Benefits Analyst

Benefits Analyst

The Benefits Analyst plays a key role in supporting the administration and optimization of employee benefit programs. This role will leverage analytical skills to evaluate benefits data, ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, prepare reports, assist with billing and reconciliation processes and in development and enhancement of benefit offerings for employees. The Analyst will work with Benefits Advisors to support enrollment, maintain HRIS data integrity, assist with payroll-related benefit processes, respond to employee inquiries and ensure the department's benefit programs are effectively managed and aligned with organizational goals.

What you will do:

• Promotes the Avera benefits program by providing prompt and courteous customer service to employees and leaders throughout the organization. Responsible for maintaining excellent customer service to all Avera staff regarding benefit inquiries and other human resources inquires.
• Handles benefit plan inquiries and complaints that arise through the service center or phone calls to ensure timely, and equitable, courteous resolution. Will bring closure to inquiries through research of records relating to the benefit plans in a timely, courteous and thorough manner, and involves leader when appropriate.
• Collaborate with HRIS and IT teams to troubleshoot system issues and implement enhancements.
• Review discrepancies between benefit enrollment and payroll systems. Works closely with payroll to ensure proper administration of benefit withholdings and practices.
• Assist with retroactive benefit changes and corrections.
• Investigate and resolve billing discrepancies.
• Continuously reviewing processes and progressively moving forward on process improvement ideas.
• Audits benefit plans for compliance with governmental regulations.
• Maintains a variety of records and reports, compiling statistical and accounting information as requested.
• Develop and distribute clear, concise and user-friendly communication materials to employees regarding benefits.

Essential Qualifications:

• The individual must be able to work the hours specified. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily including having visual acuity adequate to perform position duties and the ability to communicate effectively with others, hear, understand and distinguish speech and other sounds. These requirements and those listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions, as long as the accommodations do not cause undue hardship to the employer.

Required Education, License/Certification, or Work Experience:

• Two to three years of experience in benefits, preferably within healthcare and/or a large organization.
• Strong understanding of benefit coverages, compliance and trends.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex data, policies and regulations.

Preferred Education, License/Certification, or Work Experience:

• Bachelor's in Human Resources or Business related field.
• Professional in Human Resources (PHR) - Human Resource Standards Institute (HRCI) or
• Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) - Human Resource Standards Institute (HRCI) or
• SHRM-Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) - Society For Human Resource Management (SHRM) or
• SHRM-Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) - Society For Human Resource Management (SHRM)
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Expertise in HRIS/Benefit Admin system operation.
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, problem-solving and written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Expectations and Standards:

• Commitment to the daily application of Avera's mission, vision, core values, and social principles to serve patients, their families, and our community.
• Promote Avera's values of compassion, hospitality, and stewardship.
• Uphold Avera's standards of Communication, Attitude, Responsiveness, and Engagement (CARE) with enthusiasm and sincerity.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Work effectively in a team environment, coordinating work flow with other team members and ensuring a productive and efficient environment.
• Comply with safety principles, laws, regulations, and standards associated with, but not limited to, CMS, The Joint Commission, DHHS, and OSHA if applicable.

Benefits You Need & Then Some:

• PTO available day 1 for eligible hires.
• Free health insurance options, for full-time single coverage on Avera High Deductible Health Plan
• Up to 5% employer matching contribution for retirement
• Career development guided by hands-on training and mentorship