Benefits Specialist

Benefits SpecialistManages employee benefits programs and wellness initiatives across the organization. This role supports benefits administration, assists employees with life events, and coordinates with stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive and competitive benefits experience.ResponsibilitiesAssist in corporate benefits administration (including without limitation, group health insurances, leaves of absence, 401K, benefit events, etc.), resolve benefit-related issues with carriers, and respond to benefit questions of employee and their dependents in timely manner.Assist with the selection, implementation, and annual review of employee benefits, including evaluating carriers and making recommendations to ensure the Company offers competitive and comprehensive benefit options.Interpret and enforce benefit-related human resources policies, procedures, and best practices.Assist in annual benefits open enrollment processes.Maintain HR benefit pages on the Company's intranet.Oversee the Company's life event benefit processes, providing support and guidance to employees in transition and filing supporting documentation.Review, approve, and timely process payments for benefit-related plan and event invoices.Administer Company disability and FMLA leave plans, including completing all required documentation.Ensure COBRA information is given to terminated employees through carrier.Administer 401k account plan, including employee enrollment, loans, deferrals, notifications, communicating with Plan provider, reporting, working with outside consultants and advisors, and resolve any issues that arise pertaining to the plan.Develop and administer Company wellness programs (e.g., challenges, incentives, health fair, education) and the quarterly HR newsletter.Represent the Company at industry, community, and outreach events to build relationships and enhance the Company's reputation.Coordinate participation in internal and external surveys to assess organizational engagement and support for benefit-related HR initiatives.Utilize broker and benefit carrier representatives and written and electronic resources to remain current on benefits and related HR policies, procedures, and best practices.Attend required Company meetings, training programs, and seminars/webinars.Maintain the confidentiality of executive, employee, and Company information.Communicate professionally with executives, employees at all locations, internal departments, clients, trade partners, brokers, internal and outside counsel, and other business partners.Perform additional duties as assigned such as, handling administrative data entry responsibilities in PeopleSoft, employee verifications, overseeing affinity groups, and other tasks as necessary.Preferred QualificationsFour (4)-year undergraduate degree, preferably with a concentration in human resources, business or related discipline and five (5) years of Human Resources experience required that includes benefits administration experience.Strong written and verbal communication skills.Exceptional organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities.Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint required. Experience with PeopleSoft and Microsoft Dynamics preferred.Self-starter, strong work ethic, and a team player.Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise extreme discretion.BenefitsHarkins offers a total compensation package that includes base salary, bonus potential, and a comprehensive benefits package including health/dental/vision benefits, paid time off, retirement/401k, and Company Contribution plan. Additional benefits include life insurance, short & long-term disability, HSA/FSA, tuition reimbursement, and mileage and expense reimbursement. For this role, the base salary range is $70,000-$80,000. Compensation may vary outside of this range depending on a number of factors, including a candidate's education, experience, skills, and geographic location. Base pay is one part of the Total Compensation Package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work.Tower Federal Credit Union MembershipMedical, Dental & VisionLife & DisabilityHSA/FSA401k PlanEmployee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)Profit Sharing ProgramPerformance BonusEmployee Assistance ProgramPaid HolidaysPaid Vacation & Sick LeaveMileage and Expense ReimbursementPhone AllowancePaid Parental LeavePet InsuranceJury Duty PayBereavement PayTraining Programs & SeminarsWellness ProgramsHealth FairWorkers' CompensationMembership with Associated Builders & Contractors Association and other Professional OrganizationsProduct Discounts with GE and other vendorsEmployee Award and Recognition ProgramsDiscounts on Financial Planning