Benefits Specialist

Westat is a leader in research, data collection and analysis, technical assistance, evaluation, and communications. Our evidence‑based findings help clients in government and the private sector accelerate advancements in health, education, transportation, and social and economic policy. Our dedication to improving lives through research and our approach to projects grounded in investigative curiosity, statistical and data rigor, adaptive methods, and advanced technology are why clients find exceptional value in our work. Westat is seeking a Benefits Specialist to support the daily operations of our group benefits programs—including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, travel accident, flexible spending accounts—as well as our retirement benefits offerings. This role provides hands‑on program administration, delivers exceptional customer service, and supports ongoing improvement of benefit processes, analytics, and systems. This role requires working on site 3 days per week at our Bethesda, Maryland office and 2 days per week from your home office. Job Responsibilities Administer day‑to‑day benefits operations and respond to employee inquiries. Conduct New Hire Orientation sessions and provide benefits education. Support Open Enrollment activities, including creating presentations, preparing materials, and coordinating communications. Partner with HRIS and Benefits teams to lead Workday benefits configurations, testing, and development of new automations. Assist in completing benefit surveys and Open Enrollment surveys. Collaborate with Payroll to ensure accurate benefit deductions. Process benefit invoices and coordinate non‑discrimination testing with third‑party vendors. Support ACA compliance activities, including Form 1095‑Cs and federal/state filings. Assist with wellness program initiatives. Identify opportunities to streamline, automate, and enhance benefit processes. Contribute to additional projects as assigned. Basic Qualifications Typically requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. 3+ years of benefits administration experience, including health insurance. Preferred Qualifications Strong knowledge of federal and state benefits regulations. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel (pivot tables) and PowerPoint. Experience with HRIS platforms (Workday strongly preferred). Experience with system integrations and process automation. Knowledge of Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP) is a plus. PHR/CP certification preferred. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with teams, managers, and clients. Excellent organizational skills and time management. High attention to detail. Benefits Employee Stock Ownership Plan 401(k) Retirement Plan Paid Parental Leave Vacation Leave (15 days per year) Sick Leave (9 days per year) Holiday Leave (7 Government holidays and 2 Floating holidays) Professional Development Health Advocate Employee Assistance Program Travel Accident Insurance Medical Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Short Term Disability Insurance Long Term Disability Insurance Life and AD&D Insurance Critical Illness Insurance Supplemental Life Insurance Flexible Spending Account Health Savings Account Any offer of employment may be contingent upon receipt of acceptable results from a post‑offer background screening, if required for the specific position. Background screening may include identity verification, employment history, motor vehicle driving record, and criminal or sexual offender records. Background screening results will be evaluated on an individualized basis based on the candidate’s record and the duties of the position. This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. Employment Eligibility: This is a U.S.-based position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis. Westat does not offer employment‑based visa sponsorship (including H‑1B) for this role. Depending on project requirements, some positions may require employees to meet specific residency criteria. Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Career Area Administrative Pay Range The anticipated salary range for this position is $81,200 – $88,000 and will commensurate with experience. #J-18808-Ljbffr