GCI's Benefits Administrator will administer GCI’s benefit programs, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.  Support the creation and distribution of communications related to benefit plans/program changes and facilitate the open enrollment process. Address employee inquiries regarding coverage and benefit programs, and coordinate with vendors for research and resolution. Ensure accurate entry of employee selections into HRIS and payroll systems. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AT ALL LEVELS: Support all aspects of the company’s employee benefit programs, including preparing and distributing benefit information, assisting with new hire benefits orientation, and reviewing enrollment for eligibility and accuracy. Accurately enter data into both the HRIS and third-party administrator databases.  Provide guidance and assistance to new and existing employees on available benefit plans.  Participate in and prepare for the annual open enrollment process, including the creation of communication materials that present benefit plan information and changes to employees.  Create and maintain employee benefit files.  Contribute to special projects supporting the Benefits team and provide mentorship to the Benefits Clerk. Respond to email, voicemail, in person, and virtual (i.e., Teams) benefit inquiries and complaints, ensuring quick, equitable, courteous resolution.  Maintain contact in person, virtually, by phone, or email, with vendors, hospitals, physicians, employees, and beneficiaries to facilitate proper and complete utilization of benefits for all employees. Manage the company’s day-to-day disability programs. Work with other HR team members, managers, payroll, and external vendors regarding FMLA, workers compensation, ADA leave accommodations, paid Parental Leave, and leave of absence including ensuring timely communication and resolution of requests. Reconcile premium statements and billings for all group insurance policies and maintain statistical data relative to premiums, claims, and costs.  Resolve administrative disputes with the carrier representatives.  Review and approve payroll templates and corresponding data entry prepared by Benefit Clerk to ensure accuracy of transactions.  Reconcile and submit funding transactions for approval. Facilitate the Wellness Program, coordinating scope documents, eligibility reporting, marketing materials, internal communications, and annual import of wellness credits. Participate in compliance activities including but not limited to: ACA 1095 data reconciliation, ACA standard measurement actions, ACA stability coverage offers, benefit related W-2 data preparation, accurate funding/invoice submissions, vendor census compilation for annual nondiscrimination testing, and routine review/resolution of payroll variances.  Review & resolve eligibility reporting file errors. Ability to work independently as well as with a team, developing positive working relationships with all levels of employees within the company. Ability to accurately communicate information virtually (i.e., Teams), over the phone, and in-person in a clear and concise manner to a range of audiences at all levels of the company. Ability to accurately read, write, and respond to business correspondence such as emails, chat messages, policies, procedures, reports. Ability to listen and ascertain the needs of employees and to find and communicate accurate information concerning regulations, policies, and procedures (external or internal). Ability to perform in a professional manner ensuring the highest level of confidentiality is adhered to. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the importance of adhering to benefit and payroll timelines. High degree of accuracy, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills. Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and work under pressure ensuring tasks are completed timely and internal and external deadlines are met. Demonstrated experience working in coordination with an outsourcing Payroll system and Payroll team. Demonstrated knowledge of ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, and Cafeteria Plans regulations and requirements. Ability to remain current regarding benefit plans and best practices. Experience working in an HRIS system, Human Capital Management (HCM) system, Peoplesoft, ABRA, ADP, or similar system.

 

 

COMPETENCIES: ACCOUNTABILITY- Takes ownership for actions, decisions, and results; openly accepts feedback and demonstrates a willingness to improve. BASIC PRINCIPLES - Interacts with people in a way that builds mutual trust, confidence, and respect; adheres to GCI’s Code of Conduct for Employees – the Basic Principles. COLLABORATION - Works effectively with others to accomplish common goals and objectives; maintains positive relationships even under difficult circumstances. COMMUNICATION- Conveys thoughts and expresses ideas appropriately and professionally. COMPLIANCE - Follows internal controls; protects confidential information; abides by GCI’s Code of Business Conduct & Ethics. CUSTOMER FOCUS - Demonstrates commitment to service excellence; gives high priority to customer satisfaction. RELIABILITY - Consistently follows through on assigned tasks as expected; demonstrates timely attendance at meetings, training, and other work obligations. RESULTS - Uses a combination of job knowledge, initiative, sound decision making, innovation, adaptability, and problem solving. SAFETY & SECURITY - Supports a safe work environment by following all workplace safety rules and guidelines; complies with applicable Security policies and procedures. TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY – Demonstrated proficient computer skills and MS Office knowledge (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, OneNote) to complete job duties effectively.

 

Grade: E04

Additional Job Requirements:

This is an intermediate level position within the discipline demonstrating proficiency in areas of responsibility. Performs moderately complex tasks and job duties, receiving general instruction on routine work and new assignments. Works under moderate supervision with latitude for independent judgment.

Minimum Qualifications:

Required: *A combination of relevant work experience and/or education sufficient to perform the duties of the job may substitute to meet the total years required on a year-for-year basis

High School diploma or equivalent. Bachelor’s degree in relevant field. * Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with employee benefit programs or related background. *

Preferred: 

Customer service experience. CEBS, CBP, or PHR certifications. Telecommunications experience.   Other relevant telecom industry or job specific certifications.

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS: 

This position may require access to reliable transportation for occasional travel between retail store locations, offices, worksites, or other locations as needed. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and WORKING CONDITIONS:   Position is fast-paced and subject to rapidly changing priorities, multiple deadlines, and some challenging customer/vendor interactions. Work is primarily sedentary, requiring daily routine computer usage. Ability to work shifts as assigned, work in standard office/home office setting, and operate standard office equipment. Ability to accurately communicate information and ideas to others effectively. Physical agility and effort sufficient to perform job duties safely and effectively. Ability to make valid judgments and decisions.  Available to work additional time on weekends, holidays, before or after normal work hours when necessary.  Must work well in a team environment and be able to work with a diverse group of people and customers. Virtual workers must comply with remote work policies and agreements. The company and its subsidiaries operate in a 24/7 environment providing critical services to Alaskans and may need to respond to public health and safety matters or other business emergencies. Due to business needs employees may be contacted outside of the core business hours to respond to the immediate emergency. As such, you will be requested to provide emergency after hours contact numbers, to include your home and cell phone numbers if you have those services. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: At GCI, we foster a culture of inclusivity by nurturing an environment where the varied perspectives of our employees, customers, and fellow Alaskans are celebrated. We add value to our community as we grow and empower a diverse workforce that provides equitable opportunity for every Trailblazer. EEO: GCI is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, veteran status, or any other status or classification protected under applicable state or federal law.  DISCLAIMER:  The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. All employees of GCI work in support of the GCI Mission Statement and Declaration of Principles which are located on the GCI Career page and Employee portal.