Associate Benefits Specialist

SUMMARY OF JOB PURPOSE AND FUNCTION The primary purpose and function of the Associate Benefits Specialist is to provide practice benefits support to Central Team Support (CTS), Oregon and California based team members by administering leaves of absence and benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, EAP, disability, retirement and other voluntary benefit plans. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS • Administer benefit programs and leaves of absence (FMLA, OFLA/CFRA/PDL, personal, military, etc.) for practice CTS, Oregon and Calfornia based team members in accordance with federal and state regulations. Provide detailed follow-through and excellent customer service. • Work with Senior Team Lead on escalated benefits issues, assisting other Benefits team members with questions and customer service issues. • Manage and track Benefit projects. • Review, research, and recommend modifications and/or enhancement to benefit programs, assisting Senior Team Lead with benefits design and renewals. • Initiate various forms of communication, in compliance with federal and state regulations, regarding benefit programs. • Conduct and/or oversee Benefits presentations for Discovery Day, Hospital Manager and Paraprofessional Leader Workshop. • Provide support, back-up and necessary training to Practice and Charter Sr. Benefit Coordinators. • Manage data entry of benefit information to Payroll, TRMS and provider systems (i.e. BenLink). • Research federal and state laws and implement changes to ensure compliance. • Assist Benefits Team in compiling data needed for exit information packets as team members terminate. • Retrieve, compile, and prepare benefit reports and analysis in a timely manner. • Recommend updates to help streamline processes and procedures. • Coordinate, develop, and modify benefit enrollment materials and processes. • Maintain and update the practice’s benefit plan summary booklet to reflect current policies and procedures. • Perform other related duties as assigned.  HIRING QUALIFICATIONSCAPABILITIES AND EXPERIENCE (CAN DO) • Ability to multi-task- Manages multiple tasks at one time; quickly and accurately shifts attention among multiple tasks under distracting conditions without loss of accuracy or appearance of frustration.  • Communication skills - Reads, writes and speaks fluent English, using appropriate grammar, style and vocabulary.  Correctly spells commonly used English words and job specific terms. • Organizational ability – Demonstrates a systematic approach in carrying out assignments.  Is very orderly and excels at cutting through confusion and turning chaos into order.  • Problem solving skills - Demonstrates a strong ability to identify, analyze and solve problems.  Unusually decisive in handling difficult problems. Translates problems into practical solutions. • Client service skills - Consistently ensures the team provides the client with attentive, courteous and informative service.  Gains and shows personal satisfaction from delivering great service. • Intellectual ability - Accurately and consistently follows instructions delivered in an oral, written or diagram format.  Can provide directions. • Mathematical ability - Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and to compute rate, ratio and percent; ability to convert units of measurement. • Leadership skills – Ability to successfully mentor others. • Computer skills – Experienced in MS Office (Word, Excel and Outlook), databases (Access, Oracle HRMS, etc.), and payroll software (ADP).  Ability to use the internet to perform research (e.g. BenLink). ATTITUDES (WILL DO) • Initiative – shows willingness and aptitude to use own discretion in taking appropriate steps in finding solutions to problems; presents options and ideas to enhance current processes or procedures.  Takes on additional responsibility when both big and small tasks need to be done. • Integrity – Firmly adheres to the values and ethics of Banfield, The Pet Hospital.  Exhibits honesty, discretion, and sound judgment. • Cooperativeness – Willing to work with others, collaborating and compromising where necessary; promptly share relevant information with others.  Ability to work cooperatively with management and others in a team environment.  • Flexibility – Is open to changing situations and opportunities within their region and is willing to perform all tasks assigned. • Independence – Able and willing to perform tasks and duties without constant supervision. • Confidentiality – Ability to maintain strict confidences.  Exceptional ethics and integrity in daily responsibilities.  • Tolerance for Stress / Resiliency – Maintains a positive “can do” outlook, rebounds quickly from frustrations and unpleasantness, and maintains composure and friendly demeanor while dealing with stressful situations. SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS • Ability to work at a computer for long periods of time.  • Ability to travel on occasion.  • Project timelines and work volume / deadlines may often require more than 40 hours per week to complete essential duties of this job. • Must have mental processes for reasoning, remembering, mathematics and language ability (reading, writing, and speaking the English language) to perform the duties proficiently. • The noise level in the work environment is normally moderate. • Environment where Pets (primarily dogs) are present. EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND/OR TRAINING • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources preferred, or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. • Medical background (veterinary technician, human healthcare, pharmaceutical, etc.) with medical terminology training is preferred. • PHR, CBP and/or CEBS certification is preferred. • Experience in administering both Practice and Charter benefits programs is preferred. • Minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in benefit plan administration, HIPAA and human resources laws and regulations required.   Company: Banfield, The Pet HospitalLocation: Portland, OR 97213Salary: Competitive Job Category: Human ResourcesStatus: Full Time, Employee