Senior Health & Welfare Benefits Analyst

Location: New Carrollton Metro Building

WMATA Reference: 240109

General Hybrid Work Statement:
This opportunity is a hybrid opportunity allowing for flexibility between virtual and in-person work subject to the Authority’s telework policy.

Marketing Statement:
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Health & Welfare Department is seeking a Senior Health & Welfare Benefits Analyst who will be responsible for supporting the development, analysis, administration, implementation, and communication of new and existing employee Benefit programs. The ideal candidate will have an extensive Benefits background, specifically in Health & Welfare, able to work independently, as well as collaboratively with internal and external partners. This role is critical to the Benefits Team and requires a strategic and analytical thinker who is organized and can work on multiple benefit tasks.

SUMMARY
The Senior Health & Welfare (H&W) Benefits Analyst is responsible for supporting the development, analysis, administration, implementation and communication of new and existing employee benefits programs, policies and practices with regards to WMATA’s total health and welfare benefits portolfio including medical, perscription, life, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, retiree insurance programs and non-represented leave programs and policies. This position also provides senior level expertise for administering certain union benefits plans.

The Senior H&W Benefits Analyst researches local and national health and welfare trends and cost savings opportunities to help maintain a competitive, yet fiscally responsible benefits portfolio. This role regularly compiles internal and external benefits trend data; produces various report for benefits staff and external stakeholders; conducts cost vs benefits analysis; evaluates the sustainability of existing benefits offerings and develops conclusions and recommendations for management’s review that could impact future plan designs and assist with strategic benefits planning.

This position provides direct support for ACA compliance including data validation, data analysis, systems reporting, online updates, and systems monitoring; benefits systems selection/implementations and preparing employee benefits communications. Responsibilities also include evaluating the current state of benefits business process documentation and leading the benefits staff in preparing standard operating procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participates in the annual benefits strategy design process by researching emerging trends, participating in and analyzing the results of benefits surveys; recommending changes to benefits plan designs; compiles data to support costing and/or pricing of various benefits design options including the modifications, elimination or development of employee benefits programs.
• Seeks opportunities for benefits cost containment, develops costing analysis and presents results to management.
• Participates in RFP processes by participating on selection teams, evaluating and scoring bid proposals.
• Prepares information and communications explaining the purposes and structure of the various employee benefit programs and benefit levels to newly-hired, active and retired employees.
• Serves in a senior liaison capacity to resolve or research complex employee benefits issues that are escalated by third party administrators or benefits providers to the HR Benefits Office.
• Creates face-to-face opportunities to meet with employees across the Authority to provide benefits information and education to enhance understanding and proper utilization of WMATA’s benefits plans.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

• Researches data quality issues in PeopleSoft or other systems and recommends data quality controls to maintain accurate data; develops various error reports to ensure data integrity.
• Completes data collection and input to benefits surveys, analyzes survey results and produce written highlights for management.
• Produces census data for internal analysis and for analysis by external benefits consultants; works with consultant to modify, correct or research data quality issues.
• Prepares and presents comprehensive employee health profile reports on an aggregate basis to ascertain health management issues and/or wellness priorities.
• Utilizes benefits-based software to input and maintain employee benefits data.
• Coordinates administration of employee benefits and provides employee education and training.
• Advises managers and employees on state and federal employment regulations, collective bargaining agreements and benefit policies.
• Resolves escalated claims issues from carriers.
• Designs and conducts benefit seminars, open enrollment meetings, and new employee orientations.
• Determines employee eligibility, calculates, and process benefits transactions.

The essential and other functions listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education
Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics, Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources or related fields

Experience
4 years of experience in H&W benefits as a Benefits Analyst or similar role

PREFERRED

Knowledge
Project management

Skills
Systems Analysis: Skill in analyzing how a system should work, how well an existing system is working, and/or how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

Abilities
Inductive Reasoning: Ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Experience
7 to 9 years of experience in benefits administration and benefits program design

Certification/Licensure
Certified Benefits Professional or related certification preferred

Medical Group:
Satisfactorily complete the medical examination for this position, if required. The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of this position either with or without reasonable accommodations.

Evaluation Criteria:
Consideration will be given to applicants whose resumes demonstrate the required education and experience. Applicants should include all relevant education and work experience.

Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following:

• Skills and/or behavioral assessment
• Personal interview
• Verification of education and experience (including certifications and licenses)
• Criminal background check (a criminal conviction is not an automatic bar to employment)
• Medical examination including a drug and alcohol screening (for safety-sensitive positions)
• Review of a current motor vehicle report

Closing:
WMATA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.

This posting is an announcement of a vacant position under recruitment. It is not intended to replace the official job description. Job descriptions are available upon confirmation of an interview.

Please apply before 5/5/2024

To apply for this position, visit WMATA's Career Center