Benefits Specialist

Benefits Specialist

Location: Phoenix, AZ Department: People First (Human Resources) Employment Type: Full-Time

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for the administration of employee benefit programs, leave of absence management, workers' compensation, retirement plans, and employee wellness initiatives. This role partners with Human Resources, Payroll, Finance, leadership, and third-party vendors to ensure employees receive exceptional support while maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys balancing analytical work with employee interaction and takes pride in delivering excellent customer service.

Benefits Administration

• Administer medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, and voluntary benefit programs.
• Process new enrollments, qualifying life events, benefit changes, and terminations.
• Coordinate annual Open Enrollment activities.
• Audit benefit eligibility, enrollments, payroll deductions, and carrier files.
• Respond to employee benefit questions and provide guidance on available programs.

Leave Administration

• Manage Family and Medical Leave (FMLA), ADA accommodations, Pregnancy Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), military leave, personal leave, and other protected leave programs.
• Coordinate with employees, managers, healthcare providers, and third-party administrators throughout the leave process.
• Track leave usage, documentation, certifications, and return-to-work activities.

Workers' Compensation

• Coordinate workers' compensation claims from injury reporting through claim resolution.
• Partner with employees, supervisors, healthcare providers, and insurance carriers.
• Support return-to-work programs and maintain OSHA reporting requirements.

Retirement Administration

• Support administration of the organization's 403(b) and 457(b) retirement plans.
• Coordinate eligibility, employer contributions, audits, vendor communications, and employee education.

Wellness Program

• Oversee the organization's employee wellness program.
• Coordinate wellness initiatives, employee engagement activities, health campaigns, and vendor partnerships.
• Promote employee participation and recommend improvements to wellness offerings.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with: ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, IRS regulations, Department of Labor requirements.
• Assist with annual audits, reporting, reconciliations, and compliance projects.
• Maintain accurate procedures, documentation, and employee records.

Collaboration

• Partner closely with Payroll, Human Resources, Finance, and external vendors.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and employee experience.
• Assist with HRIS testing, benefit implementations, and special projects.

What We're Looking For

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive experience in employee benefits administration or Human Resources.
• Experience administering employee benefit programs and leave of absence programs.
• Experience working with HRIS and payroll systems (UKG, Dayforce, Workday, ADP, or similar).
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office skills, especially Excel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with workers' compensation and retirement plan administration.
• SHRM-CP, PHR, CEBS, or other HR certification preferred.
• Experience supporting Open Enrollment and benefit implementations.

What Makes You Successful

We're looking for someone who:

• Has exceptional customer service skills.
• Enjoys solving complex problems.
• Is highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Maintains confidentiality and professionalism.
• Can prioritize multiple projects while meeting deadlines.
• Communicates effectively with employees at all levels.
• Thrives in a collaborative team environment.
• Is committed to continuous improvement.

Why Join Copa Health?

At Copa Health, you'll join an organization committed to making a difference in the lives of the people we serve while investing in the professional growth and well-being of our employees.

We offer:

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Retirement savings plan
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Supportive and collaborative work environment
• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day

Copa Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.