Benefits Representative

METRO•Houston, TX

About The Position

Benefits Representative is responsible for assisting with administration of day-to-day benefits activities, communications and employee inquiries associated with the operation of the Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription, Life, AD&D, FSA, EAP, Childcare benefits etc. Facilitates Benefits orientation for new hires. Participates and works collaboratively with all Teams. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with all applicable rules and safety procedures.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED is required. Additional college is preferred.
Minimum three (3) years’ experience in Human Resources and/or Benefits.
General working knowledge of overall benefits; medical, life, disability insurance, related billing and compliance with regulatory requirements for Health & Welfare, Leave of Absence, Retirement Plans and Wellness. Basic knowledge of accounting and financial systems. Excellent organizational skills. Strong customer service and excellent communication skills (written and oral). Analytical, problem solving and reconciliation skills. Working knowledge of PC’s and related software (Microsoft Office, Excel, Word and Access). Strong professional ethics are required.

Responsibilities

Conducts the weekly new hire orientation.
Processes all qualifying event changes to medical, dental, vision, prescription and life insurance plans.
Processes life insurance claims for represented and non-represented retirees, employees and their covered dependents; maintains death claim log. Acts as liaison between life insurance provider and funeral homes in dealing with death benefits; communicates with funeral directors in the assignment of benefits process and submits all death claim information to insurance company.
Responds and resolves questions/issues within the Benefits area from METRO employees, retirees, management and vendors. Assists in the resolution of employee grievances and coordinates processes of responding to complaints.
Verifies eligibility error reports for medical, dental, prescription, COBRA and FSA files making appropriate corrections.
Reviews and tracks all benefit changes within payroll system, including approval of documents, approval of changes by employees, and maintenance of required documents.
Participates in annual enrollment/new hire and other initiatives within the department with preparations and presentations
Processes the Life insurance conversion forms for terminated or retired employees.
Processes the voluntary life and voluntary AD&D applications for represented and non-represented employees.
Performs various audits for union and non-union employees to ensure proper enrollments and deductions. Assists with data collection as needed for audits or other investigations
Participates and works collaboratively with team members to assist in producing communications to support overall Benefits objectives including writing, delivery logistics, approval, tracking and HR Portal/intranet maintenance, complete surveys, initiatives, and related METRO events.
Communicates issues proactively and ensures deliverables are met. Ensures operating facilities have adequate supplies of forms, enrollments, and educational materials (hard-copy and/or posted to intranet).
Cross trains in all areas of Benefits.
Maintains compliance with federal, state and local employment and benefits laws and regulations
Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
Applies SMS (Safety Management System) methods and principles in daily routine and supports all aspects of the agency’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).
Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.