Benefits Specialist

Job Description

Accountabilities:

Benefits Administration

• Independently administer employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement, wellness, and voluntary benefit offerings.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefit inquiries, providing guidance and resolution regarding eligibility, enrollment, plan provisions, coverage, and claims-related issues.
• Manage new hire enrollments, qualifying life event changes, benefit terminations, and annual open enrollment activities.
• Review and process benefit transactions to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely completion.
• Conduct regular audits of benefit enrollments, payroll deductions, vendor files, and carrier invoices to ensure data integrity and billing accuracy.
• Partner with benefit carriers, brokers, retirement plan providers, COBRA administrators, and third-party vendors to resolve issues and maintain service excellence.
• Support annual benefits renewal and open enrollment initiatives, including employee communications, vendor coordination, system testing, and implementation activities.
• Develop and maintain employee communications, benefit guides, FAQs, presentations, and educational materials that improve employee understanding and engagement.
• Maintain benefit plan documentation, summary plan descriptions, policies, and related records.
• Participate in benefits-related projects, system enhancements, vendor implementations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Generate and analyze benefits enrollment, utilization, and operational metrics to identify trends and support decision making.
• Identify opportunities to improve benefits administration processes, increase operational efficiency, and enhance the employee experience.
• Support administration of 401(k) and retirement programs, including enrollment, employee education, vendor coordination, and compliance activities.
• Present weekly benefits orientation to new employees, providing clear guidance on benefit offerings, enrollment procedures, and employee wellness resources.

Compliance and Reporting

• Support compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, and other benefit-related requirements.
• Assist with the preparation of audits, annual reporting, regulatory filings, and compliance reviews.
• Monitor regulatory changes and recommend updates to policies, procedures, communications, and administrative practices.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Exercise independent judgment when interpreting plan provisions, eligibility requirements, administrative guidelines, and employee benefit situations.
• Recommend process improvements, communication enhancements, and administrative solutions that support organizational goals and compliance requirements.

Leave Administration

• Serve as a backup resource for leave administration activities during periods of absence, increased workload, or business need.
• Assist with leave-related reporting, recordkeeping, documentation management, and employee communications assigned.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee medical information and sensitive records in accordance with company policy and applicable regulations.

Qualifications:
Qualifications

Attributes:

• Safety Focus: Prioritize safety in all actions. Actively follow safety protocols, identify potential hazards, and take immediate steps to correct or report unsafe conditions. Model safe behavior for others and contribute to a culture of workplace safety.
• Have Humanity: Respect the input and ideas of everyone to create the best possible outcome.
• Be Transparent: Value transparency in all interactions, ensuring honesty and openness with each stakeholder. ****
• Drive Innovation: Seek new ways to improve and take on new challenges. ****
• Be Resilient: Adapt to the ever-evolving business needs enabled by resourcefulness and agility.
• Always Reliable: Deliver on your commitments and achieve your goals. Show up to work on time and complete your assigned tasks.
• Grit: Learn new things, actively seek feedback and training.
• Ownership Mindset: Take full responsibility for the quality and efficiency of your work. Proactively identify issues, offer solutions, and follow through. Treat company resources and goals as your own.

Required Knowledge/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• 4+ years of experience in benefits administration or benefits operations.
• CEBS, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or related HR/benefits certification preferred.
• General knowledge of federal and state leave laws and benefit-related compliance.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage sensitive information confidentially.
• Excellent communication, customer service, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.