Employees in this class assist employees, retirees, and employers regarding the processing, calculation, and explanation of various insurance and retirement benefits.
Some incumbents function as lead workers. Employees in this class have specialized knowledge and skills related to employee benefits, operate under limited supervision, and have decision-making authority within established policies and guidelines.
Provides information to members in person and by telephone regarding insurance and retirement benefits and allowances with the aid of on-line information systems. Investigates enrollment problems and billing errors. Resolves customer problems, exercises judgement and discretion, makes decisions and conducts research under limited supervision. Computes length of service, average earnings, retirement contributions, annuity reserves and annuity of members under provisions of laws dealing with retirement benefits. Verifies work of other benefits staff. Prepares basic benefit estimates. Conducts benefits presentations and information sessions for state agency and school district employees. Supervises the preparation of correspondence, reports and presentations concerning rules and regulations of benefits, eligibility, and other related areas. Processes refund claims, death claims, and annuity claims for members and beneficiaries. Assists or serves as the lead benefits contact for employers offering state insurance and retirement benefits. Assists in or conducts the onboarding process for new employees. Assists employees and/or employers with establishing and maintaining account access to benefits self-service portals. Interprets and communicates basic information on insurance benefit options and retirement plan options applicable to employer. Assists in or manages tracking, monitoring, and management of Affordable Care Act (ACA) required stability and waiting periods. Assists in or manages review and reconciliation of insurance premium billing. Assists with or manages the employer role in an employee retirement action. Provides a complete benefit counseling experience to member or employee. Evaluates the needs of the employee or member and accurately communicates all pertinent benefit information and options. Prepares and distributes appropriate continuation of healthcare benefits (COBRA) notices. Assists with or manages open enrollment and related correspondence. Hosts and delivers open enrollment sessions. Assists with or manages workers compensation programs. Maintains employee benefit files.
Knowledge of insurance principles and practices, premium determination, and state insurance. Knowledge of rules, regulations, requirements, and laws pertaining to public retirement systems. Ability to effectively use electronic enrollment systems. Ability to process basic insurance enrollment transactions and special eligibility changes. Ability to field questions related to insurance and retirement benefits, qualifying events, and member changes with limited assistance. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, employees, and retirees. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to review written materials and financial information and detect discrepancies. Ability to organize and process a large volume or work with a high degree of accuracy. Ability to perform mathematical calculations with a high degree of accuracy. Ability to read, interpret, understand, and explain policies, procedures, regulations, and statutes.
A bachelor's degree and relevant experience.