Senior Benefits Analyst

Overview:

Northern Arizona Healthcare is seeking a detail-oriented Senior Benefits Analyst with a high level of accuracy, the ability to analyze large amounts of data, and proactive problem-solving skills to join our benefits team in a remote capacity. This senior-level role focuses on the administration, analysis, and optimization of employee benefits programs within a dynamic healthcare environment, including serving as the primary point of contact for 401(k), 457(b), and pension inquiries from employees, former employees, and vendors, resolving escalated medical claim issues, reviewing denied medical claims reports to ensure third-party administrator (TPA) claims processing aligns with plan documents, managing stop-loss insurance processes, and conducting 401(k) and pension audits. The Senior Benefits Analyst will monitor benefit vendors for enrollment and billing accuracy, support compliance with state and federal regulations, and provide data-driven insights to enhance benefits offerings. Critical requirements include advanced proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel (with expertise in VLOOKUPs, Text to Columns, and advanced formatting and filtering), Outlook, and Word; proficiency in Adobe Acrobat Pro for creating, editing, and managing PDFs; and experience with HRIS systems Lawson and Oracle. This position collaborates closely with the Benefits Manager and serves as a technical and analytical leader on the team, requiring meticulous attention to detail, precision, and a forward-thinking approach to identifying and resolving issues.

This is a fully remote position, requiring reliable internet access and a suitable home office setup.

Healthcare is a rapidly changing environment, and technology, including computers, the Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and HRIS systems (Lawson and Oracle), is integral to all aspects of this role.

NAH reserves the right to make hiring decisions based on applicants' state of residence if outside the state of Arizona. NAH currently hires for remote positions in the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, North Carolina, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia.

Benefits Analysis & Administration

* Serve as a primary contact alongside the Benefits Manager for plan vendors and third-party administrators, resolving administrative issues and participating in monthly vendor meetings.

* Analyze large amounts of benefits enrollment data to deliver actionable insights and detailed, well-formatted reports.

* Coordinate data transfers to external partners for services, premiums, and plan administration; process billing, verify monthly premium statements, and maintain statistical data on premiums, claims, and costs.

* Assist with benefits renewals and RFPs by gathering and analyzing large datasets, participating in decision-making processes, and presenting findings in professionally formatted documents.

Benefits Team Support

* Provide training, guidance, and second-level support to Benefits Coordinators.

* Collaborate with the benefits team to evaluate and revise internal processes, documentation, and policies; proactively identify potential issues and propose solutions.

* Act as backup support to the Benefits Manager as needed.

Employee Benefits Support

* Serve as the primary point of contact for 401(k), 457(b), and pension inquiries from employees, former employees, and vendors, providing accurate and timely responses; ensure seamless coordination with vendors and HRIS systems (Lawson and Oracle) to resolve issues and maintain records with precision.

* Resolve escalated medical claim issues, working with employees, vendors, and TPA to investigate and address discrepancies, analyze claim data, and document resolutions.

* Review denied medical claims reports to ensure TPA claims processing aligns with plan documents, analyze large datasets, identify errors, and ensure compliance; document findings and coordinate with TPA to rectify issues.

* Coordinate stop-loss insurance processes with TPA to verify claim eligibility, review high-cost claims data to ensure accuracy and eligibility, and document outcomes.

Benefits Communication

* Develop communication tools and maintain the benefits page on the colleague portal, enhancing understanding of NAH’s benefits package; design materials for orientations and open enrollment for distribution to employees.

* Maintain and update the benefit enrollment system, in coordination with the Benefits Manager and HRIS, communicating with vendors to resolve issues and implement changes proactively.

ERISA & Regulatory Compliance

* Maintain knowledge of federal and state regulations (e.g., ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ACA, HIPAA, Section 125, Medicare, DOL requirements) and filing requirements affecting benefits programs.

* Assist the Benefits Manager with compliance testing, reporting (e.g., 5500s, PCORI), and conducting 401(k) and pension audits, ensuring timeliness and accuracy of required submissions, analyze large datasets and validate data, and assist with data retrieval.

* Support or lead special projects to keep benefit plans compliant with evolving healthcare and retirement regulations; proactively address potential compliance gaps.

* Stay current with state and federal regulations and company policies impacting the role; complete mandatory training modules within specified timeframes.

Additional Duties

* Perform other duties as assigned to support the benefits team and organizational goals.

Core Competencies

Technical Skills

Possesses the technical skills and knowledge required to perform essential tasks in an efficient and effective manner. Demonstrates the willingness and ability to train or coach others in the technical arena.

Communication

Communicates effectively and appropriately. Uses good judgment as to what to communicate to whom as well as the best way to get that accomplished. Speaks in a clear and credible manner, selecting the right tone for the situation and audience. Respectfully listens to others and allows them to make their point.

Quality of Work

Has established a track record of producing work that is highly accurate, demonstrates attention to detail and reflects well on the organization. Is personally committed to high quality work and encourages others to have similar standards.

Problem-Solving & Analytical Thinking

Takes a proactive approach to anticipating and preventing problems. When problems occur, defines those problems, investigates obstacles, gathers relevant information, decides whether solving the problem should be a group decision, generates and analyzes alternate solutions and arrives at a workable solution. Isolates causes from symptoms to clearly identify the problem to be solved.

Work Ethic

Is keenly aware of the time frame in which tasks or projects need to be done. Accepts and mirrors the level of urgency conveyed by manager or customer being served. Puts first priority on the needs of the organization or the needs of its customers. Recognizes opportunities, initiates actions and capitalize on them. Arrives at work on time and ready to contribute. When required to attend meetings, shows up well-prepared.

Flexibility

Adjusts quickly and effectively to changing conditions and demands. Discusses change as a necessary and inevitable aspect of organizational life as well as an opportunity to learn new things. Has a similar view and approach to potentially stressful situations. Invests personal energy toward accepting and adapting to change that others use toward resisting or resenting it.

Customer Focus

Personally demonstrates that external (or internal) customers/patients are a high priority. Identifies customer/patient needs and expectations and responds to them in a timely and effective manner. Anticipates and prevents delays or other things that can adversely affect the customer/patient. Keeps customers/patients informed about the status of pending actions and inquiries about customer /patient satisfaction with products or services.

Teamwork

Is an effective team player who adds complementary skills and contributes valuable ideas, opinions and feedback. Communicates in a positive candid manner and can be counted upon to fulfill any commitments made to others on the team.

Compliance/Safety
* Adheres to regulatory and organizational standards affecting patient care and safety as well as all hospital and departmental policies and procedures. Practices in a safe, high quality and cost effective manner.

* Stays current and complies with state and federal regulations/statutes and company policies that impact the employees area of responsibility.

* If required for position, ensures all certifications and/or licenses are up-to-date and valid prior to expiration dates.

* Completes all company mandatory modules and required job specific training in the specified time frame.

* Maintains timely and accurate documentation of assessments, interventions, EMR entries, and patient responses.

* Responsible for reporting any safety related incident in a timely fashion through the Midas/RDE tool; attends all safety related training programs; performs work in a safe manner; monitors work environment for possible safety issues and ensures others are also performing work in a safe manner.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Data Analytics, or a related field (Required); a combination of education and relevant experience may also be considered.

Master’s degree or HR certification (e.g., PHR, SPHR, CEBS), and advanced certifications in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Microsoft Office Specialist), Adobe Acrobat Pro, or HRIS systems (Lawson/Oracle), or equivalent proficiency beyond required skills preferred.

Experience

Minimum of 5 years of benefits administration or analysis experience, with at least 3 years in a healthcare setting (Required)

Experience analyzing benefits programs and streamlining benefits processes for a healthcare workforce (e.g., nurses, physicians, administrative staff), including 401(k), 457(b), pension plans, medical claims, and stop-loss insurance, conducting 401(k) and pension audits, and managing inquiries and claims issues from diverse stakeholders preferred.