Benefits Administrator
Benefits administrators work at the professional level and specialize in human resources. Administrators have the responsibility of overseeing all employee benefits, administering benefit plans, explaining benefits, implementing proper procedures, and providing all necessary documentation. Benefits administrators provide advice for supervisors, managers, and employees. He or she advises others on: cost options; eligibility and coverage options for health care plans, dental plans, vision plans, long term and short term disability plans, retirement plans, leave of absence plans, worker’s compensation programs, and pension options; and other assorted benefit policies.
These professionals are also responsible for analyzing and comparing various benefit options and providing alternatives when needed to help resolve potential employee benefit problems. In addition to these specific tasks, benefits administrators carry out various administrative duties. B.A.’s oversee all programs to ensure they are properly carried out in accordance with state, local, federal, and company policies. COBRA, HIPAA, and ERISA compliance, as well as the filing of required State and Federal reports are further responsibilities. Benefits administrators must provide all necessary information including pamphlets, booklets, employee handbooks, and policy information and renewals. Adequate information providing evidence of quotes from competing insurers, brokers, and plan carriers is also kept by the B.A. The benefits administrator is in charge of implementing any and all employer and employee cost sharing programs.
The level of responsibility and skills necessary to become a benefits administrator require a four-year degree. A strong knowledge of benefits administration, employee administration, employment law, worker compensation laws, legal compliance laws, and computer skills is necessary for this profession. This industry has a current growth rate of about 18.4%.
The typical average salary of an experienced benefits administrator is about $49,000 per year. Starting salaries pay an average of about $35,400 per year.
