Benefits Specialist
Munro Footwear Group, Helena, MT, United States
Benefits Specialist
As part of the Department of Administration, the Health Care & Benefits Division is dedicated to administering cost-effective employee benefit programs in support of state employees, legislators, retirees, and their families.
Key Responsibilities
Serve as the primary point‑of‑contact for state employee benefit plan members, answering plan-related questions.
Provide customer service via face‑to‑face contact, phone, email, and mail to eligible plan members and State of Montana agency HR and payroll staff.
Resolve complex eligibility issues and track member touch points using a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tracking system.
Complete manual enrollment of eligible members into benefit offerings when necessary.
Support all employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, prescription, vision, life, wellness, and incentive programs.
Work directly with third‑party claims administrators and vendors to research and resolve member issues.
Investigate transaction details regarding accounting discrepancies and recommend corrective action.
Qualifications Education and Experience:
Associate degree in a related field or two or more years of relevant job experience. Alternate combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.
Knowledge, Abilities & Skills
Advanced verbal and written communication skills, able to organize and explain complex concepts.
Ability to interact with employees, managers, and others positively and in challenging situations.
Maintain confidentiality with frequent contact to confidential information.
Build and maintain effective working relationships.
Accuracy and thoroughness to ensure quality work output.
Adaptability to changes, manage competing priorities, and handle frequent change or unexpected events.
Identify and resolve problems within areas of responsibility.
Working knowledge of insurance terminology and ability to read and understand complex plan documents.
Understanding of basic math and problem‑solving financial situations.
Basic knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to employee benefits administration and eligibility criteria.
Follow precise directions and learn complex processes and procedures.
Work in a team environment and support other job duties.
Effectively use Microsoft Office Suite and document customer interactions in case management tracking software.
Independently plan, organize, gather information, and conduct research.
Listen attentively, ask appropriate questions, avoid interrupting, and draw correct conclusions from complex explanations.
Organize work with minimal oversight and communicate needs with the direct supervisor.
What We Offer Additional benefits include:
Work/Life Balance
Health Coverage
Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, and Holidays
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF program.
Other Important Information This position requires the successful completion of a criminal background check.
Salary $26.50 - $26.50 per hour
Telework Eligibility Full‑time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.
Employment Details State of Montana – Department of Administration – Helena Agency – Full‑time Regular Schedule. Shift: Day. No travel required.
Application Information Required materials: Cover letter, resume, and three professional references.
Contact: Natasha Cook | Email: nacook@mt.gov | Phone: 406-444-3103. For reasonable accommodations, contact the agency’s HR staff or dial Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices can assist with submitting an online application.
EEO Statement The State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.
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Key Responsibilities
Serve as the primary point‑of‑contact for state employee benefit plan members, answering plan-related questions.
Provide customer service via face‑to‑face contact, phone, email, and mail to eligible plan members and State of Montana agency HR and payroll staff.
Resolve complex eligibility issues and track member touch points using a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tracking system.
Complete manual enrollment of eligible members into benefit offerings when necessary.
Support all employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, prescription, vision, life, wellness, and incentive programs.
Work directly with third‑party claims administrators and vendors to research and resolve member issues.
Investigate transaction details regarding accounting discrepancies and recommend corrective action.
Qualifications Education and Experience:
Associate degree in a related field or two or more years of relevant job experience. Alternate combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.
Knowledge, Abilities & Skills
Advanced verbal and written communication skills, able to organize and explain complex concepts.
Ability to interact with employees, managers, and others positively and in challenging situations.
Maintain confidentiality with frequent contact to confidential information.
Build and maintain effective working relationships.
Accuracy and thoroughness to ensure quality work output.
Adaptability to changes, manage competing priorities, and handle frequent change or unexpected events.
Identify and resolve problems within areas of responsibility.
Working knowledge of insurance terminology and ability to read and understand complex plan documents.
Understanding of basic math and problem‑solving financial situations.
Basic knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to employee benefits administration and eligibility criteria.
Follow precise directions and learn complex processes and procedures.
Work in a team environment and support other job duties.
Effectively use Microsoft Office Suite and document customer interactions in case management tracking software.
Independently plan, organize, gather information, and conduct research.
Listen attentively, ask appropriate questions, avoid interrupting, and draw correct conclusions from complex explanations.
Organize work with minimal oversight and communicate needs with the direct supervisor.
What We Offer Additional benefits include:
Work/Life Balance
Health Coverage
Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, and Holidays
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF program.
Other Important Information This position requires the successful completion of a criminal background check.
Salary $26.50 - $26.50 per hour
Telework Eligibility Full‑time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.
Employment Details State of Montana – Department of Administration – Helena Agency – Full‑time Regular Schedule. Shift: Day. No travel required.
Application Information Required materials: Cover letter, resume, and three professional references.
Contact: Natasha Cook | Email: nacook@mt.gov | Phone: 406-444-3103. For reasonable accommodations, contact the agency’s HR staff or dial Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices can assist with submitting an online application.
EEO Statement The State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.
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