Benefits Specialist

The salary range for this job posting is $55,132.00 - $88,210.00 annually + bonus + benefits. Pay Type: Salary Encova Insurance is seeking a Benefit Specialist to work a hybrid schedule from our Columbus, Ohio corporate office or Charleston, WV office. Join a high performing, collaborative Human Resources team where your expertise will make a meaningful impact on the employee experience every day. As a Benefits Specialist, you will play a key role in helping associates navigate important life events while supporting a comprehensive benefits program that promotes health, financial well‑being, and work‑life balance. Job Objective Responsible for the day‑to‑day activities in assigned areas of group benefit programs including health, dental, vision, income protection plans, worker's compensation, life insurance, spending accounts, retirement plans, 401(k), wellness and leave of absence programs, and has familiarity with all areas of group benefit programs. Essential Functions Provide timely and accurate assistance to associates, retirees and outside vendors by answering benefits related questions. Efficiently coordinate and process all benefits changes caused by new enrollments, transfers, terminations, leave of absences, retirements and other changes with Payroll, providers, record keepers and affected associates. Ensure compliance with all laws and regulations affecting assigned functions. Assist vendors with information to prepare 5500s, Summary Annual Reports and compliance related reports and activities. Assist with administration of leaves under short‑term disability, long‑term disability and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Maintain tracking of applicable records. Process administrative services payments and maintain eligibility information for assigned benefit programs. Coordinate activities with HRIS (Human Resources Information System) Team, Finance Team related to electronic files and funding for associate benefit programs. Assist in the development and documentation of efficient system uses for Human Resources and the Benefits Team. Prepare materials for and conduct new associate orientation and open enrollment. Other Functions Document and maintain work process and procedures for administration of benefit plans. Cross‑train and provide back‑up for benefit areas other than those directly assigned. Other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills and Experience Bachelor's degree strongly preferred with 1–3 years professional human resources or benefits experience required. Commensurate experience in benefits and education can be considered to meet experience requirement. Professional certification (e.g., CEBS, CBP) preferred. Demonstrates initiative and ability to work independently and/or expertise or advanced knowledge in one or more benefit areas. Strong knowledge of benefits regulations including ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, and FMLA preferred. Knowledge of benefits administration, defined contribution plans and record keeping. High level of proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Experience working with HRIS platforms; Workday experience preferred. Proven and effective verbal and written communication skills, ability to research and prepare reports and attention to detail is required. Demonstrated commitment to provide superior customer service. Familiarity with defined benefit pension programs is preferred. Benefits Health, Dental & Vision Insurance Company‑provided life and income protection plans Eligibility to participate in a company incentive bonus program 401(k) Retirement Plan – 100% company match up to 7% on annual salary Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, and Floating Holidays Flexible Work Arrangements – Hybrid and remote depending on the role Encova Insurance makes reasonable accommodations for disabilities and encourages candidates who need an accommodation to seek it. This description reflects the nature and level of work performed in this position. Encova Insurance reserves the right to add and/or delete functions as it deems necessary for business reasons. Encova Insurance is an EOE/E-Verify employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr