Benefits Specialist (Johnson City-Kingsport-Bristol Area)

Benefits Specialist

Johnson City, TN

General Shale, the nation’s leading masonry materials manufacturer, is seeking a Benefits Specialist for our corporate headquarters in Johnson City, TN. The Benefits Specialist will serve as a key business partner for employees, managers, HR leadership, and external vendors, providing expertise in employee benefit programs while delivering an exceptional employee experience and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations.

Position Summary

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for the administration, communication, and continuous improvement of employee benefit programs. This position partners with employees, managers, vendors, and HR leadership to ensure accurate and timely benefits administration, regulatory compliance, and responsive employee support. The ideal candidate combines strong technical benefits knowledge with excellent customer service, analytical, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Administer and coordinate FMLA, ADA accommodations, short-term disability, long-term disability, and leave of absence processes, ensuring compliance and effective employee communication.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee communications regarding leave, disability, and benefit-related matters.
• Partner with third-party vendors and carriers to resolve claims, eligibility issues, and benefit administration concerns.
• Coordinate and maintain employee benefit records and ensure data accuracy within HR systems.
• Administer COBRA processes and maintain compliance with applicable regulations.
• Answer and resolve employee benefit questions promptly, accurately, and with empathy.
• Partner with managers to support employee benefit and leave-related needs.
• Assist with annual open enrollment, new hire enrollment, qualifying life event changes, and related employee communications.
• Develop and distribute organization-wide benefits communications and educational materials.
• Perform data entry and administrative tasks related to employee benefits programs.
• Reconcile and process invoices related to employee benefit plans and vendor services.
• Prepare HR and benefits-related reporting, analytics, and dashboards.
• Analyze benefit utilization trends and assist in identifying opportunities for process improvement and enhanced employee experience.
• Support annual benefits renewals, vendor evaluations, and wellness initiatives.
• Assist with compliance activities related to ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, and other applicable federal and state regulations.
• Recommend process improvements that increase efficiency, accuracy, and employee satisfaction.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of progressive benefits administration experience , including leave management and disability programs.
• Working knowledge of FMLA, ADA, COBRA, ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, and applicable leave regulations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Experience with UKG (formerly UltiPro) or a comparable Human Capital Management (HCM) system preferred.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make recommendations.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills with a demonstrated ability to communicate with compassion and empathy.
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Process improvement mindset with a commitment to delivering high-quality service.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment.

Why Join General Shale?

• Opportunity to support employees across a leading national manufacturing organization.
• Collaborative and team-oriented HR environment.
• Ability to contribute to employee experience, compliance, and strategic benefits initiatives.
• Professional growth and development opportunities.