Benefits Coordinator

Under direct supervision, responsible for assisting employees with benefit enrollment and questions, tracking and submitting insurance billing, maintaining employee database and files, and ensuring compliance with required benefit notices as well as creating member-facing benefits collateral. Accountable for day-to-day administration of benefit tasks; gathering monthly billing from carriers and submitting to accounting, mailing of required notices explaining benefits and assisting in the business development and planning processes with service providers.

Responsibilities:

• Provide day-to-day support for employee benefits inquiries, handling basic questions on eligibility, coverage, and payroll deductions
• Manage the benefits inbox and respond promptly to benefit inquiries with a customer service-focused, helpful approach
• Process enrollments, terminations, and benefits changes, maintaining accurate data entry in the HRIS, manage dependent age-out process, and ensure timely COBRA submission to the vendor
• Responsible for billing reconciliation and managing submittal of monthly billing
• Perform established bi-weekly benefit-related payroll audits and ensure the timely and accurate submission of benefit-related payroll inputs
• Use defined process to calculate and coordinate benefit premium collection during leave of absence and arrears premiums after leave of absence
• Conduct new hire orientations and address benefit-related questions
• Manage and process incoming and outgoing mail
• Assist in developing communication strategies and materials for benefit programs, including open enrollment and other key benefit events
• Maintain and update all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensuring tasks are thoroughly documented and kept current
• Conduct initial reviews and audits of benefits data and deductions, identifying and resolving discrepancies in collaboration with the Benefits Specialist
• Assist internal senior team members with benefit audits
• Collaborate with key stakeholders and the internal HR team on benefit projects such as annual enrollment, audits, and vendor file integrations, while providing guidance and support to employees, HRIS representatives, and managers
• Undertake the responsibilities of the role using the tools, software or technologies that may be available or required at the time
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Entry-level experience in HR, payroll, or benefits management, with an emphasis on customer service and support
• Ability to handle and maintain confidential information
• Proven ability to proactively identify and solve problems
• Excellent written, verbal communication and organizational and time management skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace or similar software
• Experience compiling and managing large amounts of data
• Familiarity with HR, payroll and/or benefit software / systems
• Confidence presenting benefit material to various audiences
• Strong attention to detail for data management and auditing tasks
• Ability to report to the office regularly and as required
• Proven ability to deliver on commitments

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Finance, Accounting or business-related field preferred or equivalent combination of technical and functional experience
• At least one year of relevant HR and/or payroll experience
• HR certification
• Experience with Dayforce and benefit administration system
• Proficient with Google Workspace
• Previous experience with benefit administration
• Knowledge of basic benefits administration and related laws ( e.g. FMLA, HIPPA, COBRA, PPACA etc.)

The L.A. Times is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We actively work to create an inclusive environment where all of our employees can thrive. This Privacy Notice for Los Angeles Times sets forth how we will use the information we obtain when you apply for a position with us. Explore our company history, achievement, values, mission and more on our career site.

The pay scale the Company reasonably expects to pay for this position at the time of the posting is $29.08 to $30.28 and takes into account a wide range of factors including but not limited to skill set, experience, training, licenses, certifications, and other business or organizational needs. Compensation will be determined based on the above factors along with the requirements of the position. At the L.A. Times, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role. Please visit our career site to view the benefits available to our employees. We recommend adding our applicant tracking system domain (@dayforce.com) as a safe sender or contact, sometimes these emails get filtered to candidates' spam folders.

The Company is a mandatory vaccination employer for COVID-19 and its variants. The Company requires that its employees be fully vaccinated as of their start date. If you require a medical or religious accommodation, we will engage in the interactive process with you. Proof of vaccination will be required prior to start. If we make you an offer and you are not yet vaccinated, we will accommodate a delay in start date.

• The Los Angeles Times, 2300 E. Imperial Hwy, El Segundo, California, United States of America