Benefits analyst ghi (departmental promotion only)

Description Under the direct supervision of the Chief Group Health Insurance (GHI) or unit supervisor, the Benefits Analyst is responsible for ensuring that active employees and retirees receive the applicable benefits provided by the group health insurance program. An employee in this class works with human resources officers and other stakeholders to determine that benefits are offered, appropriately delivered, and provide the associated costs. An employee in this position communicates the advantages of benefits packages to active employees and retirees and must stay abreast of their benefits information through the eligibility system and other related systems used within GHI. Work is reviewed through meetings, consultations, reports, and various GHI related functions daily.

Duties and Responsibilities Provides information about various insurance plans to active employees and retirees who are eligible to enroll in the program. Provides customer service on benefits, resolves issues, and works directly with management to ensure results and solutions. Enters data into the eligibility/management systems relative to active employees and retiree’s payroll deductions, additions, changes, and deletions which is transmitted to the Department of Finance and GERS Payroll divisions. Investigates, researches, and resolves eligibility file issues and discrepancies reported by carriers and HRIT. Updates policyholder records, privy to highly confidential information, maintains confidentiality, and employee confidence by keeping benefit information confidential. Processes and approves qualifying status changes. Administering benefits and leave without pay processes and managing associated payments in accordance with plan rules. Acts as subject matter experts for employee benefits inquiries and complaints to ensure a quick, equitable, and courteous resolution. Compiles various reports and statistical summaries on activity and functions. Participates in training opportunities and professional development-related events to stay abreast of changing policies and procedures and maintain professional networks. Provides assistance with the coordination of wellness and other GHI events. Works closely with human resources officers, benefits carriers, consultants, vendors, and other stakeholders to accurately manage the administration of active employee benefit plans including new employees, policy interpretation and procedures, and to implement the health insurance plan and policies. Manages payments for employees on leave without pay (LWOP) and processes evidence of insurability in accordance with plan rules. Conducts new hire orientation of the health insurance plan benefits, annual open enrollment including plan design changes and presentations. Trains HR professionals on the eligibility system and explains employee benefits by conducting meetings, preparing written and graphic announcements, presentations, and explanations and responds to requests for information. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Business administration, Human Resources, or any related field and two (2) years of experience in benefits administration. OR High School Diploma or its equivalent from an accredited institution and five (5) years of experience in benefits administration.

Position Factors FACTOR 1- KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION Knowledge of the federal and local laws related to health insurance, departmental rules and regulations, policies, and procedures governing the group health insurance (GHI) plan. Knowledge of health insurance policies and practices as it pertains to medical, dental and life insurance benefits issued by the health insurance provider. Skill in professionalism and customer service. Skill in organization and time management. Skill in computer software and applications including Microsoft Office, Excel, and other HR systems. Ability to comply with government and local regulations and plan provisions to ensure equitable administration to GVI employees. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing. Ability to communicate effectively with all persons contacted during work. Ability to maintain alphabetical and numerical files. Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and troubleshoot issues as they arise. Ability to present information clearly through presentations and training. Ability to work effectively and efficiently within strict deadlines as part of a team. Ability to operate a motor vehicle. Ability to work after hours on weekends at unit events if necessary.

FACTOR 2- SUPERVISORY CONTROLS The incumbent is given general work assignments by the Chief or designee who provides instructions regarding changes in policies and procedures. Work is performed independently and is reviewed regularly through meetings, consultation, and reports related to various GHI functions.

FACTOR 3- GUIDELINES Guidelines include the Virgin Islands Code, operating manuals issued by BenTek and the insurance carriers, rules and regulations, policies, and procedures governing the group insurance program.

FACTOR 4- COMPLEXITY Work requires general knowledge of relevant policies and procedures related to the Group Health Insurance (GHI) program. The incumbent is expected to follow the guidelines set by the Group Health Insurance carriers, maintain confidentiality of policyholder benefit information, and exercise initiative and good judgment.

FACTOR 5- SCOPE AND EFFECT The purpose of work is to facilitate management with the administration of the group health insurance plan and to ensure the smooth operation of the insurance program to active and retired government employees and ensure their respective departments offer the benefits and services as provided.

FACTOR 6- PERSONAL CONTACTS Contacts are coworkers, other GHI staff, management, HR officers, departments/agencies officials, agencies representatives, insurance carriers, consultants, vendors, policyholders, and beneficiaries made in person, by telephone, email and/or mail.

FACTOR 7- PURPOSE OF CONTACTS Contacts are made to obtain, provide, update, or request pertinent information relative to medical, dental, vision and life insurance for active GVI employees, retirees, and their beneficiaries required by the insurance carrier or the GHI Unit.

FACTOR 8- PHYSICAL DEMANDS Work is mostly sedentary but frequently requires light to moderate physical effort during GHI events and open enrollment.

FACTOR 9- WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is performed in an air-conditioned office setting with some disagreeable conditions and may require some travel to events and trainings.