Benefits & Wellness Coordinator Jobs

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County provides opportunities for people to connect with nature. We offer to the public 60 forest preserves, 145 miles of trails, 47 miles of rivers and streams, and 6 nature and cultural centers. We have 6 million visitors each year.

The District's mission is, "to acquire and hold lands containing forests, prairies, wetlands and associated plant communities or lands capable of being restored to such natural conditions for the purpose of protecting and preserving the flora, fauna and scenic beauty for the education, pleasure and recreation of it's citizens.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this position is to serve as subject matter expert in all areas of benefit service delivery, compliance, leave management including FMLA and administration, Worker's Compensation, OSHA reporting and specialized benefits related projects. Administer day to day employee benefits and oversee leave management. Lead wellness committee by engaging staff in all dimensions of wellbeing.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee benefit related vendor accounts and perform reconciliation and processing of billing.
• Research, compile, analyze metrics/statistics related to benefit programs, applying this data to make recommendations, develop, and implement modifications to employee benefits and wellness program based on short- and long-range cost estimates/projections. Assist in budget preparation and monitor departmental budget relating to employee benefit programs.
• Administer and communicate new hire and annual open enrollment. Design and implement employee communications plan for benefit programs to keep employees informed of benefit offerings. Consult with, assist, and advise employees on eligibility for benefits, leaves of absence, deferred compensation, etc.
• Ensure compliance with legal requirements related to benefit plan administration. Maintain knowledge of changes in legislation to ensure the District's compliance with federal, state, and local agencies with respect to ACA, ADA, COBRA, FMLA, HIPAA, etc.
• Responsible for administration and execution of human resource programs including but not limited to Workers' Compensation, occupational health, ADA accommodations, FMLA leave, wellness, retiree programs.
• Process enrollments, life events, and terminations related to employee and retiree benefits. Administer COBRA & retiree benefit administration in compliance with federal/state regulations, and IMRF rules.
• Lead team of wellbeing ambassadors guiding all team members on a path towards total wellbeing. Organize and lead committee meetings and programs, educate ambassadors and staff, establish strategies to ensure all dimensions of the wellbeing program are promoted and program goals are achieved.
• Research benefit questions and problems with vendors and consultants. Interpret policies and present solutions to resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Complete special projects, research, review carrier data, and develop reports as required by governmental agencies, contractual agencies.
• Ensure the completion and accuracy of required benefit related data and or leave documentation is reflected in HRIS, all applicable platforms, and or and other agencies.
• Perform other duties as required.
• Conduct audits on an ongoing basis of new hire, special enrollments, life event changes, and terminations from plans to ensure updates to vendors and personnel records are complete and accurate.
• Administer, process, and track all leave of absences per District and state/federal guidelines. Educate and counsel employees on all leave policies, processes, and procedures.

Education and Experience Required

Education: Bachelor's degree in human resources management or related field.

Related Experience: 4-6 years of related experience in employee benefits administration or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Special training or other license, certification, etc.: Valid Driver's License; PHR, SPHR, or Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) beneficial.

Knowledge of: Benefits designs, contract language and summary plan descriptions; all pertinent federal and state regulations, and compliance requirements, both adopted and pending affecting employee benefits programs, including the ACA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125, workers' compensation, Medicare, Social Security and DOL requirements; Privacy regulations.

Skills In: Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to use Microsoft products, including PowerPoint; experience with HRIS and benefits databases; effective planning and priority setting; Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines; excellent communication and organization skills; proven ability to work effectively in a team environment; strong analytical skills.

Starting Pay: $64,605 - $74,901

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is an EEO employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.