Benefits Administrator

Position Summary: Responsible for overseeing and administering the day-to-day oversight of Port Houston’s group benefits programs/plans (group health, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, flexible spending plan, supplemental worksite benefit programs, wellness, 401(a) plan and retirement plan). Provide excellent customer service and monitor benefits administration, as well as execute employee benefits plans and provide analytical and technical support in the delivery of the benefits and wellness programs. Assist with leave administration, including FMLA, ADA, Parental Leave and return to work. Responsibilities/Duties: Coordinate daily benefits processing. Handle enrollments, COBRA, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, disability, retirements, accident and death claims, retirement plan rollovers, QDROs, QMCSOs, and compliance testing with eligibility information. Oversee maintenance of employee benefits files, maintain group benefits data base and update employee payroll records as required. Serve as primary contact for employees, plan vendors and the benefits broker. Document and maintain administrative procedures for assigned benefits processes. Ensure compliance with applicable government regulations. Ensure timeliness and accuracy of required reporting and fees. Develop communication tools to enhance understanding of the company’s benefits package. Design and distribute materials for benefits orientations, open enrollment and summary plan descriptions as required. Provide training and support to all employees and retirees where needed, this includes in person meetings as well as virtual. Manage the benefits portal for all employee changes and open enrollment. Lead Wellness Program including program participation events, wellness credit, and budgeting. Develop and execute plan to increase employee engagement throughout the year. Work with the various departments and locations to determine best path forward for those specific groups of employees that may have unique work schedules and requirements. Lead and coordinate new hire orientation as well as open enrollment presentations. Ensure new employees are made aware of all benefit programs available to them and how they can get the assistance they may need. Lead all open enrollment meetings and presentations. With assistance from benefits broker, formulate a strategic plan to communicate, educate and engage employees of lesser-known benefit perks from various plans/programs. Develop and execute wellness initiatives to ensure Port Houston is staying competitive with market. Provide data for ROI for program. When needed, assist with the process and administration of all leave-of-absence requests and disability paperwork: medical, disability, ADA and FMLA. In conjunction with benefits team, assist with processing and reconciliation of monthly billings and the preparation of vouchers for payments and administrative fees for all group plans Administer Catastrophic Assistance Program and Fund to include coordination of the Managerial Review Committee, notice to employees and payroll when needed. Work with Payroll and Financial Accounting to keep an accurate account of balance. To ensure retirees and their eligible dependents are enrolled in the proper medical plans, perform Medicare eligibility audits quarterly and follow up with retirees to ensure timely enrollments. Ensure compliance of all employment/labor laws through programs, practices, policies, investigations, training, and actions. Maintain current complete understanding of Federal and State employment laws. Interpret and administer policies fairly and consistently within legal boundaries Act in accordance with Port Houston core values (respect, excellence, accountability, diligence, and you) Perform other duties as required Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration or related major from an accredited public or private academic institution preferred but relevant experience may be substituted 4 plus years of employee benefits administration experience required SPHR/PHR, SHRM-SCP/SHRM-CP or CEBS certification preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to use Microsoft products, including PPT, experience with HRIS and benefits databases. Project and team management/leadership skills and experience. Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment with associates. Capability of effective planning and priority setting. Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines. Strong analytical skills and a thorough knowledge of plan designs. Ability to understand, evaluate and make judgment on the request for proposals (RFPs). Knowledge of benefits contract language. Knowledge of all pertinent federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements, both adopted and pending, affecting employee benefits programs, including COBRA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125, workers’ compensation, Medicare, OBRA, and Social Security and DOL requirements. Excellent communication and organization skills. Key Competencies Required: Critical Evaluation Communication Relationship Management Strategic Decision Making Port Houston is An Equal Opportunity Employer