Benefits Manager

Benefits Manager

Dykema Gossett PLLC, a leading national law firm, is seeking to hire a Benefits Manager in our Detroit, MI or San Antonio, TX office. The Benefits Manager will oversee the administration of the firm's health and retirement benefit plans. Proposes benefit plan designs. Negotiates rate renewals and prepares communications of the benefit program to all firm personnel. Establishes and monitors firm's insurance and benefit budget. Conducts new hire benefits orientations as well as benefit termination communications and meetings. Researches and administers government mandated benefits and compliance issues. Administers the firm's leave of absence programs. Responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations of the Benefits team member. Responsible for processing contract attorney payment/benefit arrangements and Member Withdrawal and Retirement agreements, reports and processes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversees administration of the firm's flexible benefit programs which include medical, dental, life, disability, personal accident and the Health and Dependent Reimbursement Accounts. Also manages other benefit programs such as voluntary disability, long-term care, health savings account, technology benefit and parking reimbursement.
• Develops benefit plan designs, negotiates rate renewals and prepares communications of the benefit program to all firm Members and personnel. Conducts and participates in various benefit surveys.
• Researches and resolves outstanding benefit issues which includes working with insurance carriers to resolve policy discrepancies as well as researching the provisions of various government mandated benefits such as COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, Worker's Compensation, Health Care Reform, etc., as they apply to employee claim issues and compliance with various state regulations. Acts as a liaison between Firm and insurance companies and agencies.
• Prepares and monitors budget for assigned insurance and other benefit program accounts.
• Responsible for the annual Form 5500 filing and Summary Annual Report for the Welfare Benefit Plans.
• Responsible for the annual IRS electronic filing of Affordable Care Act (ACA) information returns.
• Updates Welfare Summary Plan Descriptions and Plan Documents for the Health, Cafeteria, Health and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts and Short-term Disability Plans.
• Administers the firm's Leave of Absence Program which includes drafting and/or updating policies, consulting with employees, ensuring the Family and Medical Leave Act and other state requirements are met, approving disability leaves, communicating with supervisors regarding employees' status, contacting physicians and labor attorneys, when necessary, as well as working with long-term disability and workers' compensation insurance carriers on claim disputes.
• Conducts new hire benefit orientation. Drafts termination communications and contacts departing Members, Senior-Counsels and Government Policy Advisors regarding benefit issues and other departure procedures.
• Administers firm's Wellness program, including employee communications, on-site seminars, incentive programs, and various challenges.
• Oversees the day-to-day responsibilities of the Benefits team member.
• Occasional travel to other offices.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or related field preferred, or a comparable level of training such as that which may be acquired through additional work experience.
• Five or more years of experience in employee benefits required.
• Highly developed communication skills, both oral and written, skills necessary to discuss sensitive, confidential information with all levels of Members and employees.
• Analytical skills necessary to plan, develop and administer benefit programs as well as recommend effective policies and procedures.
• Comprehensive understanding of industry regulations; certification as a benefits specialist preferred.
• Working knowledge of computer software including word processing, spreadsheet, payroll/HR and communications applications.
• Experience with HRIS, such as UltiPro or other technology is required.
• Law firm experience or professional services experience is preferred.

Great Benefits for Great People:

Dykema offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and success of our employees both personally and professionally. This includes competitive health, dental, and vision insurance plans, along with flexible paid time off (PTO), holiday leave, and a retirement savings plan with profit sharing for eligible employees. Other benefits include flexible spending programs, health savings account, commuter benefits, and personal and parental leave programs. We prioritize work-life balance and offer wellness programs, and access to mental health support. Additionally, employees enjoy access to professional development programs, a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, and various employee discounts and perks. We are committed to providing a benefits package that helps our team thrive and feel valued.

The offered salary will be determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to, work location, individual skill set, previous/applicable experience, education, external market data and consideration of internal equity.

EEO Statement:

It is the Firm's policy to provide employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis without regard to the individual's age, race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, domestic partner relationship, physical characteristics, disability, or other protected characteristics under applicable federal, state or local laws or ordinances.

Dykema will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the known disabilities of employees who are otherwise qualified to perform the essential functions of the jobs involved.

It is the responsibility of every individual concerned with personnel actions, including management, supervision, recruiting, compensation, benefits, promotions, work assignments and training, to ensure that these activities are administered consistent with the Firm's goal of furthering the principle of equal employment opportunity.

E-Verify:

Dykema uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce. E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Additional Information:

This job posting is intended to describe the essential duties and responsibilities, the specialized job functions, and the essential requirements of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive statement of all supplemental duties, responsibilities, non-essential requirements, or to reflect any accommodations made under the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Michigan Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act.