Benefits Consultant (Job ID: 2)

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Job description

Overview: Join one of the most influential, most quoted and most trusted think tanks !
The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to conduct in-depth research that leads to new ideas for solving problems facing society at the local, national and global level.

We bring together leading experts in government and academia from all over the world, rooted in open-minded inquiry and representing diverse points of view, who provide the highest quality research, policy recommendations, and analysis. Research topics cover a full range of public policy issues in economics, foreign policy, development, governance and metropolitan policy.

With fair and transparent business practices, clear communication, mutual respect, and a collaborative atmosphere that offers both professional and personal development opportunities, Brookings offers an inclusive and welcoming workplace that values the efforts of all contributors.

Brookings Human Resources department actively develops and implements HR best practices aligned with organizational priorities. The HR team delivers high quality HR services and ensures the recruitment, development, recognition and retention of a diverse, high performing and engaged workforce, and smooth and efficient operations. We are a collaborative HR team of 14, including Staffing, Benefits, Compensation, HR Technology, and Learning & Development, working to provide a supportive and well managed workplace where all employees have a sense of belonging and can contribute in an impactful and meaningful way.

This is a term position to support the Benefits function as Human Resources implements new HCM software, Workday. The position is expected to end January 31, 2023.

Position Location : This position is based in Brookings' Washington, DC office. The person hired for this position must be willing to move to or currently reside in Washington DC, Maryland, or Northern Virginia by their date of hire.

Operating status: Brookings eligible employees are currently authorized to work remotely but will be moving towards a hybrid plan later this year, which will require working both in the office and remotely. All vaccinated Brookings employees who wish to work from the office can do so. Brookings policies on masks and other pandemic mitigation measures will continue to be informed by DC and CDC guidelines.

Vaccine Policy :Brookings has made the safety ofourstaff and our surrounding community a top priority. As part of that commitment,Brookingsrecently announced that staff onBrookingscampus this fall ar e required to be vaccinated against COVID-19.Brookings will require allstaffand visitorsto submit proof ofcompletevaccination against COVID-19to bein Brookingsbuildings.

As a visitor and/or a new employee at Brookings, you will be required to comply with the vaccination policy. Individualsinvited for an in-person job interviewor hired as an employee that(i) havea qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination, or (ii) who object to being vaccinated based on a sincerely held religious belief, may request a reasonable accommodation.
Responsibilities: Ready to contribute to Brookings success?

The Benefits Consultants primary responsibility is to partner with the Director, Benefits during this time to assist with managing projects, drafting communications, ensuring ongoing compliance, and providing general support with the organizations health and welfare, retirement, disability, leave and other benefits programs.

This position requires a candidate who is excited about getting hands-on with every aspect of employee benefits and displays the well-rounded skill set to do so; someone who can communicate with clarity to educate employees and colleagues, and is also detail-oriented with an eye for process improvement to ensure accurate enrollment, efficiency, and appropriate payment. Must be comfortable working independently and use sound judgement with a level of diplomacy. Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. Must be thoughtful, responsive, and sensitive in response to employees questions or concerns.

Benefits Project Management and Administration (45%)

• Serve as project manager for new and existing initiatives as assigned. Outline and manage project task list and timelines
• Assist with managing limited scope projects with a high degree of accuracy and diplomacy
• Serve as support for the Director of Benefits and the benefits team.
• Serve as subject matter expert to provide guidance to the benefits team on inquiries, with escalation to the Director of Benefits.
• Collaborate with the benefits team on reviewing complex leave requests.
• Collaborate with external vendors and consultants, as well as internal key stakeholders, to draft benefits communications.
• I nteract with internal Senior HR Business Partners, program/business unit leadership, and staff to respond to employee questions, resolve problems and effectively communicate and interpret the organizations benefits and policies.
• Assist with the day-to-day administration of all benefit programs, as needed.
• Provide active oversight in auditing benefit enrollment and payroll deduction information where needed.
• Assist with the administration and recordkeeping of the retirement plans.
• Conduct data analysis and reporting as needed.

Compliance (40%)

• Assist with regulatory and legislative changes and ensure compliance of benefits and policies, alert Director of updates and outline impact or action items needed.
• Assist in the preparation of regulatory reports and filings, including those related to ACA, Medicare Part D, OSHA, and 5500s, post-retirement valuation, plan audits, 990s filings, and annual notices.
• Assist with exploring and implementing process improvements to ensure efficiency and compliance with federal, state and local laws including locations outside of the DC area
• Provide oversight of implementation of hybrid work and vaccine policies and activities as related to benefits, including reviewing requests for accommodations, monitor tracking of vaccination documentation.

Open Enrollment (10%)

• Work collaboratively with the benefits team and other internal departments to execute annual Open Enrollment processes.
• Draft communications and related materials to post to internal sites
• Prepare packages for retiree and COBRA plan participants. Update rates sheets, communications and collaterals accordingly.
• Assist with the audit of enrollment changes and vendor files feeds, where needed.

General Human Resources (5%)

• Assist with benefit related events.
• Collaborate with HR team members on various human resources and institutional projects and initiatives.
• Assist with the development and/or refinement of policies and procedures where applicable.
• Participate in benefits surveys, pulse surveys and census reports.
• Other projects as assigned.
• Keeps current on effective HR trends and best practices with a focus on benefits. Maintains a network of informed and helpful professional colleagues.
• Proactively recommends new approaches, policies, and procedures to effect continual improvements in efficiency of the department and the services performed.

Qualifications: Ready to make an impact? In this role, you will support Brookings values of collegiality, respect, inclusion, diversity and community, and bring the following qualifications:

Education/Experience Requirements:

Bachelors Degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field or equivalent combination of education and related work experience and certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, CBP, CEBS or GBA) required. A minimum of five years of experience implementing, administering and evaluating a broad range of benefit programs a plus, including health, wellness, and retirement programs and benefit policy development. Previous administration of 403(b) retirement plan preferred. Solid experience with drafting communications, managing time sensitive projects, and directing the work on others. Experience collaborating with multiple stakeholders and third-party vendors. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Knowledge/Skills Requirements:

Comprehensive knowledge of benefits administration and legal and compliance regulations, particularly ERISA, ACA, FMLA, COBRA and HIPAA. Strong interest in producing high quality work product with a focus on continual improvement. Ability to generate and analyze data to develop reports and metrics to assess and improve processes and systems. Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel and complex HCM systems required. PeopleSoft strongly preferred.

Excellent organizational, project planning, presentation and time management skills with careful attention to detail. Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to express ideas, thoughts and concepts clearly and concisely. Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to develop and manage productive relationships at all levels, establish trust and response to staff in a thoughtful, sensitive and timely manner.

Ability to use discretion in handling sensitive HR issues, along with skill in providing objective and neutral benefit services. Resolve problems responsibly, creatively and logically while balancing internal client needs with benefits and policy compliance..... click apply for full job details