Michael Schmitz
Dallas,Texas
Summary
Personable and dedicated professional with strong aptitude for understanding and addressing employee benefits needs. Possesses foundational knowledge in benefits administration and proficiency in analyzing data to provide effective solutions. Committed to positively impacting employee satisfaction and organizational efficiency through comprehensive benefits support.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Benefits Advisor
The U.S. Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration
04.2023 - Current
- Provide information, guidance, and assistance to plan administrators, plan service providers, participants, beneficiaries, and the general public concerning provisions of ERISA and other related statutes, regulations, and Department published guidance, using oral communication
- Assist participants and beneficiaries in obtaining benefits to which they are entitled but which they have not been able to secure from plan officials
- Develop complex recoveries and referrals per EBSA's standard operating procedures
- Explain the law, regulations or other guidance and work with employers to informally resolve benefit issues
- Conduct research, fact-finding, analyze data, and prepare and present information by writing reports about particular situations
- Use critical thinking, reasoning, and analytical skills to identify and develop responses to inquiries
- Review eligibility or entitlement to benefits
- Identify potential criminal or civil disputes that require formal investigation, or situations where it appears that a fiduciary violation of law has occurred and develop investigative referrals
- Educate individuals on their rights and responsibilities under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and other related laws enforced by EBSA
- Assist with planning and conducting outreach events; disseminate information related to ERISA employee benefits plan protections and retirement savings education; with supervisory/senior advisor assistance
- Regularly use Spanish language translation skills in performing duties listed above and on an as needed basis to assist other office staff
Junior Associate
Manchester Trade Limited, Inc.
06.2020 - 07.2020
- Conducted research on and contacted 30+ potential partners for Manchester Trade Limited, Inc. to work with on a development project
- Wrote 12+ detailed memos for the President and Vice President of Manchester Trade Limited, Inc. on issues, developments, and trends pertinent to international trade, foreign investment, foreign policy, and international affairs, especially as they relate to U.S competitiveness in a global context
- Took detailed notes on a cross-functional business meeting for company records so that the President and Vice President of Manchester Trade Limited, Inc. could keep track of the important issues that were discussed during it
- Proofread and edited documents on a weekly basis that Manchester Trade Limited, Inc. associates were sending to maintain liaison with government officials from foreign countries in the foreign affairs community
- Worked with a team of colleagues to set goals, devise strategies to achieve those goals, and monitor progress towards achieving our objectives
Education
Master's degree - International Business
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL08.2022
Bachelor's degree - International Studies with an emphasis on Latin America and the Caribbean
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL05.2021
Skills
- Benefits analysis
- Benefits administration
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Effective communication
Language Skills
Language: Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Spoken:
Native or Bilingual
Written:
Native or Bilingual
Read:
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Benefits Advisor
The U.S. Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration
04.2023 - Current
Junior Associate
Manchester Trade Limited, Inc.
06.2020 - 07.2020
Bachelor's degree - International Studies with an emphasis on Latin America and the Caribbean
University of Florida
Master's degree - International Business
University of Florida
Similar Profiles
Nick HughesNick Hughes
Investigator at U.S. Department of Labor - Employee Benefits Security AdministrationInvestigator at U.S. Department of Labor - Employee Benefits Security Administration
Leo Botts, MSLeo Botts, MS
Compliance Safety and Health Officer at U.S. Department of Labor – Occupational Safety & Health AdministrationCompliance Safety and Health Officer at U.S. Department of Labor – Occupational Safety & Health Administration
Shardae WhiteShardae White
Medical Claims Examiner at National Employee Benefits AdministrationMedical Claims Examiner at National Employee Benefits Administration