JOB SUMMARY

At Houston Methodist, the Benefits Specialist position is responsible for for assigned areas of Houston Methodist benefits programs such as, retirement, health and welfare, or workers compensation with special focus on plan administration and support for the human resources call center (HR Hub). Supports system implementations, upgrades and testing, generates required reports and has accountability for assigned projects. Is the lead in the call center and works to triage escalated customer service and champions. This position contributes to the overall success of benefit related software within the Human Resources (HR) Payroll, time and attendance or risk management system. The Benefits Specialist position works across the benefits management team to ensure delivery of innovative, consistent, and cost-effective services that support, sustain, and improve our benefits administration while in compliance with all regulatory and legal requirements. Delivers high quality customer service through a variety of channels including phone, chat, email and chatbots.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Job responsibilities labeled EF capture those duties that are essential functions of the job.

PEOPLE - 20%

• Ensures that HR Hub staff have the resources and education pertaining to assigned areas of specialization to provide support and answers to our employee population. (EF)
• Partners with Information Technology (IT) and providers regarding systems update, interfaces and customizations as assigned. (EF)
• Conducts self in a manner that is congruent with cultural diversity, equity and inclusion principles. Provides contributions towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability. (EF)

SERVICE - 30%

• Participates in the entire life cycle of implementing benefits programs with internal departments (IT and payroll) and external vendors. Assists with user acceptance testing (UAT). (EF)
• Identifies service and/or system issues for external and internal stakeholders and vendors. Makes recommendations for resolution to department leadership. (EF)
• Performs operational and transactional tasks required to administer company benefit programs and provides prompt and accurate responses to customers through a variety of channels (i.e. email, phone, chat.) (EF)

QUALITY/SAFETY - 15%

• Partners with vendors/providers to support flawless administration of benefit plans, such as healthcare, 403(b), paid time off (PTO), leaves, and Worker’s Compensation that enhances the overall Houston Methodist total reward philosophy. (EF)
• Supports compliance of associated state and federal laws/regulations and mandatory record keeping through routine and ad hoc reporting as required. Identifies discrepancies and reports to management. (EF)

FINANCE - 15%

• Partners with internal and external parties to ensure all benefit deductions, including arrears and refunds, 403(b) deferrals and contributions, or payment of wage replacement are accurate as assigned. Audits associated system reports to ensure accuracy and takes necessary action to correct discrepancies. (EF)
• Independently manages time effectively and prioritizes daily tasks. Helps other team members. (EF)

GROWTH/INNOVATION - 20%

• Stays abreast of industry trends and seeks out opportunities to apply innovative solutions to assigned programs. Makes recommendations focused on delivering high quality, cost effective programs to address the benefit needs of our employees. (EF)
• Evaluates internal processes and makes recommendations for cost savings. (EF)
• Assumes responsibility for own learning needs and seeks continuing opportunities to meet those needs. Completes and updates the My Development Plan (MDP)

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

o Bachelor’s degree required or an additional four years of experience in addition to the minimum experience required below in lieu of degree

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

o Two years experience in HR or related field to include customer service experience