Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

Cheryl Wortham

Crandall,TX

Summary

Benefits professional with extensive experience in regulatory compliance and benefits strategy development. Proven ability to collaborate with stakeholders to enhance employee benefits and ensure legal compliance. Possesses versatile skills in project management, problem-solving, and collaboration. Bring a fresh perspective and strong commitment to quality and success. Recognized for adaptability and proactive approach in delivering effective solutions. During my professional career, I have worked on both the TPA and Broker/Consultant side of the benefits arena.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience

Work History

Benefits Specialist

Populus Financial Group
Irving, TX
03.2017 - 05.2025
  • Functioned as subject matter expert, instructing employees on benefit plans during New Hire Orientation, Open Enrollment, and through ad hoc email and phone inquiries.
  • Managed FMLA leaves, personal leaves of absence, and short-term disability claims, ensuring compliance with legal standards.
  • Facilitated the approval process for employee reasonable accommodation requests through effective collaboration with managers.
  • Managed and updated the Leave of Absence Tracker to ensure accurate and timely record-keeping.
  • Investigated and corrected errors reported on vendor discrepancy reports, ensuring accuracy.
  • Managed the calculation and tracking of employee benefit arrears, ensuring accurate and timely updates.
  • Reviewed and corrected discrepancies in 401k weekly funding files to maintain accuracy and compliance.
  • Managed invoice reconciliation and tracking, enhancing financial oversight and accountability.
  • Ensured accurate financial booking by monitoring medical claims utilization, following directives from the Benefits Manager.
  • Managed daily COBRA administration as the main point of contact, facilitating efficient operations and adherence to regulations.
  • Managed Qualified Life Events, ensuring compliance and timely processing of employee benefits changes.
  • Administered the Dependent Audit process to verify eligibility and uphold policy requirements.
  • Directed RxDC and PCORI Reporting, contributing to streamlined benefits management.
  • Oversaw Medicare Part Disclosure Reporting, maintaining accuracy and timeliness.
  • Managed monthly Affordable Care Act reporting, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Partnered with health insurance carriers to facilitate the recoupment and application of subrogation claim dollars, enhancing claims experience.

Contractor

Glazer's Distributors
Addison, TX
01.2017 - 03.2017
  • Collaborated with Finance and Payroll Departments to reconcile and report employee contributions for union and non-union plans.
  • Addressed employee benefit inquiries regarding union and non-union medical plans.
  • Facilitated communication between employees and retirees on retirement plan matters.
  • Verified and validated annual 401k distributions, maintaining adherence to regulatory requirements.
  • Coordinated the Benefits Department Mailbox operations, enhancing communication flow and response efficiency.

Benefits Coordinator

Responsive Education Solutions
Lewisville, TX
11.2015 - 10.2016
  • Handled employee inquiries related to medical, dental, and vision benefits, acting as the primary day-to-day contact.
  • Partnered with Human Resources, Finance, and external vendors to streamline benefit administration processes.
  • Developed comprehensive employee benefit communications and educational materials under the guidance of the Director of Employee Benefits.

Client Service Representative

HealthSmart Benefit Solutions
Las Colinas, TX
07.2013 - 11.2015
  • Served as intermediary between client team and external vendor partners.
  • Guided clients in implementing strategies to optimize benefit program competitiveness.
  • Stayed informed on evolving benefit trends and legislation to enhance service delivery and client satisfaction.
  • Ensured seamless communication and execution of client benefit programs.
  • Assessed the cost and effectiveness of benefit programs by evaluating data from various vendors, supporting the Account Executive's strategic decisions.
  • Ensured accuracy by meticulously reviewing plan documents, amendments, and contracts.
  • Engaged with finance teams to evaluate and optimize ongoing IBNR projections.
  • Prepared and submitted comprehensive RFPs to carriers under the guidance of the Account Executive.
  • Provided expert assistance on benefit inquiries, effectively managing client service issues.

Senior Benefits Specialist

Nationstar Mortgage DBA Mr. Cooper
Lewisville, TX
11.2006 - 10.2012
  • Developed and analyzed models to support employee benefit plan rollout both successfully and efficiently.
  • Built relationships with vendors to foster quality service delivery.
  • Implemented open enrollment system to streamline benefits processes for employees.
  • Managed the LTIP Incentive Plan under the guidance of the EVP of Organizational Development.
  • Liaised with the 401k Plan Administrator/Recordkeeper the preparation of the ADP/ACP Testing, failed testing refunds, IRS and DOL filings, and annual audit.
  • Monitored benefit trends and stayed abreast of applicable benefits legislation.
  • Analyzed best practice recommendations to maintain a competitive benefits program, while ensuring compliance with applicable laws.
  • Supported the delivery and communication of benefit programs.
  • In coordination with the AVP of Organizational Development, evaluated aggregate data from multiple vendors to analyze cost and effectiveness of benefit programs
  • Supported annual health & Welfare renewal including design, notices, system updates, and employee communications.
  • Reviewed plan documents, amendments, contracts, and benefit communications to ensure accuracy.
  • Assisted in updating the Summary Plan Description and Summary of Material Modifications annually
  • Ensured policies and procedures are compliant with state and federal laws and regulations as they relate to employee benefits.

Education

Associate of Arts -

Tulsa Junior College
Tulsa, OK

Skills

  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Employee Benefits Practices
  • Benefits Strategy Development
  • Analytical Skills
  • Benefits Packages Design
  • Project Management

Affiliations

  • Junior Achievement Volunteer

Timeline

Benefits Specialist

Populus Financial Group
03.2017 - 05.2025

Contractor

Glazer's Distributors
01.2017 - 03.2017

Benefits Coordinator

Responsive Education Solutions
11.2015 - 10.2016

Client Service Representative

HealthSmart Benefit Solutions
07.2013 - 11.2015

Senior Benefits Specialist

Nationstar Mortgage DBA Mr. Cooper
11.2006 - 10.2012

Associate of Arts -

Tulsa Junior College

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Cheryl Wortham