Human Resources-Benefits Resume

Desired Industry: Executive	SpiderID: 25563
Desired Job Location: Boca Raton, Florida	Date Posted: 3/16/2009
Type of Position: Full-Time Permanent	Availability Date: immediately
Desired Wage:
	U.S. Work Authorization: Yes
Job Level: Management (Manager, Director)	Willing to Travel: Yes, More Than 75%
Highest Degree Attained: Bachelors	Willing to Relocate: Yes

Objective:
To be part of a progressive human resource team where my broad based human resource experiences will be valued.

Experience:
JOSEPH EPSTEIN

Mr. Epstein has specialized in all aspects of benefit design, underwriting, actuarial services, automation of health, pension operations, and implementation of many cost-containment programs. He was the Director of Benefits responsible for directing and managing the operation of the National Railway Labor Conference (NRLC) employee benefit programs. The NRLC is the collective bargaining organization representing most of the nation’s freight railroads. Mr. Epstein administered the national collectively bargained welfare benefit plans and in-house staff plans with an annual budget of over $2 billion. He reported directly to the Chairman and Vice Chairman on all issues pertaining to the administration and modification of the plans. Mr. Epstein represented the NRLC and NCCC on employee benefit matters with insurance companies, third party administrators, consultants, labor organizations, covered employees, railroads, auditors, financial institutions and various government agencies.

Prior to joining the National Railway Labor Conference a railroad trade association, he was Director of Benefits for the State of Maryland where he focused much of his attention on reorganization and improvement of office functions. These efforts included the introduction of scan technology for the eligibility enrollment processes, establishment of a self-funded prescription drug and vision programs allowing the State to attain more control over design, eligibility costs, and coordination of statewide health fairs to promote employee awareness of wellness initiatives.

Joseph Epstein was the Administrator and Director of a large nationwide Taft Hartley Trust providing employee benefits to union members throughout the United States. Mr. Epstein personally directed the marketing and negotiations necessary to successfully increase the membership and participation in the national health plan from 6,000 employees to over 26,000 employees with 230 participating employers. During this same period, Mr. Epstein implemented self insured programs for different types of benefits where appropriate, negotiated very favorable renewal rates with insurance carriers, and fully automated the fund office operation including nationwide self administration for health claims processing. Prior experience also included positions in management capacities with one of the largest firms in benefit consulting and actuarial services and with one of the largest Union Health and Pension Funds in New York City.

Mr. Epstein also possesses the knowledge and ability to research, analyze, and develop cost effective compensation programs in partnership with the HR leadership. Mr. Epstein has also participated in projects involving merges and acquisitions.

Mr. Epstein has maintained business relationships both on a national and a local level with BCBS and other major insurance carriers.

Mr. Epstein has a proven track record of proactive strategic thinking, delivery and a sense of urgency in a collaborative environment along with a demonstrated record of implementing customized solutions, interventions and strategies to improve organizational results. He maintains a strong business acumen and a proven track record of setting and executing human resource and business objectives. Mr. Epstein is flexible in adapting to a dynamic, fast-paced environment and possesses strong organizational and problem solving skills.

Mr. Epstein graduated from Long Island University with a B.A. degree and has been and remains actively associated with international educational organizations, committees on employee benefits and client advisory groups.

Education:
BA

Skills:
JOSEPH EPSTEIN
6334 Brava Way
Boca Raton, Florida 33433
(703) 439-9446
Jepstein54@gmail.com

QUALIFICATIONS

• Directed and managed all aspects of employee benefits including annual open enrollment, unemployment, workers compensation, employee and retiree health insurance plans such as preferred provider organizations, point of service options, health maintenance organizations, high deductible plans, Medicare supplemental, vision, dental, long term disability, flexible benefits (including spending accounts), wellness and disease management programs, employee assistance, and retirement programs such as 401K and defined benefit plans.

• Represented employers in employee benefit matters by preparing and presenting reports, data, testimony and other information to legislative committees, emergency boards, task forces, and financial institutions.

• Developed health and welfare bargaining strategies.

• Knowledgeable of methods used by insurance companies to develop experience ratings, maintain financial disciplines, profit goals and structure premium quotations.

• Integrated benefit programs due to mergers and acquisitions.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Directed benefits for over 200,000 active and retired employees and 500,000 dependents located nationwide and in Canada.

• Represented the employer in plan development, implementation, and administration with labor organizations, insurance companies, consultants, auditors, financial institutions, plan participants, and governmental agencies.

• Negotiated favorable premiums/administrative service fees.

• Established benefits outsourcing arrangements.

• Implemented nationwide managed care programs and policies effectively creating a reduction in cost of several hundred million dollars.

• Negotiated labor agreements.

• Performed exhaustive searches for national vision plan, medical, disability, and mental health vendors and successfully negotiated five year agreements which saved tens of millions of dollars.

• Converted a variety of fully insured health benefits to self-insured, self-administered operations, which resulted in savings of several million dollars per year.

• Designed cafeteria-style benefit plans.

• Converted manual in-house claims operation to on-line computerized operation with a 60% increase in production, eventually converting the entire operation to on-line.

• Designed in-house training programs for claims, processing, contributing to a reduction in labor costs by 40%, training costs by 100% and turnover by 35%.

• Organized an annual Benefits Institute for over 200 benefit coordinators.

• Developed an open enrollment system to reduce both turnaround time in enrolling employees with providers and keying errors.

• Coordinated health fairs to increase employee’s awareness of health issues.

• Performed successfully in a matrix organization with multiple interdependencies.

• Managed and promoted cooperation and teamwork among staff.

• Experienced in regulatory compliance in a multi-state employer with large/complex benefit plans.

CAREER EXPERIENCE

1993-2007 National Railway Labor Conference Director Employee Benefits
Washington, D.C.

1990-1993 State of Maryland Director Employee Benefits
Baltimore, MD

1989-1990 JHE Associates Consultant
Baldwin, N.Y.

1988-1989 Local 355 Assistant to President
Briarwood, N.Y.

1978-1988 ACTWU Health Plan Director (1983-1988)
New York, N.Y. Assistant Director (1978-1983)

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts Long Island University

AFFILIATIONS

• International Foundation of Employee Benefits
• Aetna Client Advisory Group
• Highmark BCBS Client Advisory Group
• Medco Client Advisory Steering Committee
• United Healthcare Client Advisory Group

Reference:
Available upon request.

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