Benefits Specialist

Title: Human Resources - Benefits Specialist

Location: Park Ridge, NJ (hybrid)

We are seeking a Human Resources Benefits Specialist to support the administration and day-to-day management of employee benefit programs. This individual will serve as a key resource for employees, helping them understand and navigate their benefits while ensuring programs are administered accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable regulations.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, service-focused, and comfortable working with employees, benefit providers, and internal HR teams.

Responsibilities

• Administer employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plans, and other company-sponsored benefits.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for employee questions regarding benefits, eligibility, enrollment, coverage, and claims.
• Coordinate and support annual open enrollment, including employee communications, system updates, and enrollment activities.
• Process new-hire benefit enrollments, qualifying life events, changes, and terminations.
• Maintain accurate employee benefits information within HRIS and benefits administration systems.
• Work closely with benefit carriers, brokers, and third-party administrators to resolve employee issues and ensure accurate plan administration.
• Review and reconcile benefit invoices and identify or resolve discrepancies.
• Assist with benefits-related reporting, audits, and compliance requirements.
• Support the administration of leave programs, including FMLA and other applicable federal and state leaves.
• Ensure benefits programs are administered in accordance with company policies and applicable laws and regulations.
• Develop and distribute employee communications regarding benefit programs, plan changes, and enrollment deadlines.
• Maintain confidential employee information and benefits documentation.
• Assist with additional HR initiatives and projects as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• 6+ years of experience in Human Resources, benefits administration, or a related area.
• Working knowledge of employee benefits and applicable regulations.
• Experience working with HRIS and/or benefits administration systems preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong customer-service mindset with the ability to communicate effectively with employees at all levels.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong judgment and ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting annual open enrollment.
• Familiarity with benefits regulations, including ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, and FMLA.
• Experience working directly with insurance carriers, benefits brokers, and third-party administrators.
• Professional HR certification such as SHRM-CP, PHR, or CEBS is a plus.