Norfolk Virginia is America's most authentic and urban waterfront city. Home to the world's largest naval station and the business, arts, and cultural center of Coastal Virginia, Norfolk has been rated a top place to live, work, play, and raise a family by numerous publications.

Norfolk Healthcare Consortium seeks a talented Benefits Specialist to join our benefits team. In support of approximately 9,500 members and their dependents, the Norfolk Healthcare Consortium (comprised of the City of Norfolk, Norfolk Public Schools and Norfolk Redevelopment & Housing Authority) provides high-quality healthcare benefits at an affordable cost.

The Benefits Specialist, under the general supervision of the Benefits Operations Manager for the Norfolk Healthcare Consortium is responsible for the day-to-day support of benefits administration and retirement benefits.

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  Responsible for the daily benefit processing to include enrollments, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, medical and dental insurance, life, accident and disability, and retirement, etc.
• Answer benefit questions, research specific questions, and respond verbally or in writing as necessary.
• Processes and reviews benefit information ensuring that information is properly entered into the payroll/benefit system and staying informed of changes to benefit programs,
• Implements new and approved benefit plans and changes by preparing announcement material, booklets, and other media as well as conducting employee meetings for communicating new plans or changes to employees
• Conducts employee benefit orientations and ensures employee understanding of benefit programs by regularly generating communication and counseling employees/dependents as situations arise.
• Resolves employee complaints related to benefit plans. Handles benefit inquiries and complaints to ensure quick, equitable, courteous resolution
• Acts as a resource to employees to ensure their understanding and compliance with benefit and HR policies and regulations.
• Keeps management advised of potential problem areas and recommends/implements solutions as appropriate.
• Monitors, administers, and communicates with employees matters regarding COBRA, FMLA, ADA, HIPAA and other federal and state laws ensuring compliance.
• Completes testing on benefit processes and reporting functionality related to, regular system updates/enhancements, and provider implementations as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

A Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Information Technology or equivalent in education and experience. SHRM, PHR or GBA/CEBS preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CORE COMPETENCIES

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  Two plus years' experience in employee benefits and/or HR administration or related field.
• PeopleSoft or Munis experience or another benefits platform is preferred,
• Strong experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)

• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with the public and with employees to exchange and clarify information, to understand the views of others and to speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations.
• Ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner, and gather and analyze information skillfully
• Possess a high level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations and documentation
• Excellent interpersonal and telephone skills, effective time management skills, and demonstrated client conflict resolution skills
• Possess attention to detail in composing, typing, and proofing materials, establishing priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Possess knowledge of HR/Benefits policies and procedures, rules, and regulations

Signing Bonus: This position is eligible for a one-time $5,000 signing bonus.

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