Human Resources Specialist - Benefits

Under the supervision of the Benefits Analyst, coordinates and supports the administration of employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, and leave programs. Assists employees with benefits‑related inquiries and ensures compliance with policies. Provides administrative support by maintaining records, preparing documents, and assisting with HR projects as needed. This is a full‑time, benefited position working out of the Fillmore Campus located at 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive, MI 49460. Typical working hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following: Receives and responds to requests for information regarding employee information, and a variety of other employee related requests. Supports the coordination of Open Enrollment (communications, educational materials, etc.) for 1200+ employees Communicate with benefits providers and brokers to resolve employee issues. Submit eligibility files or changes to carriers as needed. Support tracking and documentation of FMLA, short‑term disability, and other leaves of absence in absence of the Benefits Analyst. Ensure leave‑related paperwork is completed and submitted on time. Maintain compliance with benefits laws and regulations (ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, etc.). Assist in generating reports for audits, filings, and internal use. Review and make updates based on reconciled benefit invoices. Work with Finance to ensure accurate payments and cost allocation. Support wellness programs and employee engagement initiatives. Help coordinate wellness events, communications, or campaigns. Maintain records for and approve/deny tuition reimbursement requests. Administrative support, coverage for the service window, manage incoming messages, sort and distribute mail, take and transfer phone calls, scan and file documents, welcome and direct guests. Take photos, print ID badges, issue access cards, and assign appropriate access within the badge system. Complete door access reports as needed. Supports Workers’ Compensation claim processing, maintains records, and communicates with employees, healthcare providers, and insurance carriers to ensure smooth and efficient claim management. All other duties, as assigned by supervisor. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Associate’s degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, or similar field, and two years of progressively responsible experience in a clerical/technical position requiring public contact and strong computer skills; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Required Knowledge and Skills: Good working knowledge of office protocols and procedures. Good working knowledge of human resources processes and procedures. Good working knowledge of the Ottawa County Benefit Manuals and Collective Bargaining Agreements. Thorough understanding of confidentiality and employee right to privacy issues and HIPAA requirements. Good working knowledge of records management principles and practices. Excellent customer service skills. Computer literacy, including thorough working knowledge of word processing (Word), spreadsheet (Excel), desktop publishing (Publisher) and database management applications software (Access). Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Excellent interpersonal and human relations skills. Ability to interact positively and objectively with managers, supervisors, employees, trainers, and applicants from a wide range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds and with varying levels of interpersonal communications skills. Physical Requirements: Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations, including, but not limited to, visual and/or audiological appliances and devices to increase mobility. Working Conditions: Work is performed in a normal office environment. Ottawa County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr miOttawa.org