Senior Benefits Specialist

GENERAL INTRODUCTION:

The Archdiocese of Seattle reflects Christ’s radical love in the world today.  By serving, listening, and leading with compassion, we carry out our timeless Catholic mission to make disciples. Every role in the Archdiocese of Seattle is responsible for working together to extend this ministry and connect the local Catholic community with the worldwide Church by inspiring faith, hope, and unity. Each position employed in the Chancery helps to extend the ministry of the Archbishop of Seattle as outlined in the position description below.

Each position employed in the Chancery helps to extend the ministry of the Archbishop in particular ways as outlined in the position description.

GENERAL SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL PURPOSE:

Under the direction of the Director of Benefits and Payroll, the Senior Benefits Specialist is responsible for ensuring compliance, administration, and data integrity of all Archdiocesan benefit plans; providing technical guidance; administering retirement and health & welfare plans; supporting audits, regulatory reporting, plan documentation, legal updates, vendor coordination, and complex issue resolution.

ESSENTIAL POSITION DUTIES:

1. Health & Welfare Plan Administration

- Working with the Director of Benefits and Payroll oversee the administration of medical, dental, vision, life, disability plans along with the Benefit Generalists. Ensure ACA compliance, including the three measurements and reporting, are completed. Oversee HIPAA administration and breach procedures. Manage compliance reporting. Monitor regulatory changes.

2. Compliance, Legal, and Regulatory Oversight

- Conduct nondiscrimination testing for both the Flexible Spending Accounts and retirement plans. Support regulatory filings and plan audits. Document operational corrections. Work with legal counsel on plan amendments. Support the accounting team for financial audits.

3. Employee, Employer & Vendor Support

- Supervises the Benefit Generalist providing support for customer service standards and ongoing education. Serve as an escalation point for complex inquiries from the staff. Provide benefits education and training both to internal staff and external staff. Working along with the Director of Benefits and Payroll to support the communication strategies with plan participants and vendors.

4. Retirement Administrative Support 403(b), Lay Pension, and Priest Pension

5. Documentation & Special Projects

- Keeps up to date benefit administration procedures. Working with the Director and Assistant Director regularly review process and procedures for efficiencies including workflows. Is aware of laws and regulatory updates. Assist with projects as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Primary:

a. Willingness and ability to support the mission of the Church by extending the ministry of the Archbishop.

b. Ability and desire to use God-given gifts and talents in service of the local Church in support of the collaboration between lay and ordained Ministers.

2. Education:

a. Bachelor’s degree in business or related field or equivalent experience required.

3. Experience:

a. Two or more years of benefit compliance and regulatory related experience.

b. Strong communication skills, both oral and written.

c. Demonstrated ability to read, understand and interpret complex contracts and regulations.

d. Able to take complex processes or concepts and simplify them for application in daily problem solving and service.

e. Attention to detail in daily tasks with ability to understand and communicate the broader context for the organization.

f. Awareness and understanding of legal concepts and ability to remain up to date with regulatory changes in order to manage risk and maintain compliance.

4. Other Elements:

a. Knowledge of and familiarity with the structures of the organization of the Catholic Church in Western Washington, a plus.

b. Proficiency with Microsoft Office.

c. Excellent data analytics skills.

d. Excellent organization, communication and interpersonal skills.

e. Ability to work well under pressure and meet constant deadlines.

e. Ability to maintain high standards of confidentiality.

f. Must possess a valid Washington driver’s license to be able to travel throughout the Archdiocese.

Any offered salary is determined based on internal equity, internal salary ranges, market data, applicant’s skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications.

Benefits: Eligible positions receive a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death and disability, long term disability, pension, 403(b), HSA, FSA, and generous sick leave, vacation and holidays.