Benefits Manager

OVERVIEW OF POSITION:

Responsible for designing, implementing and managing Easterseals Southern California (ESSC) benefits
programs. This role ensures that all benefits plans, including health, dental, vision, disability, and retirement
plans, are competitive, cost-effective, and compliant with legal requirements. The Benefits Manager will work
closely with other departments to support the overall well-being of the associates by communicating and
educating associates so they understand the value of the benefits being offered.

We are seeking candidates based in Southern California only.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of any employment visa at this time.

Starting Salary Range: $113,500 - $138,500

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Develop and administer benefit programs, ensuring the meet the multi-generational needs of the workforce.
• Monitors and evaluates all benefit programs to ensure they are operating effectively, efficiently, and in
  compliance with all applicable regulations.
• Provide comprehensive support to employees regarding benefits plans, claims and eligibility inquiries.
• Partners collaboratively with other HR functional leaders (HR Operations, HRIS, Talent Acquisition, Training and Development and Compensation, etc.) to effectively test, model, monitor, communicate benefit plan designs, processes and procedures.
• Conducts an on-going assessment of ESSC health and welfare policies and recommend updates, design
  changes and process improvements to meet the current needs of the organization.
• Manage the annual open enrollment process which includes plan renewals and associate communications,
  presentations, and training sessions.
• Collaborate with insurance brokers, carriers and other vendors to negotiate contracts, manage plan
  performance, and ensure the best possible servie and value for employees.
• Monitor industry trends and best practices, evaluate benchmark data, and recommend improvements to
  existing benefit programs.
• Oversee the accurate and timely processing of Benefit data in the HRIS and vendor system.
• Participates in ESSC’s 401(k) Fiduciary and Investment Committee meetings.
• Develop and deliver benefit-related communication materials, including handbooks, brochures, paper and
  on-line resources for diverse settings. Conduct frequent educations sessions, surveys and focus groups to
  assess and address the understanding of the value of the benefits being offered.
• Lead, coach, and develop the benefits team. Provide ongoing feedback, conduct performance evaluations,
  and support professional growth. Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Generate and analyze reports on benefits utilization, costs, and associate satisfaction. Ue data to identify
  trends, measure the effectiveness of benefits programs, and make informed recommendations for
  improvements.
• Collaborate with other Total Rewards team members on Total Rewards strategy and Total Compensation
  Statements.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in a work-related field/discipline from an accredited college or university.
• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification strongly preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 6 years of benefits administration
• Minimum of 2 years supervisory experience managing 1-2 direct reports.
• Advanced experience with regulatory compliance in benefit and retirement programs.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Advanced knowledge in Health/ Welfare and Retirement plan design and administration.
• Ability to combine creative and analytical thinking to support business objectives.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong project management, communication, organizational and analytical skills.
• Ability to collaborate with all levels of management, develop partnerships, and influence all levels of the
  organization.
• Demonstrate leadership skills, including the development of highly successful teams, effective mentoring,
  motivating and empowering staff.
• Thorough knowledge of state and federal laws as they pertain to Benefit Plans (i.e. ERISA, IRS, DOL, ACA, HIPAA, etc.).
• Proficient in Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience with Workday is required.