Benefits Specialist, Senior

Discover work that moves you in a dynamic and innovative setting. Be part of a team delivering Orange Countys transportation network of today and creating a vision for the future. OCTA is the countys transportation planning commission and public transit operator. With a focus on safety and accountability, we plan, fund, and implement countywide projects that include bus and rail transit, freeways and express lanes, rideshare, microtransit, paratransit, active transportation, and environmental programs. Were passionate about creating a balanced, equitable and sustainable transportation system that reflects the diverse travel needs of the countys 34 cities and 3.2 million residents. Our employees rated OCTA as a top workplace in Orange County. Come join us on our mission of keeping Orange County moving. Under general supervision, performs full scope of activities related to benefits administration including but not limited to health benefits, supplemental benefits, retirement programs, and deferred compensation. Provides basic research, analysis, and evaluation of agency benefit plans/programs to support potential changes. Benefits Specialist, Senior This is an exempt position in Salary Grade 205: Min $97,864.00 Mid $116,896.00 Max $135,928.00 per year. The starting salary will be within this range based on qualifications. Benefits Specialist This is a non-exempt position in Salary Grade 185: Min $38.71 - Mid $46.24- Max $53.76 hourly. The starting salary will be within this range based on qualifications. Responsibilities Displays High Integrity & Honesty: Takes personal responsibility, acts with honesty and consistency. Has Technical and Professional Expertise: Has the technical skills, product knowledge and professional skills to do the job. Serves as an internal consultant to management and employees as an expert in the agencys benefits programs including but not limited to medical, dental, vision; communicates new and revised information to employees through various media; prepares and distributes periodic employee communications. Creates and distributes benefit reports and statements to employees utilizing various systems. Creates and distributes communications with employees for specific benefit plans (i.e. Health Care Spending Accounts and Deferred Compensation Plans). Provides benefits, pension, and deferred compensation information to retiring or separating employees. Prepares policies and procedures related to benefits administration; assists with preparing Board actions and proposals related to benefit contracts; assists in the negotiation of contracts for benefit services. Tracks and analyzes monthly invoice spending, budget and contract or purchase order totals each month. Leads the annual open enrollment process. Develops, maintains, and implements project plans for the annual open enrollment. Develops regular communications to inform employees of feature of their benefit plans throughout the year. Manages and coordinates the preparation and distribution of ACA reporting. Evaluates ACA measurement periods and manages employee enrollment accordingly. Utilizes advanced knowledge of related regulations (i.e. COBRA, Section 125, qualifying family events, ACA, 401(a), 457(b), FMLA, CFRA, HIPAA, etc.). Qualifications Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelors degree in business administration, human resources, or a related field and a minimum of five years professional benefits administration experience, three of which are at the journey level in benefits administration. Advanced knowledge and experience with MS Excel are highly desirable. Certified Employee Benefits Professional designation preferred. Workday benefits administration experience is preferred. Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelors degree in business administration, human resources, or a related field and a minimum of three years professional benefits administration experience. Certified Benefits Professional designation preferred. Experience with Workday software is highly desirable. Workday benefits administration experience is preferred. Working Conditions/Physical Activities Work may be performed in a stressful, fast-paced office environment, depending upon assignment. Ability to understand verbal communication and to respond effectively. Reaching, Finger Dexterity, Grasping, Feeling, Talking, Hearing, Seeing, and Repetitive Motions in computer use. Compensation and Benefits OCTA offers an attractive compensation and benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision health insurance programs, flex time (may be available), paid sick leave, paid vacation and holidays, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, retirement, deferred compensation plan, educational reimbursement, excellent in-house training programs, free transportation passes for the employee and dependents, wellness and ergonomic programs, and much more. OCTA has a hybrid remote work program. Eligibility is dependent on managers approval. OCTA is an equal employment opportunity employer that recruits, hires, and promotes qualified people without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, military and veteran status, or other legally protected status. #J-18808-Ljbffr