Senior HR Benefits Specialist (HR Shared Services)

Senior HR Benefits Specialist (HR Shared Services)
Location: Hybrid - Lower Manhattan (Must be okay being onsite Tuesday-Thursday)
Hours : Monday-Friday, daytime hours
Employment Type: 4-6 month contract-to-hire based on performance
Pay : $45-48/hr

We are seeking a Senior HR Benefits Specialist (HR Shared Services) with experience in Benefits Administration, Tier 2 case resolution, or HR Operations to support a centralized HR services team. This role will handle complex and escalated employee benefits inquiries in a high-volume environment, providing guidance on programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement, FMLA, COBRA, and 401(k). The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of benefits programs and compliance regulations such as ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, and ADA, along with the ability to manage cases efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

Senior HR Benefits Specialist (HR Shared Services) Key Responsibilities
• Serve as an escalation resource for complex employee benefits inquiries
• Provide support and guidance related to medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plans, leave programs, and continuation coverage
• Assist employees and managers with eligibility questions, enrollment processes, and documentation requirements
• Maintain ownership of employee cases from intake through resolution while coordinating with internal HR teams when needed
• Ensure accurate case documentation and maintain detailed records in HR systems
• Escalate policy or compliance-related issues to HR leadership or specialized benefits teams when necessary
• Monitor trends in employee inquiries and recommend improvements to processes or documentation
• Support maintenance of internal knowledge resources and benefits procedures
• Assist with HR system updates, benefits testing, and data accuracy reviews
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts to enhance HR service delivery

Senior HR Benefits Specialist (HR Shared Services) Required Qualifications
• 3+ years of experience in HR operations or benefits administration
• Experience managing employee benefits inquiries and escalations
• Knowledge of health and welfare benefits programs
• Experience using HR systems (Workday or similar HRIS platforms preferred)
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a high-volume, fast-paced environment
• High school diploma or equivalent

Senior HR Benefits Specialist (HR Shared Services) Preferred Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
• Experience working in healthcare or other regulated industries
• Experience supporting open enrollment processes
• Experience maintaining HR knowledge base documentation or process improvements