Employee Benefits Administrator

State of Vermont • Calais, VT

22h • Hybrid

About The Position

The State of Vermont is seeking an Employee Benefits Administrator to support the administration of employee benefit programs serving approximately 24,000 members, including state employees, retirees, legislators, and other eligible participants. This position serves as a primary point of contact for benefit plan customer service and performs a variety of administrative duties related to enrollment, eligibility, and benefit plan operations. Work is performed under the general supervision of a Benefit Operations Supervisor or Division Director.

The position will:

Provide customer service and resolve coverage, claims, and benefit inquiries for members of the State’s employee benefit programs.
Manage enrollments and changes for all benefit plans, including data entry, document verification, and transmission to plan vendors.
Access vendor systems and coordinate with vendor representatives to resolve urgent coverage or claims issues.
Process benefit and leave accrual changes related to employment status and eligibility changes.
Support annual open enrollment, including advising members on plan selection, premium changes, and coordinating benefit fairs.
Administer Life/AD&D claims and manage special coverage situations such as COBRA, Domestic Partner enrollments, Medical Child Support Orders, and Medicare-related forms.
Collect premiums from employees on leave of absence and ensure unpaid balances are reported for tax offset compliance.
Ensure administrative compliance with federal and state regulations (COBRA, HIPAA, Medicare) and communicate regularly with HR partners.
Verify eligibility for dependents, process terminations for ineligible members, and provide guidance on qualifying life event changes.

This position is based in Montpelier and requires a minimum of three days per week in the office.Who May ApplyThis position, Employee Benefits Administrator (Job Requisition #54546), is open to all State employees and external applicants. If you would like more information about this position, please contact Kimberly Palermo at [e-mail] will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.Environmental FactorsDuties are performed primarily in a standard office setting. Some travel may be required for which private means of transportation must be available. Some work outside of normal office hours may be required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and three (3) or more years of experience in benefits administration, health insurance sales or billing, or related field.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with or for major health insurers.
• Certification in benefits through an organization such as the Society of Human Resource Management, or related degree/certification.
• Working knowledge of PeopleSoft HCM Base Benefits, Benefits Administration and Absence Management modules preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide customer service and resolve coverage, claims, and benefit inquiries for members of the State’s employee benefit programs.
• Manage enrollments and changes for all benefit plans, including data entry, document verification, and transmission to plan vendors.
• Access vendor systems and coordinate with vendor representatives to resolve urgent coverage or claims issues.
• Process benefit and leave accrual changes related to employment status and eligibility changes.
• Support annual open enrollment, including advising members on plan selection, premium changes, and coordinating benefit fairs.
• Administer Life/AD&D claims and manage special coverage situations such as COBRA, Domestic Partner enrollments, Medical Child Support Orders, and Medicare-related forms.
• Collect premiums from employees on leave of absence and ensure unpaid balances are reported for tax offset compliance.
• Ensure administrative compliance with federal and state regulations (COBRA, HIPAA, Medicare) and communicate regularly with HR partners.
• Verify eligibility for dependents, process terminations for ineligible members, and provide guidance on qualifying life event changes.

Benefits

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED