STATE BENEFITS SUPERVISOR/EXPERT

State of Arkansas; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 76,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Arkansas is seeking a State Benefits Supervisor/Expert to oversee the day-to-day administration of employee benefits programs, including health, life, and disability offerings. You will lead a team, ensure compliance with ACA, COBRA, FMLA, HIPAA, and Arkansas rules, and provide strategic insights to improve benefits delivery and employee engagement.

You will manage data analysis, prepare reports for leadership, and coordinate with vendors while driving open enrollment and policy

Qualifications

• Broad knowledge of employee benefits programs (health, dental, life, disability).
• Strong data analysis and reporting capabilities for senior leaders.
• Understanding of ACA, COBRA, FMLA, HIPAA, and state-specific rules.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day administration of State employee benefits programs.
• Lead a team of benefits staff and provide strategic guidance.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations across programs.

Skills

Benefits programs

Data analysis

Policy compliance

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Job description

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• Design, launch, and operationalize the Arkansas Wellness Program across participating state agencies.
• Manage and administer the Wellness Dashboard software platform, including user access, reporting features, vendor coordination, and system performance oversight.
• Develop and maintain statewide partnerships to support wellness, engagement, and incentive-based program components.
• Develop program materials, guidance documents, communication assets, and outreach content to support statewide implementation.
• Lead communication, branding, and engagement strategies to promote participation in and visibility for the Wellness Program.
• Coordinate and manage program timelines, scheduling, rollout plans, and event calendars to ensure timely progress and deliverables.
• Develop and maintain statewide partnerships to support wellness, engagement, and incentive-based program components.
• Evaluate program data, generate performance reports, and present key findings to leadership and stakeholders.
• Maintain strict compliance with all privacy, security, and HIPAA requirements associated with participant data.
• Coordinate, schedule, and deliver Lunch & Learn sessions, wellness challenges, and employee engagement activities.
• Manage inside program budget parameters, procurement processes, and adhere to vendor agreements in accordance with state policies.
• Provide training, guidance, and technical assistance to agencies implementing the Wellness Program at the local level.
• Collaborate with the SAS Program Supervisor/Expert to ensure alignment with division priorities and strategic goals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing wellness, incentive, or engagement programs in a government or large organizational setting.
• Experience producing communication materials, training content, or program documentation.
• Experience with HIPAA-compliant systems, data reporting tools, or digital engagement platforms.
• Experience delivering employee training, workshops, or engagement activities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, health sciences, business, social sciences, or a related field;
• Three years of experience in program management, wellness coordination, data-driven program evaluation, communications, or related work.

Note: Equivalent job-related experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis, according to state policy.

NOTE: If you are selected for an interview, you may be asked to provide materials or examples that demonstrate your work.

Position Information

Classification: State Benefits Supervisor/Expert – Career Path

Class Code: HSB04P

Pay Grade: SGS010

Salary Range: $76,335 - $112,976

Job Summary

The State Benefits Supervisor/Expert is responsible for overseeing and managing the day-to-day administration operations of the State of Arkansas employee benefits programs, including health insurance, life insurance, disability benefits, and other state-specific offerings. This role involves leading a team of benefits staff, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, optimizing benefits delivery, and providing strategic insights to enhance the overall benefits program. The Benefits Supervisor/Expert will act as a key subject matter expert in the field of employee benefits and play a leadership role in shaping the state’s benefits programs to align with organizational goals and employee needs.

Primary Responsibilities

The assignment of supervisory duties is determined by the hiring agency's operational needs. Non-supervisory roles will serve as senior technical experts.May manage and supervise a team of Benefits Coordinators and Analysts, providing guidance, mentorship, and training to ensure efficient benefits administration.May delegate tasks, review performance, and conduct performance evaluations for team members.Oversee the full range of employee benefits offerings for state employees, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and other programs.Ensure all benefits programs comply with federal and state regulations, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA), COBRA, FMLA, HIPAA, and Arkansas-specific requirements.Oversee the collection and analysis of benefits data, including program utilization, employee participation, and cost-effectivenessServe as the expert resource for both employees and department leadership on all benefits-related matters.Create and maintain employee-facing resources such as benefits guides, FAQs, and instructional materials.Conduct training sessions for employees to improve understanding of benefits offerings and ensure high levels of engagement during open enrollment periods.Act as the primary point of contact for external benefits vendors.Oversee and address complex employee issues related to benefits, including eligibility concerns, claims disputes, and coverage discrepancies.Lead and coordinate the annual open enrollment process.Ensure that employees are properly informed of their benefits options and deadlines, and provide guidance during the enrollment process.Handle any escalated concerns or complex enrollment situations.

Knowledge and Skills

In-depth knowledge of a broad range of employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance, and disability benefits.Proficient in analyzing complex data sets, identifying trends, and creating reports for senior management.Extensive knowledge of benefits-related laws and regulations, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA), COBRA, FMLA, HIPAA, and Arkansas-specific regulations.Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex benefits-related information to a diverse audience.Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to address and resolve complex benefits issues.Strong customer service skills with the ability to address employee concerns and issues with patience and professionalism.Ability to effectively manage escalated issues and communicate sensitive information with discretion.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field, plus five (5) years of experience in benefits analysis, administration or a related field.

Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.

Licensure/Certifications

N/AOTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.