Benefits Specialist

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for the administration and support of the organization's employee benefits programs while also assisting with compensation initiatives and total rewards programs. This role serves as a key resource for employees and management, ensuring benefits programs are administered effectively, compensation data is maintained accurately, and all programs remain compliant with applicable regulations and company policies.

The ideal candidate will have experience in benefits administration, strong analytical skills, and exposure to compensation programs within a dynamic business environment.

Responsibilities

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement, and wellness plans.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefit inquiries and issue resolution.
• Manage employee enrollments, status changes, terminations, and benefits-related transactions.
• Coordinate annual open enrollment activities, employee communications, and educational programs.
• Administer leave of absence programs, including FMLA, ADA, paid family leave, short-term disability, and long-term disability.
• Partner with payroll and benefit vendors to ensure accurate deductions, enrollments, and employee records.
• Reconcile benefit invoices and maintain accurate reporting and documentation.
• Monitor compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to employee benefits.
• Assist with vendor management and benefits program enhancements.

Compensation Support

• Assist with job evaluations and compensation benchmarking activities.
• Support annual merit, bonus, and salary review processes.
• Participate in salary survey submissions and market pricing analyses.
• Maintain compensation-related data within the HRIS and ensure data accuracy.
• Generate reports and analyze compensation trends to support decision-making.
• Partner with HR and business leaders to promote internal equity and market competitiveness.
• Support compensation audits and special projects as needed.

Reporting & Compliance

• Prepare and maintain benefits and compensation reports, dashboards, and metrics.
• Conduct audits of employee data, benefit enrollments, and compensation records.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and applicable employment regulations.
• Support internal and external audits related to benefits and compensation programs.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree
• 5+ years of experience in benefits administration, human resources, or total rewards.
• Exposure to compensation administration, salary analysis, or compensation planning preferred.
• Strong knowledge of employee benefits programs, leave administration, and benefits compliance.
• Working knowledge of compensation practices, salary structures, and market analysis.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, formulas, and lookup functions.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.