Senior Advisor - Benefits

Purpose and Scope

Reporting to the Manger – Benefits, the Senior Advisor - Benefits will be responsible for performing the full scope of activities related to benefits administration including but not limited to health and supplemental benefits. Assists the Benefits Manager with oversight of the day-to-day operation of the Benefits department to include training, coaching, process improvement and resolution of complex problems. Provides leadership and guidance to the team regarding all Benefits related areas including active, retirement, LOA, financials, wellness/employee engagement and resolves escalated Benefits issues as they arise.

Essential Job Functions

1. Assists Manger – Benefits in reviewing and administrating all benefits plans for the district, including selection of plan choices, communication with staff members and district leadership, and coordinating costs concerns and tracking systems with budget, finance, and other district departments. 2. Provides back-up support to the Manger – Benefits as needed; serves as lead to the Benefits team; provide staff with resources needed to successfully perform work; documents and maintains standard operating procedures and benefit processes; identify, recommend, and implement improvements to current processes to ensure the overall performance is aligned with the district’s objectives. 3. Serves as an internal consultant to management and employees as an expert in the district’s benefits programs to include medical, dental and vision; communicates new and revised information to employees via various media; prepares and distributes intermittent employee communications. 4. Assists the Manger – Benefits with monitoring benefit providers and third-party administrators; assists in directing and auditing medical providers, and insurance carriers to ensure plan compliance, regulatory compliance, resolution of issues, and reconciliation of enrollments and billings. 5. Assists with monitoring and maintaining the total wellbeing programs to reduce health risks, medical costs and encouraging healthy lifestyles. Assists with development of best practices for administration of Shelby County Schools Employee Benefits programs.6. Serves as liaison with internal and external partners such as Connect Your Care, 403(b) vendors, Health insurance vendor, Life insurance, Disability insurance, etc.7. Conducts research and resolves benefits issues such as plan provisions, policy interpretation, procedures, coverage, enrollment eligibility, family status changes, claims appeals procedures and other benefits matters for retirees; formulates action plans and recommends solutions or improvements to the administration of benefits. 8. Tracks and analyzes monthly invoice spending, budget and contract or purchase orders totals; promptly processes new and reoccurring invoices and uploads appropriate files; support annual financial and tax reporting by gathering all required data from various sources, completing questionnaires, and completing onsite audits, etc. 9. Leads the presenting, implementing, developing, and coordinating of meetings such as Open Enrollment, Retirement Meetings, Benefits-on-one and orientations.10. Prepares Board action and proposals related to benefit contracts; assists in the negotiation of contracts for benefits services; work collaboratively with colleagues and management representatives in HR to provide a feedback loop on organizational pain points and opportunities for improvement to help the district continuously improve service to district employees.11. Executes the responsibilities according to lawful and ethical standards; use personal judgment and initiative to develop effective and constructive solutions to challenges and obstacles.12. Provides for appropriate research and compiles reports, as needed; responsible for the data integrity, efficiency, and quality for all benefits transactions and customer service provided to employees, including life event changes, open enrollment, pension data, retirement, leaves processing, 403(b) maintenance, sick bank data maintenance, attendance management, COBRA administration, etc.13. Ensure proper benefits enrollment and transfer of benefits data to related vendors and the state, while protecting employee privacy protections.14. Performs other related duties as assigned or directed.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Human Resources or related field plus an additional 5 years related experience, or equivalent, for a total education/experience of 9 years. Experience in human resource and benefits administration strongly preferred. SHRM certification or CEBS certification preferred.

Degree Equivalency Formula:Bachelor’s Degree= 4 years plus required years of experience.Master’s Degree= 2 years plus required years of experience. Where Master’s degrees are required, years for Bachelor’s Degrees must be included.

Additional Job Details

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE The district is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the District to provide adequate accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.