CLASS CODE: 1241
PAY GRADE: 022

CLASS TITLE:BENEFITS PROGRAM ANALYST

ALLOCATION FACTOR(S)

This is technical and independent professional work in a statewide benefit program involving the processing of complex member issues and inquiries; providing training to employees and employers; or providing technical assistance to or performing compliance reviews of other governmental entities.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

(Note: The examples of work as listed in this class specification are not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of specific statements does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment to the position. Examples of work performed are not to be used for allocation purposes.)

  • Plans work loads, work flows, deadlines, and work objectives
  • Trains employees in methods for performing an effective and efficient job.
  • Audits benefit calculations to verify appropriate actuarial reductions.
  • Gathers and analyzes complex information on current and potential benefits programs from various sources including other state systems, consultants, providers and current literature.
  • Analyzes service records to verify eligibility for retirement, COBRA, disability and survivor benefits as determined by Benefits Specialists.
  • Maintains contact with providers, state entities interest groups, plan participants and others to establish and continue effective channels of communication to ensure cooperation and mutual problem solving.
  • Plans, organizes and controls the use of available resources to communicate complex legal and technical concepts and information to eligible members.
  • Assists in the development and maintenance of computer software and other information systems necessary to establish and maintain reporting requirements.
  • Determines additional research needs regarding insurance claim inquiries, benefit options, benefit or retirement calculations, account audits, disability determinations, or survivor benefits information.
  • Coordinates all aspects of plan membership, reporting, benefit payroll, or benefit determination and calculation.
  • Conducts on-site training seminars and workshops with employers.
  • Makes presentations to employee and professional groups.
  • Analyzes personnel records and other available data to determine benefit membership eligibility.
  • Assists agencies in alleviating difficulties and irregularities in membership and compensation reporting.
  • Coordinates program analyses and recommendations for benefit plans.
  • Develops comprehensive plans for implementing program changes rate adjustments including payroll deductions, withdrawal procedures, rate adjustments, etc.
  • Develops documents and manuals to be used by state agencies, personnel offices and eligible participants for educational purposes.
  • Explains policies, procedures and state and federal regulations to councils with associates and eligible members.
  • Develops and maintains procedures and reporting manuals.
  • Performs special projects regarding operations, legislation or systems related work.
  • Overseeing major work processes of a section.
  • Coordinates benefit payroll activities and transactions with benefit providers.
  • Assists in resolving payroll issues with the Comptroller's Office and other external entities.
  • Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

(Note: The knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) identified in this class specification represent those needed to perform the duties of this class. Additional knowledge, skills and abilities may be applicable for individual positions in the employing agency.)

  • Knowledge of the principles and techniques of effective communication.
  • Knowledge of basic arithmetic.
  • Ability to review data for accuracy, identify errors and take corrective action.
  • Ability to collect, evaluate, analyze and verify data relating to insurance or retirement benefits.
  • Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to insurance or retirement benefits.
  • Ability to train others.
  • Ability to organize data into logical format.
  • Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Ability to perform basic arithmetical calculations.
  • Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
  • Ability to communicate effectively.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • A bachelor's degree from a college or university and two years of professional experience in an insurance, retirement or social security program, administrative or fiscal work, statistics or personnel.
  • A master's degree from a college or university in business, statistics, mathematics, economics, risk management, insurance, public administration, health or social services administration can substitute for one year of professional experience.
  • A doctorate from a collage or university in any of the areas of major study described above can substitute for two years of professional experience as described above.
  • Professional experience in the areas described above can substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required college education.

EFFECTIVE:

7/1/2001

HISTORY:

06/11/1998