Karen Cooley
Cape Coral,FL
Summary
Skilled Benefits Coordinator with background in managing employee benefits programs, maintaining regulatory compliance and resolving benefits-related issues. Strengths include strong interpersonal skills, knowledge of benefits administration software, and ability to effectively communicate complex information to employees. In previous roles, successfully streamlined processes for improved efficiency and accuracy in benefits delivery.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Benefits Coordinator
School District Of Lee County
Fort Myers, FL
09.2014 - Current
- Conducted employee orientations to explain benefits programs and assisted with electronic enrollment..
- Ensure Human Resource Information System (Peoplesoft) provides accurate functionality for benefits administration, via configuration of benefit plans.
- Participated in the implementation of new benefits offered to employees.
- Responded to inquiries from current and former employees regarding their benefits package.
- Knowledge of HIPAA, COBRA, Section 125, FMLA and other laws/regulations.
- Checked accuracy and completeness of benefits applications and documents.
- Assisted in resolving employee issues related to benefits, serving as a liaison between employees and insurance providers.
- Coordinated annual open enrollment process, including preparation of materials, presentations, answering questions, prepared communication, trainings, etc.
- Problem-solving skills and ability to meet deadlines under pressure, while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
- Participated in benefits renewal process, analyzing proposals and making recommendations to include benefit competitive solicitations.
- Prepared 1095c for employees.
- Processed / ran weekly EDI 834/5010 benefit eligibility files to vendors.
Benefit Specialist
School District of Lee County
Fort Myers, FL
05.2000 - 09.2014
- Processed enrollment forms, changes in status forms, terminations and other benefit documents in a timely manner.
- Processed Short / Long Term Disability Claims
- Processed Qualified Family Status Change subject to rules set by Section 125.
- Prepared COBRA / Retirement Benefit packages for terminated employees.
- Responded to questions via email, phone, face-to-face with employees, retirees and COBRA participants, etc.
- Knowledge of HIPAA, COBRA, Section 125, FMLA and other laws /regulations.
- Provided / ran weekly EDI 834/5010 Files to benefit vendors.
- Conducted weekly new hire benefit orientations.
- Conducted Open Enrollment benefit meetings.
Data Processor
School District Of Lee County
Fort Myers, FL
07.1999 - 05.2000
- Assisted Personnel Coordinator with Florida Retirement System (FRS).
- Monthly time keeping of employees within the department.
- Compiled, sorted, and verified accuracy of data entered into database.
- Performed data entry tasks accurately and efficiently.
Secretary to Director
School District Of Lee County
Fort Myers, FL
09.1996 - 05.1998
- Prepared documents such as memos, letters, reports, spreadsheets and presentations using Microsoft Office applications.
- Created agendas and took minutes during meetings; distributed notes in a timely manner afterwards.
- Managed security budget.
- Managed and processed facility rentals.
- Prepared department Board Agenda items to be presented to School Board.
- Answer phone and responded to questions on behalf of the Director.
- Maintained Director's calendar for meetings, appointments, etc.
Education
High School Diploma -
Robert E Lee High School
Staunton, VA06-1984
Skills
- Employee benefits laws
- New employee enrollment
- Regulatory monitoring
- Open enrollment
- New employee orientations
- Verbal and written communication
Certification
- Held Virginia Health and Life Insurance License - January 1988 through May 1994
- Held Florida Health and Life Insurance License - October 1994 through September 1996
References
Susan Strong (620)704-8104
Heather Parker (239)628-2697
Pam Butts (239)94-1955
Timeline
Benefits Coordinator
School District Of Lee County
09.2014 - Current
Benefit Specialist
School District of Lee County
05.2000 - 09.2014
Data Processor
School District Of Lee County
07.1999 - 05.2000
Secretary to Director
School District Of Lee County
09.1996 - 05.1998
- Held Virginia Health and Life Insurance License - January 1988 through May 1994
- Held Florida Health and Life Insurance License - October 1994 through September 1996
High School Diploma -
Robert E Lee High School
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