Benefits Support Specialist

Benefits Support Specialist

Benefits Support Specialist Position Summary

Benefits Support Specialist is responsible for assisting employees with their benefits plans, ensuring that they understand and utilize their benefits packages effectively. They provide support related to health insurance, retirement plans, disability benefits, and other employee programs. This role will support the administration and communication of employee benefits programs, ensuring smooth enrollment, claims processing, and issue resolution.

Key Responsibilities:

Benefits Administration:

• Assist in the enrollment, changes, and cancellations of employee benefits (health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, etc.).
• Maintain accurate employee benefits records in the HRIS (Human Resource Information System).
• Process benefits data and assist with compliance requirements such as ACA reporting.

Employee Support:

• Respond to employee inquiries regarding benefits programs, ensuring clear and accurate communication.
• Assist employees with claims resolution, benefits issues, and eligibility questions.
• Provide guidance on benefits options, assisting employees in making informed decisions.

Vendor Liaison:

• Communicate with external benefits providers (health insurers, retirement plan administrators, etc.) to resolve issues.
• Track and follow up on claims or service-related issues with providers.

Compliance and Documentation:

• Ensure benefits programs comply with federal, state, and local regulations, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA), HIPAA, and ERISA.
• Assist in the preparation of benefit-related reports and documentation for audits or regulatory purposes.

Education and Communication:

• Assist in the development and distribution of benefits communications, such as open enrollment materials, benefit summaries, and policy updates.
• Organize benefits-related training sessions and workshops for employees.

Open Enrollment:

• Provide support during open enrollment periods, including answering employee questions and helping them navigate the benefits selection process.
• Ensure all necessary forms and changes are processed during the open enrollment window.

General Administrative Tasks:

• Prepare and maintain reports related to benefits usage, enrollment, and costs.
• Track and process leaves of absence related to benefits, including Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or short-term disability.

Qualifications:

• Associate or bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field (preferred).
• 1-3 years of experience in benefit or HR-related role is preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with benefits programs (health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement), compliance regulations (e.g., HIPAA, ERISA), and basic HR is preferred but not required.
• Customer/client service driven with a proven track record of working well in a team environment with minimal supervision.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with employees and external vendors.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Problem-solving skills to address employee concerns and resolve issues.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a professional demeanor in a setting clients and situations.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency in Word, Excel and Outlook.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, working on a computer, and driving in a vehicle.
• Must be able to lift 20 pounds or more, at times.
• Ability to travel; both local during the business day.

Work Environment:

• This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment.

Psychological Factors:

• Ability to interact with customers calmly and respectfully, even in high pressure situations
• Ability to maintain pleasant working relationships
• Ability to function effectively under pressure to meet deadlines
• Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously

Additional Considerations:

• Reasonable accommodations may be made in order to perform the essential functions. In addition to or in lieu of those described above, any duties are subject to change at any time or duties may be added.

Our Benefits Package Includes:

• Paid Time Off, including Paid Birthday Off
• Company Paid Holidays
• Health Insurance, Dental, Vision
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• Short Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• 401K
• Dependent Care Account
• Cancer Plan
• Hospital Confinement Plan
• Accident Insurance
• Employee Discount Program

We also have corporate passes to the Detroit Lakes Community and Cultural Center (DLCCC), Detroit Mountain Recreation Area, and Lake View Golf Course. Our on-site gym and standing desks provide the perfect way to stretch your legs during the workday. Our Lunch-Extension Program delivers an easy way to get your workout in during the day if you choose.

Work schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Paid training
• Employee discount
• Other