Skadden

Health & Welfare Benefits Supervisor – Partner Benefits

New York Full time

We invite you to review our current business services professionals openings to learn about the opportunities available across the firm.

About Us

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP has forged a reputation as one of the most prestigious law firms in the world. Relying on innovation, intellect, teamwork and tenacity, our lawyers deliver the highest quality advice and novel solutions to our clients’ legal issues. We are known for handling the most complex transactions, litigation/controversy issues, and regulatory matters, as well as for the strong partnerships we build with clients and each other. Our attorneys, who reflect a broad range of experiences and perspectives, work together seamlessly across 50-plus practices and 21 offices in the world’s major financial centers.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Health & Welfare Benefits Supervisor – Partner Benefits to join our Firm.  This position will be based in our New York office (hybrid).  In this role you will supervise the day-to-day operations and administration of the Health and Welfare benefits for partners and retirees ensuring compliance with all insurance contracts, Firm policies and procedures and, applicable Federal, state, and local laws.  You will be responsible for the department's readiness and ability to provide high quality and on-time delivery of benefit administration services with optimal customer service. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Supervises the partner and retiree Health and Welfare benefits day-to-day operations/administration, manages workflow, projects and long-range planning.
  • Supervises and manages expectations for Benefits Department staff.
  • Organizes, assigns, delegates and coordinates work to ensure tasks, duties and department objectives are completed timely and accurately. Works with staff to ensure assignments and projects are running efficiently and meeting the goals of the department.
  • Oversees the day-to-day delivery of customer service support by ensuring timely and accurate resolutions of partners', retirees', and dependents' inquiries.
  • Conducts partner new hire orientations.
  • Responsible for the recordkeeping, analysis, and maintenance of partner and retiree financial reporting.
  • Conducts auditing functions to ensure data accuracy and integrity.
  • Collaborates with other departments and brokers for partner onboarding, withdrawals, and retirements.
  • Implements the operational components of new benefit offerings and annual enrollment processes.
  • Evaluates current administration practices to ensure quality of customer service and regulatory compliance.
  • Oversees the maintenance, integrity, and security of all partner and retiree personal data and ensures that all mandates are met related to data privacy (e.g., HIPAA, ERISA, federal, state and international regulations and laws).
  • Maintains Benefits Department's procedures; recommends and implements changes and improvements in methods and procedures to higher level management.
  • Reviews and provides input on all benefits communications including but not limited to Summary Plan Description, open enrollment materials, and other benefits communication materials as needed.
  • Supports the HRIS team in the design, configuration, testing, and support of Benefits/HRIS initiatives, implementations, enhancements and upgrades.
  • Provides support to the Benefits Department HRIS team on the review and testing of employee self-service (ESS) during the Firm's annual open enrollment.
  • Demonstrates effective interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills to facilitate effective work relationships with others.
  • Participates in the interviewing, selection and training process.
  • Reviews and evaluates the performance and work of staff; prepares performance evaluations.
  • Supervises employees' work performance and provides guidance in the resolution of problems.
  • Oversees, develops, coaches and identifies training needs for professional development.
  • Effectively utilizes the Firm's performance management process to communicate performance expectations, monitor performance, coach employees, and manage unsatisfactory performance.
  • Initiates disciplinary procedures in collaboration with the Human Resources Department.
  • Recommends and participates in disciplinary procedures.
  • Monitors time, attendance, overtime, and expense reports to ensure accuracy and compliance with Firm policies.
  • Develops and communicates departmental guidelines and procedures.
  • Ensures current knowledge of Firm policies and practices for staff, current knowledge of industry trends, and continued professional development for staff.
  • Recommends guidelines and practices to promote efficiency, effectiveness, excellent customer service and improved employee relations, in alignment with the Firm's Core Values.
  • Manages Firm resources responsibly.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Knowledge of Firm operation policies and procedures
  • Ability to administer Firm policies and procedures
  • Current knowledge of industry best practices, trends and techniques
  • Strong knowledge of relevant firm computer software programs (e.g., HRIS, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), with the ability to learn new software and operating systems, with the ability to learn new software and operating systems
  • High proficiency in MS Excel (with extensive experience in and knowledge of formulas and functions, VLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, pivot tables and charts, If statements, etc.), HRIS applications, multiple types of reporting tools, and other Human Resources and Benefits software.
  • Strong skills in data mining, manipulation, and analysis
  • Knowledge of regulations applicable to the benefits field including but not limited to COBRA, FMLA, ADA, HIPAA, and ERISA.
  • Ability to effectively supervise others
  • Strong project management skills
  • Strong mathematical skills
  • Understands payroll and accounting functions, specifically related to their interaction with benefits
  • Demonstrates strong and effective interpersonal and communication skills, both verbally and in writing
  • Ability to assume responsibility for various benefit related issues escalated by the departmental staff.
  • Strong customer service skills
  • Exhibits composure in confronting intricate obstacles under time constraints
  • Delivers timely and accurate work products, and responds with a sense of urgency
  • Pays close attention to detail
  • Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, organizational, and planning skills
  • Ability to handle multiple projects and shifting priorities
  • Ability to handle sensitive matters and maintain confidentiality
  • Ability to organize and prioritize work and delegate effectively
  • Ability to work well in a demanding and fast-paced environment
  • Ability to work well independently as well as effectively within a team
  • Ability to use discretion and exercise independent and sound judgment
  • Flexibility to adjust hours and work the hours necessary to meet operating and business needs

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Minimum of five (5) years of Health & Welfare Benefits administration
  • Minimum of two (2) years supervising staff
  • Minimum of three (3) years of Workday experience in administration of benefits
  • Experience with the administration of executive benefits preferred


Culture & Life at Skadden
What makes Skadden special is our people and the culture, community and spirit of collaboration we have created. We believe in teamwork and inspiring each other to be our best in an atmosphere that promotes professionalism and excellence in all that we do. We know that inclusion and drawing on the strength of a wide spectrum of talent only make us better and is vital to the firm's success. Our goal is for everyone at the firm to enjoy a challenging career with opportunities for development and growth and to support the well-being of our attorneys and business services professionals.

Benefits

The overall well-being of our team is important to us.  We offer generous benefits to help you achieve wellness in all areas of your life. 

  • Competitive salaries and year-end discretionary bonuses.
  • Comprehensive health care (medical, dental, vision), savings plan/401(k) and voluntary benefits.
  • Generous paid time off.
  • Paid leave options, including parental.
  • In-classroom, remote, and on-demand learning and professional development opportunities.
  • Robust well-being classes and programs.
  • Opportunities to give back and make an impact in local communities.

For further details, please visit:  https://www.skadden.com/careers/staff/employee-benefits

The starting base salary for this position is expected to be within the range listed under Salary Details.  Actual salary will be determined based on skills, experience (to the extent relevant) and other-job related factors, consistent with applicable law.

Salary Details

$135,000 – $150,000

EEO Statement

Skadden is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  It does not discriminate against applicants or employees based on any legally impermissible factor including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, alienage or citizenship status, marital or familial status, domestic partnership status, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, change of sex or transgender status, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual and reproductive health decisions, disability, any protected military or veteran status, or status as a victim of domestic or dating violence, sexual assault or offense, or stalking.

Applicants who require an accommodation during the application process should contact Lara Bell at (212) 735-2794.

Skadden Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Skadden Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment Law

Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment Law


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