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 neededHandles complex issues and problems; refers only the most complex issues to the higher levelAssists in reviewing vendor contracts and performance guaranteesSupervises vendor implementations, testing and data validationProvides coverage during manager’s absenceADDENDUMResponsible 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 plansProficiency 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 satisfactionManage annual open enrollment activities end to endLead 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 calendarIdentify and champion process and program efficiencies and opportunities for streamlining and improvement.Support management with ongoing financial wellbeing and physician support strategies and initiatives.
