Benefits Specialist

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for administering, supporting, and continuously improving the organization’s employee benefits and retirement programs. This role ensures benefit programs are competitive, compliant, effectively communicated, and designed to support employee well-being, engagement, and retention. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, analytical, and passionate about delivering an exceptional employee experience. This position will serve as a key resource for employees while partnering with benefit brokers, vendors, and HR leadership to ensure effective administration of the organization’s benefit programs. Key Responsibilities Benefits Administration Administer employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, voluntary benefits, and wellness programs. Manage employee benefit enrollments, changes, qualifying life events, and terminations. Lead annual Open Enrollment activities from planning through implementation. Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefit questions, providing guidance and resolving benefit-related issues. Educate employees on available benefits, eligibility requirements, coverage options, and plan provisions. Develop and distribute benefit communications, educational materials, and enrollment resources. Partner with benefit brokers, insurance carriers, and vendors to ensure high-quality service and timely resolution of employee concerns. Support benefit renewals and evaluate plan options, costs, participation, and utilization. Monitor benefit trends and recommend program enhancements that support employee needs and organizational objectives. Conduct regular audits of benefit enrollments and records to ensure accuracy and data integrity. Support new-hire benefits orientation and ongoing employee benefits education. Administer the company’s 401(k) retirement plan and ensure compliance with plan requirements. Coordinate employee eligibility, enrollments, changes, and employee communications. Serve as a resource for employees regarding retirement plan participation and available resources. Partner with plan administrators and vendors to support annual audits, testing, required filings, and other plan requirements. Assist with employee education initiatives designed to increase awareness and understanding of retirement benefits. Benefits Compliance & Reporting Ensure benefit programs are administered in accordance with ERISA, COBRA, ACA, HIPAA, IRS regulations, and other applicable requirements. Coordinate COBRA administration and required employee benefit notices. Support internal and external audits related to employee benefit and retirement programs. Maintain accurate and confidential employee benefit records. Prepare and analyze benefit reports related to enrollment, participation, utilization, and program costs. Maintain benefits policies, procedures, plan documentation, and employee communications. Identify and recommend process improvements that increase efficiency and enhance the employee benefits experience. Stay current on regulatory changes and industry trends that may impact employee benefit programs. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred. Five or more years of progressive experience in employee benefits administration or a related HR function. Strong knowledge of health and welfare benefits, retirement plans, Open Enrollment, and benefits compliance. Experience administering 401(k) plans and coordinating annual Open Enrollment. Working knowledge of ERISA, COBRA, ACA, HIPAA, and other applicable benefits regulations. Experience working with HRIS and benefits administration systems; ADP experience preferred. Strong Microsoft Excel, reporting, and analytical skills. Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills. Ability to explain complex benefit information clearly and effectively to employees. Ability to handle sensitive and confidential employee information with discretion. Preferred Qualifications Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS), SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR/SPHR, or similar HR/benefits certification. Experience working in a high-growth or healthcare environment. Experience managing benefit broker and vendor relationships. Experience supporting benefit renewals, plan evaluations, and employee benefits communications. Experience developing or supporting employee wellness and engagement initiatives. This is a full-time, onsite position located in Birmingham, Alabama . The Benefits Specialist will work closely with employees, HR leadership, benefit brokers, plan administrators, and external vendors to provide responsive and effective benefits support. #J-18808-Ljbffr