Benefits Analyst II, Full-time, Days (Hybrid)

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

The Benefits Analyst II reflects the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Medicine, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Benefits Analyst II is a lead subject matter expert on organizational benefits providing design insight, research, analysis, and evaluation of programs to ensure optimal benefits programs and practices are in place.   

Responsibilities:

• Exercises significant discretion in interacting with all levels within the system to support benefit strategies, programs, and policies.
• Assists in designing, implementing and administering benefit programs across the system.
• Project manages systemwide benefits related projects including but limited to program roll outs, vendor RFP’s and vendor implementations.
• Evaluates new or special benefit programs as needed.
• Prepares reports and analyses to ensure equity and competitiveness of benefit programs.
• Conducts research and provides summary findings to leadership and stakeholders to help design and review current employee wellbeing programs.
• Independently consults with HR colleagues, leadership and employees in application of benefit practices. May provide instruction/training in a formal setting regarding benefit practices and procedures.
• Serves as departmental NMI/intranet content manager.
• Serves as the benefits systems expert, partnering with appropriate resources in the design and maintenance of the system.
• Maintains integrity of benefits data in PeopleSoft.
• Evaluates proposed employee benefit contracts by studying provisions; estimating impact.
• Proactively identifies opportunities for operational improvement, including the development and execution of subsequent action plans and routine audits.
• Determines employee benefit practices by benchmarking best practices; researching industry and employment trends.
• Recommends employee benefit programs by examining, evaluating, and optimizing employee understanding, acceptance, and interests, costs, regulatory requirements, and competitive advantage.
• Remain proficient on legislative and IRS changes relative to plan regulations, procedure changes and mandated disclosures.
• Assist and/or complete tasks related to the transition of benefit plans for acquired or merged companies; including but not limited to: communications, compliance filings, adoption agreements/plan document changes and audits.
• Conduct training sessions including but not limited to New Employee or Physician Orientations, Open Enrollment Info Sessions, Department Meetings, integration educational sessions, and Lunch & Learns.
• Provide advice, guidance, and direction to HR Business Partners on benefit related issues/concerns.
• Provides backup support for Benefits Analyst I as needed
• Handles complex issues and problems; refers only the most complex issues to the higher level
• Assists in reviewing vendor contracts and performance guarantees
• Supervises vendor implementations, testing and data validation
• Provides coverage during manager’s absence

ADDENDUM

• Responsible for day-to-day administration of NM’s Health & Welfare and Retirement benefit programs, including but not limited to medical, dental, prescription, dental, vision, FSA/HSA, reimbursable wellbeing fund, 401(k), 457(b), and frozen pension plans
• Proficiency required of all benefit products including Health & Welfare and Retirement.
• Conduct periodic review of all benefit plans, working with vendors to ensure adherence to benefit plan design, performance guarantees, and customer satisfaction
• Manage annual open enrollment activities end to end
• Lead compliance activities including but not limited to ACA reporting, Form 5500 filings, non-discrimination testing, annual benefit plan audits, all mailings, notifications, education, and communications.
• Serve as primary contact and liaison between Department/Division Administrators, Practice Managers, Northwestern University (NU), Northwestern Medical Group (NMG) and Regional Medical Group (RMG) for physicians (faculty and non-faculty) benefits across the health system to resolve benefit related issues.
• Conducts periodic audits to ensure internal controls effectively mitigate risk; performs ongoing compliance projects as needed.
• Participates in and supports the strategic planning and execution of department and organizational goals.
• Maintain, review, and update Plan Documents, SPDs, and SMMs for all plans.
• Collaborate with employee/physician communications team on the preparation of all benefit materials including but not limited to plan guides, participant correspondence, targeted communications and employee or HR presentations and training.
• Maintain the ongoing repository of benefit plan contracts, plan materials and communications and annual compliance calendar
• Identify and champion process and program efficiencies and opportunities for streamlining and improvement.
• Support management with ongoing financial wellbeing and physician support strategies and initiatives.

Required:

• Bachelor's Degree in HR, Finance or Business or related field preferred or equivalent experience; AND
• 5 or more years of relevant experience in HR/benefits management and project management
• Demonstrated project management & process improvement skills
• Demonstrated ability to effectively establish and maintain working relationships with peers and constituents at all levels of the organization
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent verbal and business writing skills
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, specifically pivot tables and VLOOKUP’s
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, projects, and priorities concurrently
• Excellent attention to detail
• Demonstrates history of exercising confidentiality and discretion
• Knowledge of relevant federal, state and local regulations relating to Human Resources
• Ability to travel to various sites as needed

Preferred:

• Experience in the healthcare industry

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

If we offer you a job, we will perform a background check that includes a review of any criminal convictions. A conviction does not disqualify you from employment at Northwestern Medicine. We consider this on a case-by-case basis and follow all state and federal guidelines.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.