BENEFITS MANAGER

Position Summary

Responsible for the planning, organization and administration of the Pueblo’s team member benefit plans. Identifies benefit providers and available plans, solicits bid pricing information and makes best overall value recommendation to HR Director and Tribal Council for selection of team member benefits programs. Works to establish a fair premium cost plan for all levels of team members.  Manages the daily oversight of all disability, leaves and workers’ compensation programs. As a member of the management team, directly supports the strategic planning and budgeting processes for HR. Responsible for developing and coaching direct reports.

Our philosophy is built on the principles of integrity, fairness, collaboration, communication, and recognition for performance excellence. Meeting all performance standards leads to attracting and retaining a qualified workforce, provides opportunities for qualified team members, and contributes towards the ongoing success at Pueblo of Sandia today and in the future.  

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Manages the identification and administration of benefits for all Pueblo enterprises.  Works with brokers and carriers to identify applicable benefit plans. Accepts, solicits bids from carriers. Makes recommendations to Pueblo of Sandia HR Director and Tribal Council for best value selection of providers. Makes related presentations to Tribal Council.
2. Manage vendor negotiation, claim resolution and benefit eligibility reconciliation.
3. Primary contact with brokers to ensure maximum efficiency of providers.
4. Responsible for ensuring team member eligibility and timely enrollment in plans.
5. Responsible for administering all Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements.
6. As needed develop policies and procedures for the administration of team member benefit program.
7. Reviews and approves all 401(k) loans, withdrawals and payroll wire submissions.
8. Responsible for overseeing the 401(k) annual audit process, consults with the 401(k) TPA and legal counsel with respect to the plan.
9. Responsible for Coordinating annual open enrollment
10. Recommends goals and objectives; establish schedules and methods for maintaining team member benefits.
11. Evaluate and monitor current benefit program and the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; implement improvements and modifications as needed
12. Evaluate and monitor the performance, responsiveness and billing accuracy of our selected providers. Inform HR Director and brokers of issues that need attention regarding substandard performance.
13. Seeks out and makes recommendations for implementation of peripheral benefits options.
14. Develop, prepare, and analyze financial and statistical benefit reports for trending analysis for all benefits and Worker’s Compensation program.
15. Responsible for maintaining the quarterly hours report to ensure benefit eligibility of all eligible team members.
16. Keep abreast of changes in Federal and state regulations impacting benefits administration.
17. Responsible for Worker’s Compensation, Wellness and all Leave of Absence program administration, including the maintenance of reports analyzing statistical data, trends and development of Policies and Procedures for administration of such programs.
18. Responsible for the selection of Benefits team staff work with team members to develop and encourage growth and enhance performance.
19. Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise and review the work of Benefit Specialists and Coordinators.  Conduct timely annual performance appraisals of benefits staff. May perform special project assignments and other duties, as assigned.
20. Provides direct management and supervision to all reporting Team Members, typically for a larger department, operational area or more complex professional department. 
21. Punctual and regular attendance is an essential responsibility for all team members and are expected to report to work based upon the assigned schedule each day in accordance with the Attendance Policy for Pueblo of Sandia.

 Additional Responsibilities

1. Functions as an advisor to the operations and sets goals that are results oriented, organized, and account for business challenges. 
2. Guides the team to achieve a well-defined structure and efficient operation.
3. Delegates responsibilities to the most qualified Team Members through observing and understanding strengths and weaknesses. 
4. Creates an environment of teamwork, through communicating common goals, shows appreciation for team members contributions and on-going support, and leads by example.
5. Collaborates and communicates effectively in a professional and articulate manner. 
6. Demonstrates strong knowledge of all reporting departments/operational areas.
7. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to identify problems, generate solutions, and implement them

 Key Performance Indicators

This position has Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) identified as a measurement of success. KPI’s will be shared with all team members who work in this job title and feedback will be provided regarding the successful completion of the KPI’s as part of the performance review process.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Strong understanding of accounting and reconciliation practices.
2. Extensive knowledge of state and federal regulations and procedures related to benefit administration.
3. Strong negotiation skills and ability to identify and secure best value insurance plans   
4. Ability to exercise sound judgment and to plan, organize and coordinate multiple projects.
5. Excellent attention to detail.
6. Must have excellent written and oral communication skills, analytical and problem-solving skills.
7. Skill in using HRIS database and reporting software. Windows spreadsheets and word processing software.
8. Must have excellent customer service skills. 
9. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. 
10. Ability to maintain discretion and professionalism with highly confidential and personal information.

   Education and Experience 

Required:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Management or Administration, or a related field of study.
2. Four (4) years of experience directly related to the Essential Duties and Responsibilities of the position.
3. Two (2) years of supervisory experience.

Preferred:

1. Bilingual in English and Spanish

Note: Any combination of education and experience in Human Resources, Business Administration, Business Management or a closely related field totaling eight (8) years may substitute for the required education and experience, two (2) of the eight must be in a supervisory capacity. 

License/Certifications/Registrations

1. Must possess a valid, unrestricted New Mexico Driver’s License.
2. Must be able to successfully pass a stringent background investigation.
3. Will require a pre-employment and random drug screening.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

The following selected physical activities are required to perform the essential functions of this position

Physical Requirement

Description

Reaching

Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.

Seeing

The ability to perceive the nature of objects by the eye.

Walking

Job requirements include, in the performance of duties, walking throughout the work area, on various work surfaces throughout internal or external locations.

Sitting

Particularly for sustained periods of time.

Standing

Particularly for sustained periods of time.

Stooping

Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires full motion of the lower extremities and back muscles.

Talking

Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.

Working Conditions Required:

1. Work is normally performed indoors.
2. No or very little physical activity required.
3. No or very little exposure to physical risk