Benefits Representative (direct-hire temporary)

Salary range is $21.63/hour to $66.34/hour with a midpoint of $43.75/hour. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint however we may go slightly higher based on experience internal equity and market.

Sound Transit also offers a competitivebenefits packagewith a wide range of offerings including:

• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans a dental plan and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents including a spouse or domestic partner.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 13 days of paid time off annually.
• ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost
  
• Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal addition to compensation and benefits youll find that we provide work-life balance opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.

This is a direct hire temporary position with an expected assignment duration of up to 7.5 months.

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Provide day-to-day support for the benefits retirement and well-being programs in Total Rewards. Provide exceptional compassionate customer service while answering employee questions on eligibility changes and plan provisions regarding benefits leaves and retirement programs. Facilitate New Hire benefits meetings assist with other benefits events or meetings assist the Total Rewards specialist as needed and provide excellent customer service.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional position-specific duties.

• Supports the execution of Sound Transits total rewards strategy by providing administration assistance of integrated benefits and leave programs that includes traditional benefits as well as innovative benefits like well-being mindfulness and work-life integration strategies that support the whole self and align with and support our HR strategy.
• Responsible for day-to-day benefits office assistance including enrollments terminations changes in benefit status verification of COBRA compliance and audit billing statements as needed.
• Assists with new hires by reviewing I-9 documentation and entering employee information into HRIS system.
• Responds to requests from employees and management on issues related to benefits including medical dental vision and prescription drug insurance life insurance flexible spending accounts retirement program well-being program and other benefits.
• Assists employees with Workers Compensation and coordinates with WA L&I as needed on claims.
• Delivers new hire benefits orientation and may act as a liaison with the agency benefit vendors.
• Collaborates with payroll to ensure accurate employee payroll deductions for benefits. Coordinates with payroll to ensure any deduction code updates or changes are made in a timely manner.
• Assists with annual Well-Being fair and Annual Open Enrollment process including completion of Open Enrollment and year-end audits.
• Collaborates in a variety of other HR related programs projects and services and may serve on various committees or project teams as assigned; attends and participates in professional organization meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the human resources field; maintains awareness of federal state and local regulations and impact of changes on the Agency; may work on or have lead on special projects or participate as member of other teams.
• Maintains and updates the employee intranet benefits page and benefits department documents folders with current documents and other related information as needed.
• Assists with benefits communications in collaboration with agency Communications department and the Benefits Manager.
• Champions and models Sound Transits core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.
• Contributes to a culture of diversity equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transits Equity & Inclusion Policy.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules regulations and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities which could include systems operations and/or other employees.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:Bachelors degree in Human Resources Business Administration or related field. Four years of corporate benefits experience; OR a combination of education and experience.

Preferred Licenses or Certifications:

• CBP (Certified Benefits Professional).
• CEBS (Certified Employee Benefits Specialist).

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• State and federal laws and regulations relating to benefits and leaves.
• Experience presenting in group meetings and facilitating employee benefits meetings.
• Experience with invoices and audits.
• Utilizing Microsoft Office programs for assigned work including compiling or preparing spreadsheets.
• Experience with HRIS systems.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other department staff management vendors outside agencies community groups and the general public.
• Interpreting and administering human resources policies and procedures and effectively gathering and analyzing data related to human resources programs and functions.
• Maintaining confidentiality and communicating with tact and diplomacy.
• Detail oriented organized with a strong sense of urgency and accuracy.
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment
• Customer service oriented.
• Identifying and resolving problems in a timely manner using sound judgment.
• Able to handle multiple tasks meet deadlines work under pressure and be adaptive to change.
• Responding to inquiries with effective oral and written communication.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills:

• Experience interacting with third party contacts such as consultants benefit carriers and brokers preferred.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a hybrid environment with an expectation of working in office a minimum of 3 days per week.
• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race color religion national origin sex (including gender identity sexual orientation and pregnancy) age genetic information disability veteran status or other protected class.

Required Experience:

Unclear Seniority