Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Karolyn Lamberson

Laveen,AZ

Summary

Well-organized Human Resources professional bringing a number of years of superior performance in fast-paced HR environments. Communicative and decisive with focus on improving and retaining quality in HR administration, payroll and benefits.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience

Work History

Benefit Analyst

Team Risk Management Strategies
02.2022 - Current
  • Proficiently manage and administer diverse employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and voluntary benefits, ensuring accurate enrollment, changes, and terminations for US, Puerto Rico and Hawaii employees
  • Conduct thorough benefits data analysis, identifying utilization trends and cost-saving opportunities to inform strategic decision-making with reference based pricing plans and fully insured plans
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure benefits offerings align with organizational goals and employee needs
  • Provide expert guidance to employees on benefits options, claims procedures, and eligibility criteria, resolving inquiries promptly and cultivating a positive employee experience
  • Ensure strict compliance with relevant regulations such as FMLA, COBRA, and HIPAA, meticulously maintaining documentation and conducting regular audits
  • Develop and deliver clear and engaging benefits communications, fostering employee understanding and engagement during open enrollment and throughout the year
  • Utilize HRIS systems and benefits administration software to maintain accurate employee records and generate reports for compliance and analysis purposes
  • Assist in the evaluation and selection of benefits vendors and programs, negotiating contracts and ensuring optimal service levels.
  • Reduced errors in benefits administration by conducting thorough audits and identifying areas for improvement.
  • Developed comprehensive benefit plan comparisons, guiding employees in making informed decisions about their coverage.
  • Ensured compliance with all applicable laws and regulations by staying current on industry trends and legislative changes.
  • Facilitated employee onboarding by creating informative materials explaining available benefit options and enrollment procedures.
  • Managed relationships with vendors, ensuring timely delivery of services and accurate billing practices for all benefit-related activities.
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive sick and safe leave policies in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
  • Managed and oversaw all aspects of sick and safe leave administration, including tracking accruals, usage, and compliance reporting.
  • Assisted in the administration of the 401(k) and NQDC plans, including enrollment, contributions, distributions, and participant communications

Benefit Specialist

Vertex Education
02.2019 - 02.2022
  • Identified and troubleshooted inaccuracies with retirement plan and HSA interface files, ensuring data integrity and compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Managed benefits administration for Arizona, Nevada, and Texas, overseeing enrollment, eligibility, and compliance with state-specific regulations.
  • Collaborated closely with accounts payable to balance withdrawals to respective benefits, ensuring accurate and timely payments.
  • Led benefit-related audits, ensuring accuracy and compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
  • Attended meetings with vendors and brokers to review claims experience and evaluate plan performance.
  • Participated in and coordinated annual renewal and open enrollment processes, including HRIS system set-up and implementation of new benefit programs and initiatives.
  • Managed the Leave Management Program, including FMLA, non-FMLA, and Workers Compensation, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies.
  • Assisted in implementing new policies and procedures related to human resources, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and regulatory requirements.
  • Completed billing reconciliations and payments to vendors, ensuring accuracy of payments from each school entity.
  • Administered retirement and state pension plans, including enrollment, contributions, and compliance reporting.
  • Cross-trained with Compensation training in Total Rewards, enhancing knowledge and contributing to a comprehensive understanding of employee benefits.
  • Enhanced employee satisfaction by implementing efficient benefits administration processes and streamlining benefits enrollment for new hires, resulting in a quicker onboarding experience

HR Generalist

Stern Produce
05.2017 - 02.2019
  • Assisted Human Resources Business Partner in forecasting and planning activities, contributing to strategic decision-making and workforce planning initiatives.
  • Scheduled and screened applicants, coordinated pre-employment drug testing, and facilitated background checks, ensuring compliance with company policies and legal regulations.
  • Conducted applicant interviews, screening, and selection processes, identifying top talent aligned with organizational needs and culture.
  • Ensured OSHA and DOT compliance by maintaining records, conducting audits, and implementing corrective actions as needed.
  • Managed employee personnel and confidential files, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and confidentiality.
  • Maintained a comprehensive understanding of auditing, compliance, and management of specialist functions, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements.
  • Processed payroll using PayChex Flex, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing for employees.
  • Administered benefits programs, including enrollment, changes, and terminations, providing support and guidance to employees.
  • Managed the Leave Management Program, including FMLA, non-FMLA, and Workers Compensation, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and timely processing of leave requests.
  • Conducted employee verification authorizations, verifying employment eligibility and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
  • Supported recruitment efforts by posting job openings, screening resumes, and coordinating interviews.
  • Facilitated employee onboarding and orientation processes, ensuring a smooth transition for new hires.
  • Utilized E-Verify and I-9 processes to verify employment eligibility and maintain compliance with federal regulations.
  • Streamlined HR processes, implementing efficiency improvements and reducing administrative workload.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Sociology

Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ
12.2018

Skills

  • Excellent written and communication skills
  • Systems: PayChex Flex, PRISM HR, Workday, WorkforceNow ADP
  • Attentive to detail and strong interpersonal skills
  • Time Management
  • Ability to handle employee concerns, conflicts, and grievances, fostering a positive work environment
  • Ability to think rationally and analytically
  • Skill in conducting performance evaluations, providing feedback, and implementing performance improvement plans
  • Understanding of employment laws, regulations, and compliance requirements to ensure adherence and mitigate risks
  • Ability to design and deliver training programs that enhance employee skills and contribute to professional growth
  • CEBS Certified
  • CPH, HIPAA Certified
  • Statistical modeling
  • Compliance knowledge
  • Benefits Explanation
  • Microsoft Excel

Timeline

Benefit Analyst

Team Risk Management Strategies
02.2022 - Current

Benefit Specialist

Vertex Education
02.2019 - 02.2022

HR Generalist

Stern Produce
05.2017 - 02.2019

Bachelor of Science - Sociology

Grand Canyon University
Karolyn Lamberson