Sr. Benefits Specialist

Whatever the role, everyone at Grady is part of something bigger. Choosing a career at Grady is choosing to be part of a legacy of service and commitment to our communities. If you want to make a difference, we want to hear from you.

Job Summary

Senior Benefits Specialist is responsible for the administration, compliance, and continuous improvement of employee benefits programs that support a diverse healthcare workforce. This role serves as a subject matter expert for health and welfare benefits, retirement plans, leave programs, and wellness initiatives, ensuring employees receive accurate guidance and exceptional service. The Senior Benefits Specialist partners with HR, payroll, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators to manage complex benefits issues, maintain regulatory compliance, and support organizational goals related to employee attraction, retention, and engagement.

RESPONSIBILITES:

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, and retirement plans.
• Process benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations.
• Manage employee eligibility and coverage status.
• Coordinate annual open enrollment activities.

Employee Support & Education

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefit inquiries. Explain benefit options, plan features, and eligibility requirements.
• Assist employees with claims issues and coverage questions.
• Conduct benefits orientation sessions for new hires.

Compliance & Regulatory Management

• Ensure compliance with ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, FMLA, and other applicable regulations.
• Maintain required benefits documentation and records.
• Support internal and external audits.
• Monitor legislative changes affecting employee benefit programs.

Vendor & Carrier Relations

• Liaise with insurance carriers, brokers, and third-party administrators.
• Resolve benefit-related issues and escalations.
• Coordinate implementation of benefit plan changes.
• Review service performance and vendor compliance.

HRIS & Data Management

• Maintain accurate employee benefits data in HRIS and payroll systems.
• Process qualifying life events and dependent changes.
• Audit employee records for accuracy and completeness.
• Generate benefits reports and analytics.

Leave of Absence Administration

• Support administration of FMLA, disability, and other leave programs.
• Coordinate leave benefits with insurance providers.
• Monitor leave eligibility and documentation requirements.
• Communicate leave-related benefits information to employees.

Benefits Communication

• Promote awareness of available benefit programs.
• Communicate policy updates and benefit changes.

Wellness & Employee Engagement

• Support employee wellness and health promotion initiatives.
• Coordinate wellness events and incentive programs.
• Encourage participation in health and wellbeing programs.
• Measure and report employee engagement with benefits offerings.

Additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field of study.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and accuracy required.
• Knowledge of healthcare benefits, insurance plans, and applicable regulations required.
• Experience with HRIS, benefits administration, and payroll systems required.
• 5-8+ years of progressive experience in benefits administration, human resources, healthcare HR, compensation and benefits, or employee services required.
• Strong communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills required.
• Experience supporting large, multi-site, or healthcare workforces is highly preferred.
• 3-5 years of direct experience managing health and welfare benefit programs preferred.

Core Competencies
These competencies reflect the values and behaviors expected of all Grady team members, regardless of role. They ensure that every employee contributes to safe, high-quality care, positive patient experience, and a collaborative work environment.

1. Patient-Centered Care - Demonstrates a commitment to delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality care that prioritizes the well-being and satisfaction of patients and their families.
2. Integrity & Accountability - Acts ethically, maintains confidentiality, and accepts responsibility for actions, decisions, and outcomes.
3. Collaboration & Teamwork - Builds positive relationships, works effectively across departments, and supports colleagues to achieve shared goals.
4. Communication - Communicates clearly, respectfully, and effectively with patients, families, colleagues, and leadership.
5. Respect & Inclusion - Creates an inclusive environment by valuing diversity, treating others with dignity, and ensuring equitable care and opportunities for all.
6. Quality & Safety - Adheres to best practices, regulatory standards, and policies to ensure safe, reliable, and high-quality outcomes.
7. Adaptability & Resilience - Responds effectively to change, remains flexible in dynamic situations, and demonstrates resilience under pressure.
8. Continuous Improvement - Seeks opportunities to improve processes, skills, and outcomes through innovation, learning, and feedback.
9. Leadership & Professionalism - Inspires, guides, and develops individuals and teams while modeling professionalism, fairness, and transparency.
10. Employee Experience Focus - Champions a supportive and engaging employee journey that enables staff to thrive and, in turn, deliver exceptional patient care.

Grady Total Rewards
At Grady, we believe in supporting the health, well-being, and growth of every team member. Our Total Rewards package is designed to provide competitive pay and comprehensive benefits that make a difference in your life and career, including:

• Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.

• Financial Security: Retirement savings plans with employer contributions, life insurance, and disability coverage.

• Work-Life Balance: Paid time off, holidays, and family leave benefits.

• Career Growth: Tuition reimbursement, professional development programs, and opportunities for advancement.

• Employee Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), wellness initiatives, and discounts on services.

Grady's Total Rewards are designed to ensure our employees feel valued, supported, and empowered, both at work and beyond.

Why Join Grady?
Grady Health System is more than a hospital - we are a vital part of Atlanta and the surrounding communities. For over 125 years, Grady has been committed to providing exceptional care, advancing health equity, and making a difference in the lives of those we serve. When you join Grady, you become part of a team that values excellence, compassion, innovation, and collaboration.

Here, every role matters. Whether you provide direct patient care, support our operations, or lead teams, you play an important part in fulfilling our mission. We offer opportunities to learn, grow, and build a meaningful career in an environment where your contributions are recognized and valued.

At Grady, we don't just work, we make an impact.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
Grady Health System is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a workforce where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Grady is dedicated to creating an accessible work environment and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to ensure equitable opportunities for success.