Benefits Specialist

Summary The Benefits Specialist performs the day-to‑day administrative and compliance functions for the Company’s benefits programs, including health and welfare and retirement plans, in compliance with ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, and applicable Federal and/or State employment laws in the U.S. The role also supports the benefit programs in Canada. Responsibilities The Benefits Specialist administers and communicates the company’s benefits regarding plan options, policy features, enrollment, and regulatory requirements. Guides the Company’s multi‑state employees, acting as a liaison between benefit vendors and employees. Advises employees clearly and concisely on qualified life events, eligibility, coverage, open enrollment questions, and other benefits matters. Supports HR and employees and/or dependents in resolving benefit inquiries timely. Processes and audits employee benefit changes, carrier discrepancy reporting, and open enrollment data changes. Provides payment reconciliations to AP. Responsible for benefit updates for payroll, including benefits premium adjustments and corrections. Completes documents including court orders, disability, and State forms. Advises employees on required benefit premiums while on leave, tracks payments, and interfaces with payroll as needed. Participates in testing the HRIS system during implementations and preparation for open enrollment. Responsible for reviewing vendor error reports, researching, and identifying issues while partnering with the HRIS team on the resolution. Documents and maintains administrative and compliance procedures for assigned benefits processes. Supervisory Responsibilities Direct Reports: None. Indirect Reports: May delegate work to others and provide guidance, direction, and mentoring to indirect reports. Travel and Driving Requirements Travel and driving are not essential duties or functions of this job. Minimum Qualifications Education Level: Associate’s Degree or equivalent job‑related work experience. Field of Study/Area of Experience: Human Resources Management or Business Administration. 3+ years of experience administering health and welfare benefit programs. Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities Proficient in ERISA, DOL, IRS, COBRA, HIPAA, and PPACA regulations. Strong understanding of health, welfare, and retirement (401(k)) programs. Exceptional attention to detail and time management skills. Thrives in fast‑paced, team‑oriented environments. Balances empathy with objectivity towards employees’ personal circumstances. Skilled interpersonal abilities coupled with the capacity to cultivate peer relationships. Strategically plans and problem‑solves to achieve results. Clear, effective verbal and written communication of programs and policies. Applies strong analytical, financial, and problem‑solving skills. Collaborative team player. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Experience with HR systems such as Oracle, PeopleSoft, or ADP. Environmental & Physical Requirements Work performed primarily in an office environment. Must be able to sit for extended periods (66%+ of the day), hear the telephone, enter data on a computer, and lift up to 10 pounds. Important Information The Company is committed to providing equal opportunity in all employment practices without regard to age, race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, physical or mental disability, or any other category protected by law. As part of this commitment, the Company shall provide reasonable accommodations of known disabilities to enable an applicant or employee to apply for employment, perform the essential functions of the job, or enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment as required by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr