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Benefits Specialist

  • Job
    Full-time
    Entry, Junior, Mid & Senior Level
  • Customer Relations
    People, HR & Administration
  • Indianapolis

AI generated summary

  • You need strong knowledge of benefits laws, HR fundamentals, and administration. Must work independently, communicate well, and provide excellent customer service. Understanding state government is essential.
  • You will manage benefits programs, assist HR staff and employees, resolve issues, review claims and appeals, provide training, liaise with vendors, and participate in special projects.

Requirements

  • You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment:
  • Considerable knowledge of COBRA, HIPAA, Section 125 and other federal and state benefits laws and regulations.
  • Working knowledge of fundamentals, laws, regulations, theories and practices of Human Resources Management.
  • Working knowledge of benefits administration.
  • Ability to work independently, anticipate problems and initiate corrective actions.
  • Ability to effectively and plan and organize work of section.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to work effectively with others.
  • Effective customer service skills.
  • Effective problem-solving skills.
  • You must satisfy the following requirements to continue employment:
  • Working knowledge of Indiana State Government: organization, needs, policies and procedures.
  • Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

  • Manage day to day issues of the benefits programs.
  • Provide direction, guidance and assistance to agency HR staff, benefits coordinators and employees.
  • Resolve benefit administration questions and issues raised by agencies, employees and employee family members.
  • Receive correction requests for PeopleSoft data errors and ensures all necessary documentation is gathered.
  • Make all necessary data corrections or notifies agency how to resolve the issue.
  • Work with agency/employees and carrier to do emergency membership loads.
  • Research claims, disputes, and eligibility and work with the carriers to ensure claims are properly adjudicated.
  • Assist in problem resolution/administration/review files for disability/WC/TPA.
  • Provide training and education on various benefits programs to managers and employees.
  • Conduct thorough review of benefit election complaints and appeals submitted to Benefits Division.
  • Analyze information, prepare response, and take any necessary action with vendor, agency or employee.
  • Serve as liaison between vendor and agency or employee.
  • Maintain vendor contact to investigate discrepancies, exchange information and resolve issues.
  • Troubleshoot problems related to benefits including system issues or discrepancies.
  • Provide input on solutions and suggestions for improvements to administration of benefits programs.
  • Participate in special projects including, but not limited to, annual Open Enrollment activities, Retiree Flexible Spending Account program, Early Retiree Health Insurance Program, and PeopleSoft system testing.
  • Some essential functions of this position may be performed onsite at the agency’s worksite or other assigned worksites while some essential functions of this position may be eligible for work from home authorization in accordance with policy.

FAQs

What is the work schedule for the Benefits Specialist position?

The work schedule is from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

What is the starting salary for this position?

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00, but it may be commensurate with education or work experience.

What types of benefits programs will the Benefits Specialist manage?

The Benefits Specialist will be responsible for the administration of various statewide benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, health savings accounts, and flexible spending accounts.

What qualifications are necessary to be considered for this role?

To be considered for this role, candidates must have considerable knowledge of COBRA, HIPAA, Section 125, and other federal and state benefits laws and regulations, as well as a working knowledge of Human Resources Management and benefits administration.

Is previous knowledge of the Indiana State Government required for employment?

Yes, candidates must have a working knowledge of Indiana State Government's organization, needs, policies, and procedures to continue employment.

What customer service skills are required for this position?

Effective customer service skills and the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, are required for the Benefits Specialist position.

Are there opportunities for training and education in this role?

Yes, the Benefits Specialist will provide training and education on various benefits programs to managers and employees.

What are the options for flexible work scheduling?

The State of Indiana offers flexible work scheduling options, including the potential for hybrid remote work for employees whose work may be performed outside state facilities.

Does the position entail any supervisory responsibilities?

The job description does not specifically mention supervisory responsibilities or direct reports.

What types of leaves are offered to full-time employees?

Full-time employees are offered a robust program of leave policies, including 150 hours of paid new parent leave, up to 15 hours of paid community service leave, and combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off.

Taking Indiana infrastructure, economy, public health, and community to the #NextLevel

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Mission & Purpose

State government is more than senators, representatives, and elected officials. We build highways, provide drivers licenses, protect our children and vulnerable populations, create jobs, connect Hoosiers to job opportunities, maintain state parks, train law enforcement officers, and we run museums and hospitals. We also provide unemployment insurance, disability, and workers compensation, among countless other services. We're 30,000 strong and still have more work to do.