Benefits Analyst

CALIFORNIA SCHOOL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION

Benefits Analyst - San Jose, CA

DEFINITION

To perform a variety of professional duties, requiring a high level of expertise and decision making in planning and coordinating member benefits programs including special services, member insurance, health and welfare and retirement. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives general direction from the Director, Member Benefits & Services. 

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES- Important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Actively pursue opportunities for, and assist in the development of, new policies, procedures and organizational areas with respect to major economic benefits or services for Association members in any areas of insurance protection, retirement, recreational discounts, scholarships, Humanitarian, immigration or any other benefit programs adopted by CSEA.
• Negotiate with recreational vendors or benefit providers offering services, programs or discounts to CSEA members statewide, insurance companies, and group health carriers; conduct effective carrier/broker negotiations and placement of approved member supplemental insurance coverage, renewals, investigation/reporting on status of coverage/claims; develop and implement contracts and agreements with vendors and insurance carriers.
• Develop marketing and promotions for member benefits and services including member insurance and retirement programs; plan, prepare and issue bulletins, brochures, guides, new publications and other promotional and informational material; develop new publications to improve efficiency and effectiveness for special services, insurance and retirement programs for members.
• Plan and prepare annual directory of member benefits; coordinate advertising and directory updates, cover design, page layout and stories.
• Design and review all CSEA sponsored insurance plan documents and summary plan descriptions for ERISA compliance.
• Establish and maintain Association presence with the Public Employees Retirement System Board and staff; attend meetings.
• Represent members and retirees concerns to field staff, legal staff, legislators, health and welfare organizations and appropriate agencies; establish and maintain pro-active external contact with major executives, officials and regulatory representatives.
• Generate effective and innovative ideas and creative solutions in developing and maintaining high utilization of member benefit programs and services; develop and provide training programs for members and staff on available Member Benefits & Services programs to increase awareness, participation and utilization.
• Plan and conduct workshops for CSEA management, field staff, trustees, school employers and members on supplemental insurance, member services and retirement to increase member knowledge and understanding.
• Develop agenda items for submission to the Board of Directors for special services, retiree councils, retirement committee, member benefits committee, health care coalitions, and any other committee assigned to the Member Benefits department.
• Participate on a variety of boards; attend and participate in professional group meetings.
• Coordinate activities of the Member Benefits and Retirement Committees, the Pre-Retirement Resource Committee and the Retiree Unit and any other committee assigned to the Member Benefits Department; implement their policies; prepare language for conference resolution requests; research retirement resolutions for committee recommendations to conference delegates.
• Coordinate retiree unit executive board; carry out mandate of conference delegates to create active statewide retiree program; develop program plan; develop and monitor board's budget; approve expense reports.
• Participate in conferences, symposiums, and trainings as assigned. 
• Participate in research, analyze and recommend all CSEA benefits and programs.
• Stay abreast of new trends, innovations and current events in health benefits, insurance and retirement, legislation, government codes, laws and regulations pertaining to medical insurance, retirement, pension fund investments, social security and medicare related programs.
• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive inquiries and complaints; resolve complaints regarding discounts, member insurance plans, employee benefit plans, and retirement issues; counsel and assist members and retirees in interpreting PERS and social security laws.
• Assume active role in PERS Board elections; participate in strategic planning and implementation of election plans to elect CSEA sponsored candidates to these positions.
• Coordinate meeting plans for pre-retirement seminars and retiree unit district meetings statewide; recruit speakers.
• Consult with Director, Benefits & Services as required on Association Benefits & Services matters; keep Director, Benefits & Services informed of the overall performance and results for the Association's Benefits & Services activities and matters of particular interest and importance.
• Assist with any assignments related to Annual Conference on a wide scale as assigned.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Operational characteristics, services and activities of a member benefits & services program.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs.
• Modern and complex principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations including public retirement, Social Security, and Medicare legislation.
• Principles of accounting and financing of retirement and health and welfare benefits.
• Current and pending legislation and court decisions relating to the rights and obligations of Association members, leaders and staff.
• Principles and practices of public relations, advertis­ing, merchandising, and promotion.
• Principles and practices of graphic layout and design.
• Insurance principles and practices including coverage requirements.
• Member retirement plan operation including eligibility requirements and funding.
• English usage, style, vocabulary and syn­tax.
• Principles, procedures, and techniques of research and investigation.
• Principles and practices of negotiation.
• Principles of mathematical and statistical com­pu­ta­tions.

Ability to:

• Identify and respond to Board of Directors, Executive Director, and members issues, concerns and needs.
• Develop, implement and administer goals, objectives, and procedures for providing effective and efficient member benefits and services.
• Demonstrate initiative, creativity and exercise independent judgment in the performance of duties.
• Remain calm and think clearly under pressure.
• Prepare and administer budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost effective manner.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommenda­tions in support of goals.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate data relat­ing to various methods, procedures and tech­niques.
• Apply knowledge of public relations, advertising, merchandising and promotion effectively in the development of publications and advertising programs.
• Prepare clear and concise reports.
• Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
• Coordinate state membership committees.
• Analyze insurance requirements of members and negotiate for best coverage and cost.
• Develop and communicate Association health and welfare objectives to other organizations and firms.
• Present, represent and interpret retirement, Social Security, and Medicare regulations, as well as Association poli­cy, procedures, and programs to the membership and staff.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
   

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Three years of increasingly responsible experience in the field of public relations, communications, marketing, or benefits administration or a related field including experience in public pension plans, Social Security and Medicare.
 

Training:

Equivalent to a Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public relations, advertising, Certified Employee Benefit Specialist, business administration, or related field. 

The formal title for this position is Member Benefits Analyst, and the salary range is $107,716 - $133,441. Starting salaries are typically at the first step on our salary range, although consideration may be given for candidates with exceptional qualifications and experience. Additional outstanding benefits include 19 paid holidays, 3 weeks vacation, medical benefits for you and your family, life insurance coverage and a pension plan.

TO APPLY

Go to www.csea.com/careers, upload your resume and write a cover letter that that explains your qualifications, interest and career goals. Only applications on our website will be considered.

Questions? Contact HR at [email protected]. Please do not send resumes or other documents to this email.

CSEA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to building and supporting a diverse workforce.

This is an exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

EOE/AA