1. Employment Profile: What exactly does a COBRA Administrator do? |
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 What field is your job in?
Employee Benefits
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What is your job title?
COBRA Administrator
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Please provide a brief description of the firm or organization that you currently work for
(size and general description of what type of organization it is)
I work for the Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS). We are a state agency of about 500 employees. We provide retirement and insurance benefits to all employees of the State of Texas.
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How long have you been employed in this position?
5 years
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How many hours do you work a week on average?
40
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Please provide a BRIEF description of your duties and responsibilities. (job description)
I handle benefits for employees and their dependents that have lost their insurance coverage. A federal law called COBRA enables them to keep their insurance if they pay the premiums. I make sure ERS is not in violation of any of the provisions of COBRA. I enroll participants in the program and approve their eligibility for a specified time period.
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What was your gross income last year? Please include any bonuses or incentives received.
50000
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What is your expected gross income for this year? Please include any bonuses or incentives you expect to receive.
55000
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Please
list any benefits you have (Please include number of weeks vacation,
sick leave and type of health insurance, retirement plan 401k)
10 hours of vacation and 8 hours of sick leave per month, PPO health insurance, and a defined benefit plan (retirement).
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Do you feel you are under/well/over compensated at your current position?
Well
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2. Work environment! |
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Does
your job entail you working with others on a daily basis? Is this
something you like/dislike about your job? Explain
Yes. I am in constant communication with others by phone, email, and in person. I enjoy speaking in person the most, email the least. Though email does give the advantage of documenting the coversation, which has come in handy.
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Do you work collaboratively with supervisors/managers?
Yes
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Do you work collaboratively with your co-workers?
Yes
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Describe
your work location (e.g., office, home, theatre, in the field) and what
you like/dislike about working in it
I work in an 8'x8' cubicle. Sure would be nice to have an office with a door and window.
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Please rank in order of importance from 1-8 (1- most important 8- least important) Assign each number once.
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1 Income
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7 Work Environment - co-workers
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5 Work Environment - supervisors
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3 Benefits
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4 Hours
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6 Level of responsibility
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2 The actual "work" you do at your job
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8 Job Title
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3. How should someone new to the workforce get a J-O-B like yours? |
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If someone wanted to go about getting a job similar to yours, what would you recommend for him or her to do?
Go to college. At minimum finish an Associates, though more is better. Get an entry level HR job. Do your job well and volunteer for special projects. Never stop learning. Choose a specific area and specialize in it. Make yourself an expert at what you do.
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What
skills do you think a person should have if they want to pursue a
position like yours? Please be specific and explain why (e.g., social
skills, organization skills, technical skills)
Research skills are a must. No one is there to hold your hand and tell you where to go for the answer. When you go swimming in the sea of bureaucracy, there are no lifeguards. Patience is also a plus. Clear communication skills (written and verbal) are necessary.
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Do you feel that you need a certain level of education or training to be successful in your job?
Yes. College is a plus, but the best training is self-taught.
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What advice would you give to someone who was about to start work in your position/ line of work?
Don't believe something just because someone tells you. In the words of Ronald Reagan: "Trust, but verify". Look everything up yourself. If you absolutely cannot find the answer and need help, don't go to your superior empty-handed. Bring all of the reseach you've done so far with you.
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