Dewanna Whetstone
New York
Summary
Experienced Benefits Specialist with a proven track record of effectively managing employee benefits programs to optimize employee satisfaction and organizational compliance. Skilled in benefits administration, enrollment processes, and regulatory compliance. Adept at leveraging technology and analytical skills to streamline operations and enhance employee welfare.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Benefits Specialist
La Care Healthcare
Los Angeles
05.2021 - 01.2025
- Manage comprehensive benefits programs for 1,000+ employees, achieving 98% enrollment compliance
- Administer annual open enrollment process, resulting in a 20% increase in employee participation
- Conduct benefits analysis and benchmarking to ensure competitiveness and cost-effectiveness
- Implement wellness initiatives that reduced healthcare costs by 15% and improved employee health outcomes
- Lead training sessions for employees on benefits programs and options, enhancing understanding and utilization
- Prepare monthly and quarterly reports on benefits utilization and cost analysis for management review
Benefits Coordinator
Mount Sinai Hospital Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory
New York
09.2016 - 06.2021
- Coordinated benefits enrollment and eligibility verification processes, maintaining accuracy and compliance
- Managed relationships with benefit vendors and negotiated contracts, achieving cost savings of 10% annually
- Implemented a new benefits management system, reducing processing time by 25%
- Resolved employee benefits inquiries and escalated issues, achieving a 95% satisfaction rate
- Conducted audits of benefits data to ensure data integrity and compliance with regulatory requirements
- Assisted in the development and implementation of policies and procedures related to benefits administration
Benefits Administrator
Bellevue Hospital
New York
09.2009 - 01.2017
- Processed employee benefits enrollments, changes, and terminations accurately and within established timelines
- Managed FMLA and leave of absence administration, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations
- Conducted quarterly benefits audits, resulting in a 98% accuracy rate and timely resolution of discrepancies
- Analyzed benefits utilization data to identify trends and recommend cost-saving measures
- Collaborated with HR team to develop and communicate benefits policies and procedures to employees
- Prepared annual benefits budget and forecast reports, achieving alignment with financial objectives
Human Resources Assistant
Faulkner & Gray Publishers
New York
03.2006 - 11.2008
- Provided administrative support to the HR department, including scheduling interviews and maintaining personnel records
- Assisted in benefits orientations for new hires, ensuring thorough understanding of available benefits
- Prepared and distributed communications related to benefits programs and updates
- Conducted research on benefits trends and best practices to support continuous improvement initiatives
- Managed employee inquiries regarding benefits programs, providing timely and accurate information
- Assisted in the coordination of employee events and recognition programs to promote employee engagement
Education
High School Diploma -
Canarsie High School
06.1995
Skills
- Benefits Administration
- Employee Relations
- Regulatory Compliance
- Benefits Analysis
- Wellness Program Management
- Vendor Management
- Communication Skills
- Analytical Skills
- Problem Solving
- Attention to Detail
- Team Collaboration
- Time Management
- Project Management
- Data Analysis
- Policy Development
- Conflict Resolution
- Organizational Skills
- Customer Service
- Strategic Planning
- Leadership
- HRIS (Human Resources Information Systems)
- Benefits Administration Systems
- Payroll Software (eg, ADP, Paychex)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
- Performance Management Systems
- Compliance Tracking Software
- Employee Self-Service Portals
- SharePoint
- Google Workspace
Software System Expertise
- HRIS (Human Resources Information Systems)
- Benefits Administration Systems
- Payroll Software (e.g., ADP, Paychex)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
- Performance Management Systems
- Compliance Tracking Software
- Employee Self-Service Portals
- SharePoint
- Google Workspace
Timeline
Senior Benefits Specialist
La Care Healthcare
05.2021 - 01.2025
Benefits Coordinator
Mount Sinai Hospital Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory
09.2016 - 06.2021
Benefits Administrator
Bellevue Hospital
09.2009 - 01.2017
Human Resources Assistant
Faulkner & Gray Publishers
03.2006 - 11.2008
High School Diploma -
Canarsie High School
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