Benefits Specialist | Atlanta Regional Office

The Benefits Specialist reports to the Benefits Manager and operates under general supervision to provide support and administer benefits and wellness programs for MAA. The Benefits Specialists interacts with associates and third party vendors to administer leaves of absence, health and welfare insurance programs, and wellness initiatives while ensuring programs comply with laws and regulations as well as MAA policies and procedures.

The successful candidate will embody and work to reinforce MAA’s Core Values. Those values include:

• Appreciating the uniqueness of each individual
• Communicating openly and with integrity
• Embracing opportunities
• Doing the right thing at the right time for the right reasons

Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitors, reviews and processes benefit enrollment events, elections pending evidence of insurability (EOI), and certain time off requests in the human resources information system (HRIS). Submits requests to Payroll for correction or refund of associate benefits deductions as needed.

• Serves as the first point of contact for associates benefit inquiries received through the HR case management system, email or telephone contact. Reviews, assesses and provides guidance and direction to resolve within benefit program parameters. Interprets and applies benefits plans and policies to resolve individual benefits claims.

• Understands and ensures compliance with ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and ERISA regulations.

• Communicates with new hires regarding benefits and wellness programs and enrollment through such communication channels as telephone, email, virtual and/or on-site meetings (e.g., annual open enrollment meetings).

• Assists with the annual open enrollment and other benefits campaigns.

• Monitors COBRA enrollments through third-party vendor.

• Responds to error reports from third-party vendor integration files.

• Reviews and responds to requests for tuition reimbursement, adoption reimbursement, and legacy chests based on policies and procedures and facilitates timely distributions.

• Advocates wellness program initiatives and other associate engagement strategies.

• Collaborates and coordinates with other team members to share knowledge, provide functional support and ensure continuity of services.

• May occasionally travel overnight for meetings, special events or training.

• Performs other duties as assigned to meet the needs of the business.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma/GED and two years of human resources experience with employee benefits required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.

• Experience with Workday or other HRIS preferred.

• Experience with leave of absence (LOA) administration preferred.

• Professional certification in benefits (CEBS) and/or human resources (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP) preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of health and welfare programs

• Knowledge of wellness programs

• Knowledge of retirement programs

• Knowledge of applicable benefit laws (COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, and FMLA)

• Intermediate or expert level proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint)

• Critical thinking and problem solving skills

• Attention to detail and analytical skills

• Customer service orientation and skills to cope with and resolve interpersonal conflict under stressful situations with sensitivity and assertiveness

• Skill and ability to clearly and concisely communicate verbally and in writing

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and operate with discretion

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

• This position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 20 pounds.

• This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Disclaimer

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.