BENEFITS SPECIALIST

About Our Organization

The Laborers Funds Administrative Office of Northern California, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation providing administrative services under contractual agreements for Northern California Laborers Trust Funds. We employ over 100 employees and provide services for over 30,000 Laborers and beneficiaries in the various employee benefit plans we have administered since 1963.

The Role

We are looking for a Benefits Specialist to join our team and provide administrative and excellent customer service to union Laborers and their families. 

The position performs various tasks involved in administering union negotiated fringe benefits (retirement, health, vacation, annuity), in accordance with the written plan documents, in a high paced team environment with a high volume of member interaction. The primary focus is to be the single point of contact for Laborers and their families during phone calls and member visits where all inquiries and needs are addressed in a single contact event. A Benefits Specialist provides excellent customer service on the phone and during member visits; communicates policies, regulations, and benefit information; processes applications, documents, and medical claims; responds to provider inquiries; contacts network vendors to verify and update eligibility; assists and resolves issues on behalf of our members; performs reception duties as needed for member lobby; remains current on new programs and benefit updates; and performs additional duties and responsibilities assigned by a supervisor, manager, and/or Associate Director of Benefits or its designated representative.

What We Are Looking For

• Ability and willingness to engage in a complex and phased training program
• Two years of prior experience in an employee benefits environment 
• Preferred Bi-lingual in Spanish
• Knowledge of Defined Benefit and Defined Contributions plans preferred
• Familiarity with various Anthem Blue Cross online systems preferred
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Proficient in MS Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word) and computer systems and applications
• Self-motivated and calm under pressure
• Analytical and detail-oriented with attention to accuracy
• Ability to expediate and perform tasks urgently when needed 
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment
• Discretion with ability to maintain confidentiality
• Professional communicator, written and verbal, through any channel 
• Strong interpersonal skills in working with employees, members, and other departments

What You’ll Love

• Medical, dental and vision coverage paid by the employer
• An employee Pension and Annuity plan contributed by the employer
• Optional participation in a 401K plan
• Sick, vacation time, 8 major holidays, and 2 annual floating holidays under a Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Pension and Health and Welfare administered by Laborers Trust Funds

Conditions of Employment

• 150‐day probationary period
• Microsoft Office Suite Testing is required
• Work under Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Union job with union dues (http://www.opeiu29.org/)
• Background check and drug testing

Work Environment

• Moderate noise level is typical of an office environment