Benefits Analyst - Long-term Temporary Opportunity! - Cassella Waste Systems : Job Details

Position SummaryThe Benefits Analyst is responsible for making positive contributions to our culture by providing the highest level of knowledge, service and responsiveness in all areas of employee benefits including Health and Welfare Plans, 401(k) Retirement Plan, and the Employee Stock PurchasePlan. With continuous improvement in mind, the incumbent will contribute to helping the human resources team take the next step in automating, simplifying, and streamlining both our internal processes as well as the processes that touch our Casella employees.This is a long-term temporary/seasonal opportunity#INDHPKey Responsibilities* Analyzes, evaluates, and monitors benefit plan eligibility, limitations, and restrictions on plan participation to ensure compliance with plan provisions and regulatory requirements.* Researches current benefit trends and regulatory requirements and recommends enhancements that will deliver competitive benefits at the best value.* Distributes new hire benefits materials through digital and traditional onboarding platforms and monitors enrollment assisting employees in their integration to our company and building engagement.* Coordinates the annual open enrollment process including working with benefits consultant on plan renewals, system updates required for plan and contribution changes, integrity of data feeds and carrier coordination.* Provides data necessary for completing compliance activities (5500, audits, testing, etc), employee mailings, vendor billing reconciliation, data collection, management reports to ensure the consistent accuracy and availability of benefit data.* Coordinates the design of employee communications materials, plan summaries, summary plan descriptions, brochures, and correspondence ensuring all benefit policies, procedures, and plan documentation are current and compliant.* Responds to employees' questions pertaining to eligibility, plan provisions, claims and other benefits related information in a timely and accurate manner.* Assists in the preparation and timely filing of plan discrimination testing, ACA 1095-C and 1094-C reporting, Form 5500s, Summary Annual Reports, and other federal and state annual compliance requirements.* Analyzes all health and welfare plan invoices against HRIS for accuracy and works with benefits broker, carrier and/or ADP to reconcile discrepancies.* Independently develops, manages and drives projects as requested based on the needs of the team to benefit the organization.* Participates in training and other learning opportunities to expand knowledge of the company, products, sales and services and performs any other duties needed to help drive our vision, fulfill our mission, and/or abide by our core values.Career Path Definitions & DistinctionsAnalyst Level: The incumbent will have 0-3 years of progressive experience in the benefits field or similarly related knowledge. Be able to master routine situations and identify exceptions and recommend resolution. Skilled at creating informational literature that is easily understood by employees and their covered dependents which can be used in employee onboarding and open enrollment events. Experience in using HR Software (ADP; UKG; Workday; Oracle; SAP) to manage employee benefits data and create reports to analyze participation statistics to enhance benefit engagement.Sr. Analyst Level: The incumbent will have 4-7 years of progressive experience in the benefits field. Demonstrated knowledge of ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, EGTRRA and skilled application of guidelines. Skilled in communicating complex information in an understandable manner and synthesizing data into a variety of formats and presentations. Proficient in database report writing, excel, and other Microsoft software products and utilizing technology to drive innovation, effectiveness, and efficiency.Education, Experience & QualificationsSuccessful candidates will have either a bachelor's degree in Human Resources (or related field of study) or the equivalent combination of training and experience in the human resources field with demonstrated growth in responsibilities and proficiency with benefits management or HRIS software. Knowledge of and experience in applying ERISA, EGTRRA, COBRA, HIPAA, ADA, FMLA, ACA and other federal regulations associated with health & welfare and retirement programs. A SHRM-CP, PHR, CBP or CEBS designation is helpful.The successful candidate will possess integrity, respect and effectiveness in challenging interactions with a strong customer service orientation and proclivity for building collaborative working relationships. Candidates must be able to deal with non-routine situations and exceptions, and to independently plan and organize work while managing many priorities. Along with strong analytical and interpretive skills, the successful candidate will demonstrate ability to embrace change, multi-task and be productive in a fast-paced environment.Strong analytical and research skills plus an attention to detail are essential including the ability to utilize technology tools to conduct administration, review and processing of data. The ability to maintain integrity and confidentiality of employee data and established data systems is critical in this position. Candidates will demonstrate strong proficiency in using benefit applications/software, report writing tools (preferably ADP or other HRIS) and Microsoft programs including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.AttributesCollaborative, open minded, self-motivated individual who embodies commitment and dedication to the customer and organization, is analytical, innovative and results-oriented, exercises sound judgment and has the ability to multitask and see the larger picture while focusing on detailed information.BenefitsMedical, Dental, Vision, Life & Disability Insurance, Maternity & Parental Leave, Flexible Spending Accounts, Discounted Stock Program, 401K, Employee Awards, Employee Assistance Plan, Wellness Incentive, Tuition Assistance, Career Pathways, and More.