HEALTH AND WELFARE BENEFITS ANALYST - HYBRID OR REMOTE IN CALIFORNIA
University of California Office of the President
Application
Details
Posted: 20-Apr-23
Location: Oakland, California
Salary: Open
Internal Number: 4114833
HEALTH AND WELFARE BENEFITS ANALYST - HYBRID OR REMOTE IN CALIFORNIA
Location: OaklandFull Time Job ID: 52320 Job Posting
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UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
At the University of California (UC), your contributions make a difference. A world leader producing Nobel and Pulitzer prize recipients with over 150 years of groundbreaking research transforming the world. Choose a career where you can leverage your knowledge, skills and aspirations to inspire and support some of the greatest minds in the world, and those who will follow in their footsteps. Working at the University of California is being part of a unique institution, and a vibrant and diverse community. At the University of California, Office of the President, we propel our mission through impactful work locally, in government centers and systemwide. We are passionate people, serving the greater good.
The University of California, one of the largest and most acclaimed institutions of higher learning in the world, is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and public service. The University of California Office of the President is the headquarters to the 10 campuses, six academic medical centers and three national laboratories and enrolls premier students from California, the nation and the world. Learn more about the UC Office of the President
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
Health & Welfare Benefits is a unit within Systemwide Human Resources.
POSITION SUMMARY This position provides high-level planning, analysis and operational support for the systemwide health and welfare benefit programs for UC faculty, staff, retirees and their dependents. Primary program responsibility is for the Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts for the Faculty/Staff and Postdoctoral Scholars benefits programs, and oversight of the COBRA continuation coverage program. Additional assignments may include assisting with benefits systems integration and management of benefits administration projects that span the Health & Welfare Benefits' portfolio, which includes medical, behavioral health and prescription drug benefits - including HMOs, PPOs, HSAs, Medicare Advantage/Supplement and Medicare Exchange products - as well as dental and vision coverage, life, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short-term and long-term disability plans, and identity protection, legal and adoption assistance programs. The position works collaboratively as part of a dynamic managerial team offering in-depth subject matter expertise, problem resolution and strategy development on complex policy and benefits issues. The incumbent:
Uses advanced health benefits concepts and to resolve complicated issues in creative and effective ways
Resolves complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of varying factors
Exercises independent judgment and decision-making in presenting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for relevant benefits-related programs and/or vendors
Serves as a recognized expert in administration of benefit plans including plan design, operational procedures, policies and compliance requirements.
Conducts operational reviews of assigned plans and, based on findings, designs and implements performance improvement goals
Partners with colleagues to develop departmental goals and objectives, and is held accountable for achieving them
Collaborates with a diverse group of colleagues at all levels within a complex organization, as well as manages relationships with external business partners
Key Responsibilities
25% Manage contracting for and operations of assigned plans and programs, specifically Health Flexible Spending Account, Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, and COBRA continuation coverage. Review and provide input to Health & Welfare Benefits team on proposed plan costs, benefit design and performance guarantees. Contribute knowledge of current market trends and specific UC utilization impacts to planning discussions. Assess risk to University of alternative plan management strategies. When bidding is involved, collaborate with bid team, including Procurement and consultants, to evaluate proposals, recommend awards, coordinate issuance of award letters and develop contractual documents. Represent UC Human Resources Benefits Programs & Strategy interests in implementation of new plans to minimize risk and ensure more effective plan services, including: analyzing vendor responses, identifying issues impacting the administration of benefit plans or requiring resolution on a system-wide basis, and recommending changes to policy or procedures that result in operational improvements to existing processes. Plan meetings with consultant partners and vendors, create agendas and write summaries of decision points from vendor meetings.
25% During program development and throughout planning process ensure seamless integration of financial goals and benefit structure with plan administration and operations. Resolve escalated customer concerns relating to implementation and application of benefit design. Consult with UC Health & Welfare Benefits Administration, UCPath, UC Retirement Administration Service Center, Benefit Information Systems and Payroll to resolve operational issues and establish operational changes to resolve problems specific to the assigned plans. Oversee the development of communications to support plan design and administrative functions of the plans. Research, analyze and recommend responses, or respond to complex participant issues and inquiries escalated from locations' benefits managers, directly from employees/retirees, or sent to UCOP management. Work directly with health plan vendors to fulfill these responsibilities.
15% In partnership with Procurement, UC Legal, Health & Welfare Benefits Administration and other departments, review plan contracts for compliance and adherence to applicable laws, rules, regulations, guidelines and policies. Collaborate with Health & Welfare Benefits leadership, UC Legal, Compliance & Audit, Labor Relations and other departments as necessary to ensure UC policy and regulatory requirements are met. Ensure contract development includes review of potential risk and consequences of policies and legislation. Strive to achieve consistency, where appropriate, across benefit plan contracts.
10% Provide analytical support to Health & Welfare Benefits Senior Director, Benefits Administration Director and Program Managers. Review and interpret plan utilization reports; work with Health & Welfare Benefits team to develop recommendations for long-range strategic plans and short-range operational plan management opportunities. Monitor plans' financial performance throughout the year. Respond to requests for employee health and welfare data/information from internal or external parties. Assist Senior Director, Benefits Administration Director and Program Managers in development of materials for senior leadership, including reports, presentations and speaking points on policies, plan design and administration, industry trends and technical information. Present on a variety of benefits-related topics to stakeholders, including, but not limited to campus benefits constituents and Labor Relations.
10% Participate as a member of the Benefits Center of Expertise team, serving as a liaison between Health & Welfare Benefits and UCPath Center, specifically regarding the development, prioritization and implementation of benefits-related functionality in the human resources management systems. Perform a similar role with the Retirement Administration Service Center and Benefits Information Systems, as relevant to the retiree management system ('Redwood').
15% Provide project management support for benefits administration projects, which may focus on one benefit plan or span the Health & Welfare Benefits portfolio. Projects could include, for example, managing aspects of systemwide Open Enrollment, facilitating project-focused work groups, overseeing vendor audits, or implementation of new benefits-related policies.
Experience Required Qualifications
Min 8 years Relevant professional experience in benefits, compensation, financial management and analysis or allied field
Skills and Abilities Required Qualifications
Possess advanced subject matter expertise in health and welfare benefit program policy, plan design and systems for large employer groups
Knowledge of health care delivery and related economics as well as basic working knowledge of clinical issues and practices
Ability to identify, analyze and synthesize information from a variety of sources
Ability to understand, interpret and translate for the layperson health and welfare plan utilization and experience reports
Ability to present complex benefit design and finance related information in a clear and concise manner, both in writing and verbally
Ability to present information effectively to small or large groups, internal or external to the organization
Must be skilled in use of Microsoft Office and common desktop/web applications
Applies political acumen to intricate situations occurring in a complex organizational structure
Ability to guide and negotiate complex issues through a hierarchical, bureaucratic organization to achieve resolution
Ability to represent effectively UC's interests, goals and challenges to outside industry professionals
Possesses proactive and advanced problem-solving skills. Ability to determine root cause of problems and recommend solutions that address concerns of stakeholders and consider the often-conflicting needs of diverse constituents. Applies initiative, resourcefulness and creativity to problem resolution
Knowledge of and ability to successfully apply principles of project management. Ability to lead cross-disciplinary teams and facilitate consensus-based teamwork for productive outcomes
Promote the exchange of information among project team members and support staff, and convey appropriate information to project executive sponsors
Strong customer service orientation and ability to anticipate and develop solutions to client concerns
Flexible and willing to adapt based on client feedback
Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations applicable to large group health and welfare benefit plans, including by not limited to Section 125 Plans, ACA, HIPAA and Medicare regulations
Highly-developed interpersonal skills and ability to contribute to a team-oriented atmosphere with a positive attitude, establishing and maintaining productive, professional working relationships with vendor partners, colleagues and constituents of diverse occupational and social backgrounds
Ability to work independently, following through on assignments with general supervision, and balance multiple projects simultaneously with demanding time frames for completion. Self-motivated with excellent organizational and time management skills
Ability to organize, coordinate and complete projects successfully and within deadlines, providing high quality work products that demonstrate a penchant for detail and commitment to accuracy
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced knowledge of UC employee health benefit programs, including benefits plan design, compliance requirements and systems operations (UCPath, Redwood), as well as general knowledge of other areas of human resources. Knowledge of local, regional and statewide health market
Knowledge of the University environment including its infrastructure, goals, objectives, achievements, rules, regulations and policies. Deep knowledge of UC policy and procedures, including benefits eligibility (Group Insurance Regulations), staff (PPSM), academic personnel (APM) policies and collective bargaining agreements
Experience with collective bargaining as relates to benefit design options, and ability to work productively with Labor Relations and union representatives
High-level plan design and financial analysis skills including underwriting concepts and actuarial principles
Familiarity with concepts of health analytics
Education Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training
Preferred Qualifications
Masters' degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Health or related field
Licenses and Certifications Preferred Qualifications
Certified Employee Benefits Specialist
Job Title Benefits Program Strategy Analyst 4
Job Code 000435
Salary Grade Grade 24
Payscale: $116,000 - $132,000
Full Salary Range: $91,400 - $170,800
The University of California, Office of the President, is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range shows the growth potential for this position and the pay scale is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position.
Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: Benefits of Belonging
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
HOW TO APPLY
Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.
APPLICATION REVIEW DATE
The first review date for this job isBackground check process at UCOP
Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy
August 2021 Update: The University of California has issued a policy requiring employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID -19 before physically accessing the University location or programs. Upon hire into a UCOP position, you will be provided detailed instructions on how to comply with this policy including access to the COVID vaccination at no cost. New hires to UCOP who work onsite or will come onsite for any activities at a UCOP or other UC location must comply with this policy within 8 weeks after their start date. The policy allows for employees to request approval for an exception or deferral. UC COVID-19 Vaccine Policy
EEO STATEMENT
The University of California, Office of the President, is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. EEO/AA Employer UC Nondiscrimination Policy
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About University of California Office of the President
The Office of the President is the systemwide headquarters of the University of California, managing its fiscal and business operations and supporting the academic and research missions across its campuses, labs and medical centers.
