Melissa Pratt
Tonganoxie,KS
Summary
Results-driven Benefits Administrator known for unparalleled productivity and efficiency in managing employee benefits programs and leave administration. Resourceful and proactive with a strong attention to detail and strategic approach to achieve business objectives. Reliable, knowledgeable and highly organized team player with excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Benefits Administrator
Dairy Farmers of America
Kansas City, KS
12.2023 - Current
- Responsible for managing employee benefits programs, including enrollment, compliance, and administration of various benefits
- Leave of absence administration - FMLA, short-term and long-term disability, ADA, and personal leaves
- Conducted benefits orientations for new hires to educate them about available benefits and answer any questions
- Maintained accurate records of employee benefit elections, changes, terminations, and COBRA notifications
- Liaised with payroll department to ensure accurate deductions for employee contributions towards benefit plans
- Served as a point of contact for escalated inquiries or issues related to employee benefits from both employees and management team members
- Collaborated with HR team on open enrollment process resulting in smooth transition without disruption of services
- Educated managers on FMLA guidelines ensuring compliance
- Pioneered wellness initiatives such as fitness challenges leading to improved overall employee health metrics
- Developed and delivered training sessions for HR team members on benefit administration processes and procedures
- Assisted employees in resolving issues related to claims, coverage, or other benefit-related matters
- Managed FMLA requests, tracking time off accruals, coordinating return-to-work plans
Benefits Coordinator - Team Lead
Benefit Communication Insourcing
Overland Park, KS
11.2022 - 12.2023
- Conducts and tracks one-on-one meetings and annual reviews; facilitates regular meetings; manages and approves time cards through the payroll system
- Schedule and conduct benefit reviews in-person and telephonically as needed
- Enters employee and enrollment information into appropriate systems
- Accepts inbound service calls to follow-up, educate, and address employee questions
- Develops a detailed understanding of all employer benefit plans; responds to employee and carrier inquiries; resolves benefit-related concerns, including enrollment, deduction, billing, and medical claims issues
- Administrative service and support of qualifying life events, status changes, dependent verification, billing, leave of absences, and new hire orientation
Senior Program Manager
EXOS
Kansas City, MO
04.2018 - 11.2022
- Develop and implement programs that increase engagement; Create strategies and wellness plans, organizing events, adhering to health codes, and promoting a healthy lifestyle
- Talent Acquisition and Recruitment utilizing Indeed, Linked In and various job posting boards
- Onboarding, Training and Supervising qualified staff
- Achieve short-term and long-term program goals in accordance with annual strategic planning
- Managing Timekeeping and Payroll utilizing Workday system
- Work with vendors to schedule onsite assessments, benefits fairs, blood drives, flu shot clinics, and more.
Field Systems Data Support Specialist
Industrial Fumigant Company
Lenexa, KS
01.2021 - 07.2021
- Prepare corporate reports, general correspondence and customer assessments, using a complex, in-house proprietary software program
- Enter large quantities of data into the company's internal software program
- Providing customer service to assist field personnel and customers with questions and reporting requirements
- Collaborating with third-party corporate personnel to ensure objectives are met in a timely manner
Onboarding Specialist
Life Time Fitness
Overland Park, KS
09.2016 - 04.2018
- Connect with and schedule initial appointment with all new club members
- Educate, deliver, and connect each member's interests and goals to industry leading products, services, and amenities
- Administer and interpret various assessments as well as program design
- Sales, marketing, and advertising to increase leads and business growth
Fitness Director - Membership Coordinator
Free State Fitness
Tonganoxie, KS
08.2013 - 09.2016
- Managing subordinates staff in the day-to-day duties; oversee client financial profiles, and basic customer service tasks
- Create effective schedules according to business and membership needs
- Develop and implement customized programs based on clients' specific needs and goals
- Recruiting, sales, marketing, and promoting program and business growth utilizing all social media platforms, creating flyers and various contests
- Event planning and implementation
Shift Supervisor
Rite Aid Pharmacy
Troy, AL
08.2012 - 07.2013
- Provide excellent customer service by completing customer transactions, handling refunds and exchanges, and resolving complaints
- Accountable for store financial assets, reconciling cashier drawers, preparing and making bank deposits
- Control inventory by using accurate cycle counting and processing merchandise transfers
Education
Bachelors of Science - Sports and Fitness Management
Troy University
Troy, AL12.2012
Associates of Science and Associates of Arts -
Highland Community College
Highland, KS05.2010
Skills
- HR compliance
- Strong analytical skills
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Critical thinking
- Effective communication
- Issue resolution
- Time management
- Benefits administration
- FMLA and ADA compliance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Developing training programs
- Employee relations
- Wellness program management
- Recruitment and selection
- ADP, Workday, Kronos, Paycor
- Union relations
- Labor law compliance
Certification
• HRCI - PHR January 2025
• HRCI - aPHR August 2022
• HRCI - aPHR August 2022
Timeline
Benefits Administrator
Dairy Farmers of America
12.2023 - Current
Benefits Coordinator - Team Lead
Benefit Communication Insourcing
11.2022 - 12.2023
Field Systems Data Support Specialist
Industrial Fumigant Company
01.2021 - 07.2021
Senior Program Manager
EXOS
04.2018 - 11.2022
Onboarding Specialist
Life Time Fitness
09.2016 - 04.2018
Fitness Director - Membership Coordinator
Free State Fitness
08.2013 - 09.2016
Shift Supervisor
Rite Aid Pharmacy
08.2012 - 07.2013
Bachelors of Science - Sports and Fitness Management
Troy University
Associates of Science and Associates of Arts -
Highland Community College