Benefits Coordinator

Benefits Coordinator

Location: New Haven, CT/ Hybrid

Responsible for the administration of benefit programs (medical, dental, vision, prescription, life and disability) and timely enrollments, eligibility, and coverage changes. Coordinates with internal and external providers to assure proper enrollments and coverage. Coordinates benefits billing and invoice reconciliation to ensure accurate vendor payments and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.

Core Responsibilities:

• Presents benefit information to new hires.
• Explain the features of the benefit plans and procedures to employees.
• Respond to all communications effectively and in a timely manner.
• Processes new hire benefits, benefit terminations, and changes in benefit status in HRIS and vendor systems.
• Coordinate with benefit vendors to ensure accurate and timely enrollment, eligibility, and coverage updates.
• Acts as liaison to the health, welfare, and 401(k) third party administrators.
• Process qualifying life events and ensure required documentation is received and maintained.
• Administer Short-Term Disability program, including intake, coordination with employees, managers and payroll and monitor claims through return to work.
• Audit benefit data to ensure accuracy and identify discrepancies between HRIS, payroll and vendor systems.
• Support leave administration by coordinating documentation and communicating with employees and managers.
• Assist with COBRA, retiree benefits, and other post-employment benefit administration.
• Review, reconcile, and process benefit invoices; investigate and resolve billing discrepancies.
• Prepare and sends benefit communications, educational materials, and notices.
• Coordinate annual Open Enrollment planning, testing, communications, and employee/agent support.
• Maintain benefit records and ensure compliance with company policies and applicable regulations.
• Generate reports and analyze benefit data to support audits, compliance, and decision-making.
• Assist with benefit vendor implementations, system testing, and process improvements.
• Partner with Payroll to ensure accurate benefit deductions and resolve payroll-related benefit issues.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee benefit information and records.
• Analyze potential operational improvements.

Skills Qualifications Required:

• Working knowledge of benefit plans
• Knowledge of employee benefits plan regulations and compliance including COBRA, EEOC and ACA
• Strong attention to detail; well-organized
• Data entry and audit accuracy
• Ability to prioritize and work on multiple projects at a time
• Problem solving and analytical skills; ability to develop and present findings
• Must have strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to provide consultation in matters of high sensitivity and confidentiality.
• Communication, interpersonal and project management skills
• Ability to safeguard confidential information
• Strong sense of urgency to meet deadlines while maintaining confidentiality
• Must have basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
• Strong working knowledge of HRIS systems

Preferred:

• Experience assisting with company wide open Enrollment processes.
• Experience administering Short-Term Disability and other employee leave programs.
• Prior hands-on experience using HRIS (Human Resources Information systems) platforms like ADP, Workday

Education Required:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration
• Equivalent combination of formal education and directly related HR/benefits experience will be considered in lieu of degree.
• 1-3 years of progressively responsible experience in human resources, benefits administration, or similar corporate/administrative role.
• Solid understanding of core benefit programs (e.g. health, dental, vision, life insurance.)

Preferred:

• Certified SHRM-CP, PHR or HR
• Familiarity with federal and state regulations, including HIPAA, FMLA, COBRA, and ACA