Benefits Specialist

PRIMARY OBJECTIVEReporting to the Benefits Operations Manager, the Benefits Specialist is responsible for collaborating closely with the Benefits Department to administer and implement City Colleges of Chicago’s employer based and voluntary benefit plans in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and established City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) policies.ESSENTIAL DUTIES· Collaborates closely with the Benefits Operations Manager & AVC of People Operations to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and City Colleges of Chicago policies in the administration and implementation of employee benefit plans.· Maintains accurate and complete records of benefit provider/carrier information, including plan descriptions, contracts, amendments, and other benefit related documents.· Processes 403b administration tasks, including vendor change reports, vendor contribution adjustments and uploading monthly census files to vendor websites. Additionally, ensures monthly processing of 403b vendor invoices.· Assists in weekly processing of travel reimbursements.· Supports the Benefits Operations Manager in the annual open enrollment process, including setup, testing, and cleanup.· Coordinates the annual Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliance process and works with OIT to submit required IRS reporting.· Processes benefit plan enrollments, transfers, and renewals within the Human Resources system, ensuring accuracy, particularly during changes to employee coverage, including adjustments to dependents or modifications during open enrollment.· Assists with short-term and long-term disability claims and processes life insurance death claims, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.· Ensures smooth information flow between CCC administration, Unions, third-party administrators and/or insurance carriers.· Serves as liaison between Benefits and other internal departments.· Assists in managing CCC benefits-related email accounts.· Responds to requests from employees regarding eligibility and coverage issues.· Drafts and reviews benefit communication materials for accuracy.· Performs other benefits related duties/projects as assigned.· Adheres to CCC Customer Service Excellence standards.REPORTING RELATIONSHIPSReports To Benefits Operations ManagerDirect Supervision NoneQUALIFICATIONS· Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field required, along with three to five years of progressively responsible experience in benefits, accounting, payroll, recruitment/talent acquisition, general HR or related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.· Experience with HRIS software, especially PeopleSoft, highly desirable.· Excellent analytical and research skills.· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.· Ability to effectively communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner· Demonstrated ability to collaborate with employees at all levels of the organization and handle situations with tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality under minimal supervision.· Must be self-directed, organized, innovative and able to assess current operations to develop practical solutions for improving departmental functioning.· Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high levels of confidentiality.· Ability to work within a culturally diverse environment.· Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) with advanced knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint.We Offer:Excellent health and welfare benefit package and long term savings and investment programs including 403(b) & 457(b) Investment Plans and a pension plan with the State University Retirement System (SURS) Plan. Generous vacation, holiday, personal and sick days, and tuition reimbursement. For a more detailed overview of benefits, please visit the benefits page of our website.Chicago residency is required for all full-time employees within 6 months of hire.We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.Thank you for your interest in City College of Chicago!TBD

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