Job Description

 

Formerly Puget Sound Blood Center and Lane Blood Center, Bloodworks is backed by more than 70 years of Northwest history and 250,000 donors. A national leader in transfusion medicine, Bloodworks has been chosen to serve more than 90 hospitals in Washington, Oregon and Alaska – partnering closely with local hospitals to deliver the highest level of patient care. Patients with traumatic injuries, undergoing surgeries or organ transplantation, or receiving treatment for cancer and blood disorders all depend on our services, expertise, laboratories and research. We are local, nonprofit, independent, volunteer-supported and community-based.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Benefits Manager within our Human Resources Department here at Bloodworks NW! The incumbent will be responsible for developing, implementing, and administering employee benefit programs including medical, vision, dental, life, LTD, retirement, and supplemental retirement accounts; employee assistance programs; workers' compensation programs; and, unemployment insurance programs. Maintains ongoing efforts to ensure benefits programs are competitive with the local market and are consistent with legislative and regulatory mandates. Consults with and advises employees regarding the employee benefits program; initiates cost containment strategies; and, maintains benefit records and documents necessary for implementing and maintaining employee coverage. Liaison with brokers and vendors for plan design decisions, contract negotiation, and service delivery compliance.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES - As a Bloodworks lead-level team member:

Within the department:

• Assist in setting department goals and objectives consistent with Bloodworks’ mission.
• Consistently model values of Bloodworks and coach for the same expectation; contribute and build upon current practices and procedures in support of values, mission, and goals.
• Ensure all applicable department documents and procedures are adhered to by staff and report discrepancies to department management.
• Participate in interviews as situations require, and assess qualifications based on the needs of positions.

 

As a member of the Bloodworks’ HR department team:

• Maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrate trust in each other and have assurance that issues discussed will be kept in confidence.
• Provide timely and honest feedback to team members regarding how the team functions.
• Challenge and offer support to peers to ensure each department/group is contributing to the success of the organization.
• Function effectively within the team and participate and contribute constructively to produce results in a collaborative manner
• Ensure the department’s actions comply with laws, regulations, and Bloodworks policies and practices.
• Recognize potentially hazardous materials, equipment, and situations and follow safety procedures to minimize risk to self and nearby individuals.
• Responsibly support the HR department budget.
• Proactively recommend systems, resources, and procedures to achieve the department’s success.

 

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES- As Benefits Manager:

• Lead the development, implementation, and administration of the above employee benefits. Ensure compliance of all insurance plans with applicable state and federal regulations.
• Led the development and plan design of new employee benefit programs as required for competitive and/or statutory reasons and in line with corporate goals and values.
• Manage the Bloodworks' Workers' Compensation and Unemployment Insurance programs through third-party administrators to ensure cost-effectiveness control and compliance with applicable laws. Serve as the primary contact for the Department of Labor and Industries and the Department of Employment Security.
• Initiate all appropriate measures to assist in the control of the above employee benefits-related expenses. Provide detailed analysis supporting recommendations.
• Review, approve, and process all benefits-related invoices and ensure accuracy and prompt premium payments. Work with Accounts Payable and provider/carrier to resolve any variances.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with benefits-related vendors including brokers, consultants, administrators, insurance companies, and providers. Recommend corrective action and/or changes as required.
• Managed the Bloodworks' Employee Retirement Program to ensure competitive position and cost-effectiveness. Ensure program compliance with regulatory requirements. Recommend changes as appropriate.
• Manage FMLA leave ensuring compliance with applicable federal laws.
• Coordinate Benefits Orientation sessions for newly hired employees and annual benefits open enrollment events.
• Access and enter data to the Human Resource Information System to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the data and support of the Payroll function. Serve as the primary interface with the Payroll function regarding the above benefits-related issues.

 

REQUIREMENTS: EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, or Human Resources or the equivalent in related work experience.
• Experience in the design, management, and administration of employee benefit programs, including integration of Wellness programs, as demonstrated by a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in the employee benefits field.

 

SPECIFIC JOB SKILLS include, but are not limited to:

• Diplomatic and effective communications and interpersonal skills; demonstrated project management skills; strong group presentation skills; demonstrated analytical skills.
• Required physical activities include continuous talking, hearing, and feeling. Physical activities used less frequently include standing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, walking, sitting, bending, handling, and repetitive motions of hands/wrists (constantly); and repetitive motions of feet (rarely).
• The ability to push, pull, and lift an average of 20 pounds throughout the day is required, as is the ability to carry an average of 20 pounds throughout the day.
• Use of a company or personal vehicle for company business requires an acceptable driver's record as defined by the vehicle policy.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Telecommuting is a frequent and expected condition of this role (must reside in WA/OR State).
• Job conditions to be expected include extensive, close work with computer screens.
• Incumbents must have the ability to perform in an environment of ambiguity.
• As this role routinely uses standard office equipment, job conditions to be expected include extensive computer/viewing monitor work (frequent) and constant standing (rare).
• Bloodworks is a community-supported non-profit organization, and the Human Resources department deliberately and routinely engages in volunteer community support. As such, the incumbent will work with volunteers.
• Work hours/schedule and location:
• Because this position may support staff in locations throughout Bloodworks’ service area, travel in western Washington and western Oregon may be required on an occasional basis, sometimes with short notice.
• Occasional work on holidays and weekends, as well as very occasional late evening and/or early morning work, may be required in support of Bloodworks’ 24/7 workforce.
• As a member of the Human Resources team providing direct assistance to employees who have a direct responsibility to donors and/or patients, the incumbent should be prepared to work extended and/or consecutive shifts and/or possibly at different locations during periods of inclement weather or other emergencies.
• This position has indirect exposure to blood-borne pathogens.

Employees regularly scheduled for 24+ hours per week are covered by medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, with family coverage also available. Also able to participate in retirement plans (401a & 403b), consolidated paid leave program (4.8 – 6.8 weeks of time off accrued per year, based on length of service), subsidized back-up child care program, subsidized transit program, educational reimbursement. Candidates hired from outside of our service area may be eligible for a relocation assistance bonus*

• conditions apply

Bloodworks Northwest is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

*Please mention you saw this ad on LGBTInHigherEducation.*

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