Position Summary:

The Benefits Specialist will assist in overseeing the coordination and administration of nonwage benefit programs (consisting of insurance: health, Life/AD&D, STD/LTD, supplemental, etc.), retirement plans, incentive / bonus, or reward programs, Leave policy administration, and communication to employees regarding benefits or compensation.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare vendor invoices for payment and perform regular audits to ensure accuracy of invoices, and resolve administrative problems with the carrier representatives.
• Collaborate with insurance providers, benefits vendors, and HRIS vendors, ensuring smooth operations.
• Perform regular audits of benefits data to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Compare Plans for efficiencies, coverage, cost, vendor reputation, and other criteria to meet the needs of MEI’s benefit and compensation goals.
• Establish professional and positive relations with Providers, vendors, Brokers, as necessary.
• Monitor and stay current with applicable laws, regulations, and best practices for benefit administration.
• Administer leave management and ADA Accommodation processes for all employees (FMLA, Personal, Military, Disability).
• Ensure accuracy of 401k deferral and payroll contribution reporting to 401k & payroll systems and work with 401k vendor to resolve discrepancies.
• Perform annual 401k year end compliance testing and annual plan audit.
• Process 401k deferral corrections as needed.
• Assist Benefits Manager with the roll-out of new benefit programs, plans and related employee education and informational meetings and feedback surveys.
• Assist with open enrollment efforts and employee benefit communication; assist with employee inquiries regarding benefits and Leave.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws as appropriate for each state and in Canada; complete benefit and compliance reporting, participate in audits, and initiate related or necessary surveys.
• Perform regular and predictable work remotely and perform work during scheduled and/or agreed upon times.
• Create and maintain benefit process documentation.

Minimum Qualifications (Experience, Skills, and Education):

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Finance, Communications, or related field preferred. May consider advanced years of direct experience or a combination of education and experience in lieu of a four-year degree.
• Three (3) to five (5) years’ direct experience in evaluating and administering benefit Plans.
• Ability to perform data and cost analyses using various software and internal and external sources.
• Intermediate to advanced use of a Windows based computer; advanced skills with analytical tools, databases, MS Office / D365, HRMS, and other software utilized by MEI.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to disseminate information effectively across all levels of staff.
• Analyze complex data or incomplete information to find the best solution and problem-solve.
• Ability to appropriately handle sensitive information and keep confidential information secure.
• Provide guidance and advice to management and/or staff regarding Leave or benefits; research and recommend best practices for establishing compensation rates or ranges.
• Demonstrated abilities working as a highly functioning, remote professional in a multi-site, multi-state organization; is self-directed and self-motivated, and manages time efficiently.
• Ability to travel on occasion as needed to Regional Office sites.
• Experience with Canadian Plan Administration preferred.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

The Benefits Specialist position is a remote position and most work will be performed in a home office setting. Frequent use of computer, keyboard, mouse, and cellular phone necessary. The typical hours for the Benefit Specialist are 8 hours a day, Monday through Friday and will work to accommodate U.S. time zones.

Additional Requirements:

Must be able to work in a high functioning team environment. Display the highest levels of honesty, integrity, and professionalism. Take pride in your work and in the company. Communicate openly and strive for peak performance in daily tasks. Know and deliver the quality service MEI’s customers have come to expect.

Disclaimer: This job description is intended to summarize the type and level of work performed by the Benefits Specialist and is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and/or requirements. MEI reserves the right to change or modify this job description or the essential duties of this position, as necessary.

MEI is an Equal Opportunity, M/F/Disabled/Vet Preferred Employer.