Benefits and Leaves Coordinator

Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority•Detroit, MI

14h•$68,688 - $103,581

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Associate Vice President of Human Resources, the DWIHN Benefits and Leaves Coordinator administers employee benefits and leave programs. The primary responsibilities include managing benefits enrollment, processing leave requests, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, and providing excellent customer service to employees. Additionally, the Benefits Coordinator is responsible for evaluating, administering, and managing an organization's employee benefits programs. Their primary goal is to ensure that the benefits offered are competitive, cost-effective, compliant with regulations, and meet the needs of employees. Principal responsibilities typically include:

Requirements

Understanding of core employee benefits (health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement plans like 401(k)).
Knowledge of basic terms and concepts related to insurance policies and plan structures.
Familiarity with HRIS (Human Resources Information Systems) and benefits administration software.
Understanding of payroll deduction processes for benefits.
Knowledge of the employee lifecycle and how benefits integrate.
Knowledge of federal and state laws related to employee benefits and leave (e.g., ERISA, FMLA, ADA).
Knowledge of regulations impacting benefits administration, such as COBRA, HIPAA, and FMLA, and their basic requirements.
Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, records, and deadlines.
Excellent attention to detail to ensure accuracy in data entry, forms, and communications.
Proficiency in data entry and record-keeping.
Verbal and written communication skills to explain complex benefit information clearly and concisely to employees and vendors.
Active listening skills to understand employee needs and concerns.
Customer service skills and ability to interact professionally and empathetically with employees.
Ability to build rapport and trust with employees seeking assistance.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel for data management and Word for documentation.
Experience with HRIS or benefits administration systems.
Ability to identify and resolve basic employee benefit issues and discrepancies.
Ability to effectively administer employee benefits enrollment and changes.
Ability to clearly communicate complex benefit information to diverse audiences.
Ability to maintain accurate and confidential employee records.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to provide excellent customer service to employees.
Ability to understand and apply basic HR and benefits policies and procedures.
Ability to coordinate effectively with internal departments and external vendors.
Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, Finance or Accounting or related field.
Three (3) years of hands-on experience in benefits administration, including enrollment processes, vendor management, and compliance.
A valid State of Michigan Driver’s License with a safe and acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

Overseeing the enrollment, changes, and termination of benefits for eligible employees (e.g., health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plans).
Processing benefit enrollment forms and ensuring accuracy.
Coordinating with payroll to ensure accurate deductions for benefits premiums.
Serving as the primary point of contact for employee inquiries regarding benefits.
Explaining benefit plan options, coverage, and eligibility to employees.
Assisting employees with benefit-related issues and resolving problems.
Developing and distributing benefits information, such as enrollment guides and summaries.
Conducting new hire orientations to explain employee benefits.
Liaising with insurance carriers, brokers, and other benefit providers.
Assisting in the gathering of information for annual benefit renewals and open enrollment.
Resolving discrepancies or issues with vendor invoices and claims.
Maintaining accurate and up-to-date employee benefits records in HRIS or benefits administration systems.
Ensuring data integrity benefits enrollment and changes.
Preparing and filing necessary reports related to benefits administration.
Manage all types of employee leave, such as FMLA, sick leave, and vacation.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws related to benefits and leave.
Serve as the main point of contact for employee inquiries about benefits and leave policies.
Ensuring that benefits administration adheres to relevant federal and state regulations (e.g., COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA).
Work with insurance providers and third-party administrators to resolve issues.
Participate in benefits plan renewals and negotiations.
Prepare reports and analyze data related to benefits and leave programs.
Assisting with audits of benefits programs.
Providing support to HR management on benefits-related matters.
Assisting with the implementation of new benefit programs or changes to existing ones.
Related HR duties as assigned.