Collections Specialist Level 1 - Chicago, United States - Local 4 SEIU Health & Welfare Fund

Description

Job Description

POSITION TYPE: Hourly, Non-Exempt

BARGAINING UNIT: Bargaining Unit

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Hybrid

SEIU Healthcare IL Benefit Funds is a dynamic benefits administration organization committed to providing the highest quality health and retirement benefits in the most financially responsible manner, while always acting in the best interest of the union members. The Fund serves over 20,000 union workers in the Nursing Home, Home Care, Child Care and Personal Assistant industries with the delivery of health and pension benefits. Our 50+ employees epitomize the Fund's core values of quality service, interdependence, effectiveness, and accountability, and forge an alliance with one another to carry out our shared mission and common agreements for those we serve.

Position Summary:

The Contributions & Eligibility (C&E) Collections Specialist, Level 1 is responsible for supporting the work of the C&E Department with oversight from the C&E Supervisor.

This position's tasks and responsibilities are dynamic and multifaceted. This position will need to effectively support the Contribution and Eligibility Department in accomplishing its objectives to collect all required contributions in accordance with participation guidelines and collection policies. Professional communication with both external and internal stakeholders and providing excellent customer service is vital for this role.

The C&E Collections Specialist, Level 1 will be responsible for the following:

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support C&E collection efforts by coordinating the activity related to the Nursing Home (NH) and Home Care (HC) 5-year Payroll Audit cycles, including updating the NH Payroll Audit Status Log, processing demand and dispute letters, and performing the required data entry for payroll audit findings.
• Generate and distributing NH delinquency and discrepancy letters, late fee notices, and scanning NH health and welfare bills into the appropriate network drives.
• Educate employers regarding collection policies and procedures where appropriate.
• Assist with the maintenance of paper and electronic files related to audit documentation and progress.
• Identify and track delinquent payment statuses and pursue collections.
• Update member hours based on audit findings in the benefits administration system and reconcile differences or imbalances to deposit tickets.
• Review and analyze various accounts receivable reports and generate reports detailing audit findings.
• Serve as back-up for the Employer Relations Specialist as it relates to delinquency follow-up and generating quality assurance letters.
• Collaborate with the other C&E team members to scan, image, organize and maintain documents, adhering to the organization's document lifecycle procedures, and archive or destroy inactive records in accordance with the document retention policy.
• Assist in the formulation of internal controls and policies.
• Attend and participate in various meetings, including monthly All Staff meetings, department meetings, training sessions, task force or committee meetings, and other meetings as deemed appropriate to share, discuss, and solution for question or error trends, as well as identify potential process improvements.
• Create one-on-one (1:1) agendas with the Contribution and Eligibility Supervisor using the Purpose, Outcome and Process (POP) Model and thorough notes must be kept for each meeting.

Privacy and Security Responsibilities:

This position requires employee to handle Financial Information, Personal Identifiable Information (PII) and Protected Health Information (PHI) for our members and stakeholders. You will be responsible and accountable for maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of all PII, PHI and Financial Information. Report any suspected HIPAA violation or breach to our HIPAA Privacy and Security Officer.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or another Business-related field preferred, or at least five years of equivalent experience.

Job Requirements:

• Three to five (3-5) years of prior experience in collections or other business to business activity.
• Experience with desktop computers, laptop computers, printers, copiers, scanners, fax machines, and other office equipment.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills at all levels of business, including effectively communicating with peers, leads, managers, executives, and external partners.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Strong accountability and the ability to manage up and laterally and work cooperatively with all levels of staff.
• Must be well organized and detail oriented using demonstrated effective time-management with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Must have the ability to work independently and within a team environment.
• Strong accountability, with the ability to manage up, manage laterally, and work cooperatively.
• Exercises clear and concise judgment.
• Ability and willingness to assist in special projects and handle multiple tasks.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of the Fund's benefit administration system (Bridgeway/basys)
• Experience with project management software, such as Smartsheet
• Experience working in a hybrid work environment, remote and in-person
• Experience with virtual conference software, such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom
• Internal and external awareness of social movements, labor movements, and political issues that impact the work and the organization

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift a minimum of 30lbs
• Flexible work schedule when workflow requires

Career Development & Continuing Education Opportunities: Yes

Benefits:

SEIU Healthcare IL Benefit Funds offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package which includes health coverage (medical, dental, and vision) for employees and eligible dependents, including a no premium option for employee only; generous time off; and a defined benefit pension plan.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion creates a healthier atmosphere: SEIU Healthcare IL Benefit Funds is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The SEIU Healthcare IL Benefit Funds vision is to create a more just and equitable society that fosters a lifetime of quality healthcare and financial security for all. We hope that our social justice values and the responsibility we take to operate a socially conscious organization aligns with your professional desire to contribute and serve with purpose.