Benefits Specialist 3

at  Metra

Job Description
Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.
Metra’s Human Resources Department’s mission is to recruit and retain qualified employees in a diverse workforce; treat all employees fairly; facilitate training and professional development for career growth; effectively manage and administer compensation; negotiate and administer flexible benefit programs that provide quality and value; administer medical leaves and related services; promote wellness; provide confidential and efficient records administration; ensure that Metra’s policies and procedures comply with all laws governing employment, benefits and other ancillary services; and foster an environment of trust and mutual respect with employees as well as internal and external partners. Human Resources is staffed with 30 employees.
Reporting to the Director, Compensation & Benefits, the Benefits Specialist 3 assists in the day-to-day operations and compliance of the group benefit programs including group health plans, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, flexible spending, retirement, voluntary plans, and retirement savings plans; provides analytical and technical support in the delivery of benefit programs; researches and coordinates wellness initiatives and programs; and participates in researching and recommending solutions and opportunities for program improvements.
The primary duties include: Administer employee benefits programs including, health, life, and disability insurance, medical savings programs, qualified and non-qualified deferred compensation programs, and retiree plans. Participate in planning and overseeing the annual benefits fair including notifying insurance carriers, benefit vendors, employees, and retirees of upcoming events; and conducting annual open enrollment sessions. In coordination with the benefits broker, research benefits available in the marketplace, recommend additions or changes to improve plan offerings, and assist in communicating plan changes. Serve as a point of contact for benefits vendors, reconciles benefit-related accounts and activities, and manage benefits (e.g., 401K, 457(b), life insurance, disability, accidental coverage, and medical/dental/vision/prescription drugs). Research and recommend wellness initiatives and programs, coordinate with vendors on program provisions, and oversee wellness events and activities. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. This position will be required to transport materials and work at our various facilities throughout the year. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
Candidates can expect salary offers that range from the minimum to the mid-point of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges, so candidate can consider their growth potential.
Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or in lieu of specified degree, a combination of education and experience may be substituted that equals four years in Human Resources.
• In addition to #1, must have five years of Human Resources benefits experience.
• Experience using HRIS systems.
• Considerable knowledge of benefit plan programs and practices including, health, welfare, and retirement.
• Good knowledge of Human Resources practices and principles.
• Good knowledge of applicable laws and regulations.
• Good knowledge and understanding of HR data and HRIS applications.
• Strong organization and analytical skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to work with sensitive information while maintaining strict confidentiality.
• Ability to independently analyze issues and exercise judgment in making decisions.
• Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift and move up to 20 pounds.
• Must be willing to travel within Metra’s 6-county region.
• Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Preferred:

• PHR certification.

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.
Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees’ use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for pre-employment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.
Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.
Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to RAC@Metrarr.com.

Please refer the Job description for details