The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the US and Canada Hiring for Benefits Administrator Job at Annapolis, MD Full Time

The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the US and Canada (“UA”), located in Annapolis, MD, is currently seeking a Benefits Administrator, reporting directly to the UA General Secretary-Treasurer (“GST”). The UA sponsors and/or provides administrative services to the UA General Officers and Employees Pension Plan, the UA Local Union Officers and Employees Pension Plan, the UA General Officers and Employees Health Plan, UA General Officers and Employees 401(k) Plan, the UA Flexible Benefit Plan, and the UA Maternity Benefit Plan (collectively, the “Plans”).

The Benefits Administrator will have overall responsibility for all aspects of oversight related to the administration of the Plans including responsibilities for the operational, technical, and organizational administration of the Plans. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated and independent with strong organizational, project management, and analytical skills, solid knowledge of defined benefit pension plans as well as health and welfare benefit plans and a strong leader with experience managing staff.

The Benefits Administrator position is a working management position and must effectively direct, work alongside, motivate, and evaluate performance for two (2) to three (3) office staff as well as communicate directly with plan participants ensuring prompt and accurate delivery of benefits to participants. In addition, the successful candidate will provide direction and guidance regarding departmental management, program implementation and special projects; provide guidance relative to the various rules, policies, procedures, and priorities of the Plans; and ensure that all operational procedures are in compliance with Plan rules and local, state, and federal regulations. The Benefits Administrator will assist in submission of government mandated forms, prepare special reports (enrollment, compliance, consultants, etc.) and assist in preparation of materials for Board of Trustees’ meetings.

The Benefits Administrator is responsible for effectively communicating plan and policy changes to staff, participants, contributing employers (which are UA affiliates or related organizations), attorneys, and actuaries/consultants as well as other colleagues, as needed. The ideal candidate must interact collaboratively with the GST, UA office staff, Trustees, participants, contributing employers, professional advisors, and colleagues at all levels, both inside and outside the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Administrative/Operational: Oversees, monitors, and assists with the day-to-day operations of the Health & Welfare, 401(k) and Pension Plans to ensure financial and operational accuracy as well as compliance. Establishes and monitors Plan policies, procedures, and standards to ensure a level of professionalism and prompt, accurate service to employees, participants, beneficiaries and contributing employers. Ensures that there are appropriate audit and control procedures in place for benefit payments to participants and beneficiaries, including calculation and verification of final benefits. Handles escalated customer service issues and benefit appeals. Maintains necessary records in accordance with ERISA and HIPAA. Monitors, coordinates, and assists outside advisors (e.g., attorneys, actuaries, consultants, auditors, and investment advisors).
• Financial: Collaborates with the GST to develop annual operating budgets for administration of the Plans. Manages the Plans to the annual operating budgets. Reviews investment and benefit usage reports provided by plan professionals. Collaborates with assigned staff to create financial reports and statements for the Plans. Ensures adequate levels of liability and other forms of insurance to protect the Plans, the Boards of Trustees and other Plan fiduciaries and employees.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensures compliance with administrative, operational, and regulatory procedures for administration of all Plans. Consults with outside professionals (e.g., auditors, attorneys, actuaries, investment managers, custodian, insurance carrier(s), etc.) on compliance matters/requirements, as needed. Ensures completion of all government compliance filings and annual reporting requirements, including tax related (1099s), Form 5500, SAR, participant notices, etc. Responsible for coordinating information required by, or from, outside professional advisors. Maintains understanding of ERISA, IRC and HIPAA requirements and other areas of fiduciary responsibility. Remains informed of all plan provisions for all Plans.
• Communications: Oversees the development of communication materials for employees, participants, beneficiaries and contributing employers. Ensures that all participant communications and required notices are completed and distributed in a timely manner. Regularly provides communications to the Boards of Trustees, special committees, employers, unions, members, professional advisors, and governmental agencies.
• Technical: Works with the IT Team to develop an IT plan and ensures that technology and adequate systems are in place to support the Plans’ recordkeeping, processing, and customer service needs. Works with the IT Team to establish and enforce procedures and controls to keep the Plans’ systems, equipment, programs, and data secure and to prevent unauthorized or improper use or access.
• Public Relations: Promotes a positive image of the Plans on behalf of the Boards of Trustees and plan sponsor. Networks regularly with colleagues in the industry and professional organizations to stay informed as to recent events and other situations that could affect the Plans.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate will meet the following requirements:

• Work Experience: Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in benefit plan administration (health and defined benefit pension) or relevant related experience is required, including five (5) or more years of supervisory experience. Significant experience in Taft-Hartley or collectively bargained environment is preferred.
• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree is required. Advanced degree or certifications (e.g., MBA, CEBS, etc.) is a plus.
• Special Skills or Credentials: The selected candidate will have solid knowledge of employee benefit plans and the applicable laws, including but not limited to ERISA, HIPAA, HITECH, ACA, PPA, as well as governmental/legislative regulations governing such plans. The ideal candidate will be a professional with demonstrated leadership skills, a proven “hands-on” managerial style, excellent judgment, and strong work ethic. Qualified candidates will possess exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, strong project management skills, strong analytical skills (including the ability to interpret legislative regulations and operating information) and be highly organized. Ability to develop and support staff in the areas of technical operations and employee benefit administration is required. Candidates must be able to multi-task and prioritize effectively to meet deadlines and have a thorough knowledge of, and appreciation for, the regulatory and political environment. Proficiency with current technology, Microsoft Office Suite, and experience with benefits administration systems is required.

In-Person Position: This position requires the Benefits Administrator to work on-site out of the office located in Annapolis, MD. This is not a remote position.

To Apply: Please send your resume and salary requirements to the link provided by Indeed. Please include job reference code 0123UABAIN in the subject line or with your application.

The UA offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. The UA is an affirmative action employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, or disability.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $140,000.00 – $175,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience with benefit plan administration (health and defined benefit pension)?
• Do you have experience with Taft-Hartley or collectively bargained environments?
• Do you have knowledge of employee benefit plans and the applicable laws, including but not limited to ERISA, HIPAA, HITECH, ACA, PPA?

Education:

• Bachelor’s (Preferred)

Experience:

• benefit plan administration: 7 years (Preferred)
• supervisory: 5 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) (Preferred)

Work Location: One location