to-work programs.
• Ensure timely submission of required forms and compliance with state regulations.
• Track claims and maintain accurate records for reporting and audits.

Employee Support & Communication

• Respond to employee inquiries regarding benefits eligibility, coverage, and claims.
• Develop and distribute clear, timely communications about benefits programs and changes.
• Conduct benefits orientations for new hires and educational sessions for employees.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all employee interactions

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations (ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, Worker's Compensation laws).
• Prepare and submit required reports (ACA filings, VRS reports, leave tracking, WC claims).
• Maintain accurate records for audits and regulatory reviews.
• Monitor legislative changes and recommend updates to policies and procedures.

Vendor & System Management

• Partner with benefits vendors and carriers to resolve issues and improve service delivery.
• Maintain Cardinal benefits modules; ensure data integrity and timely updates.

Minimum Qualifications

• Employee benefits principles and practices, including healthcare, retirement, leave, disability, and Worker's Compensation.
• Federal and state regulations: ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, VRS rules, Worker's Compensation laws.
• HRIS systems and benefits administration platforms.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for benefits calculations and compliance.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and HRIS systems (PeopleSoft, or similar).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Interpret and apply complex regulations and plan documents.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Build effective relationships with employees, vendors, and internal stakeholders.

Additional Considerations

• Experience with Commonwealth of Virginia retirement plans, healthcare plans and leave plans.
• Professional certifications: CEBS, PHR, SHRM-CP.
• Experience with HRIS benefits modules and vendor management.
• Experience with Cardinal.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Contact Information

Name: Angela Nichols

Phone: (804) 540-2290

Email: angela.nichols@cca.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities during the application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please call (804)653-9490 for assistance.

The Commonwealth of Virginia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the Commonwealth of Virginia to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.