Benefits Specialist

Job Description

Recognized by Newsweek in 2024 and 2025 as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity

Make Lives Better Including Your Own. If you want to work in an environment where you can become your best possible self, join us! You'll earn more than a paycheck; you can find opportunities to grow your career through professional development, as well as ongoing programs catered to your overall health and wellness. Full suite of health insurance, life insurance and retirement plans are available and vary by employment status.

Part and Full Time Benefits Eligibility

• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Associate assistance program
• Employee discounts
• Referral program
• Early access to earned wages for hourly associates (outside of CA)
• Optional voluntary benefits including ID theft protection and pet insurance

Full Time Only Benefits Eligibility

• Paid Time Off
• Paid holidays
• Company provided life insurance
• Adoption benefit
• Disability (short and long term)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Account
• Optional life and dependent life insurance
• Optional voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity Insurance, and legal plan
• Tuition reimbursement

Base pay in range will be determined by applicant's skills and experience. Temporary associates are not benefits eligible but may participate in the company's 401(k) program.

Veterans, transitioning active duty military personnel, and military spouses are encouraged to apply. To support our associates in their journey to become a U.S. citizen, Brookdale offers to advance fees for naturalization (Form N-400) application costs, up to $725, less applicable taxes and withholding, for qualified associates who have been with us for at least a year.

The application window is anticipated to close within 30 days of the date of the posting.

Responsibilities

Provides benefits support to associates by answering questions via the telephone, email and ticketing system. Possesses strong knowledge of the company's benefits policies and procedures.

1. Provides benefits assistance to associates.
2. Understands benefits plans and coverage provisions. Applies them to individual associate situations.
3. Responds to benefits-related inquiries in a timely manner by means of telephone, email or ticketing system. Explains benefits eligibility and educates associates on how to make benefits changes on-line.
4. Utilizes organization's HRIS system and external vendor portals to view associate information including elections. Examines associate records to answer inquiries and provides information to authorized persons.
5. Supports field and corporate office staff regarding benefits questions.
6. Partner with third-party vendor to process QMCSO's.
7. Process invoices accurately and timely.
8. Assists with annual benefits open enrollment communications to all associates.
9. Assists with HR-related audits of benefits data and other statistical reports.
10. May assist in coordinating COBRA notifications through third party administrator.
11. May assist in monitoring requests for leaves of absence to ensure state and federal compliance.
12. May process life insurance and disability claims forms, ensuring payments are properly issued by the company.
13. Escalate issues and/or problems to the appropriate manager, as necessary.

This job description represents an overview of the responsibilities for the above referenced position. It is not intended to represent a comprehensive list of responsibilities. An associate should perform all duties as assigned by his/her supervisor.

Qualifications

Education and Experience
High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED) required. Associates or Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field preferred. Minimum of one to two years of experience providing exceptional customer service over the phone and through email; experience in benefits preferred.

Certifications, Licenses, and Other Special Requirements
None

Management/Decision Making
Makes standard and routine decisions based on detailed guidelines with little independent judgment. Problems are generally solved with clear, detailed guidelines or by reporting them to a supervisor.

Knowledge and Skills
Has a working knowledge of a skill or discipline that requires basic analytic ability. Has an overall understanding of the work environment and process. Has working knowledge of the organization. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word and Excel).

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Standing
• Walking
• Sitting
• Use hands and fingers to handle or feel
• Reach with hands and arms
• Talk or hear
• Ability to lift: up to 25 pounds
• Vision
• Requires interaction with co-workers, residents or vendors

Brookdale is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace.

About Us

Brookdale is a Great Place to Be :

• Gracious hospitality and neighborliness for our residents and families.
• Home-like feel and all-around comfort for residents and visiting family members.
• Entertaining events and gatherings so our residents can find connections in groups and 1:1 settings.
• Industry leader in clinical care.
• Nationwide company with 589 communities as of November 30, 2025, offering many opportunities to grow and learn as a sales professional.
• Extensive corporate support including a robust training program.