Benefits Specialist

Benefits Specialist

Let your career take off with PSA Airlines

PSA Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines, offers unparalleled opportunities for growth and professional development. We value teamwork, diversity, and inclusivity and strive to create a safe, respectful, and happy work environment for our more than 4,000 employees. Our company culture, known as The PSA Way, is our foundation for operation and fosters stability, growth and a focus on the future while always placing safety at the forefront of everything we do. We are driven in our goals and achievements, eager to be better. We are reliable to one another and accountable for our actions. And we are caring in our daily interactions, with teammates, colleagues, and customers. Join our team to enjoy comprehensive benefits, including travel privileges on the American Airlines global network, so you can explore new destinations and create unforgettable memories with family and friends.

Job Responsibilities

• Execute day-to-day administration of health and welfare benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, FSA, HSA, EAP, COBRA, and retirement plans, in accordance with established plan designs and policies.
• Serve as an escalation resource for benefit issues unresolved at the coordinator level, providing technical guidance and resolution support within existing program guidelines.
• Process, validate, and audit benefit enrollment transactions including new hires, qualifying life events, dependent verifications, and terminations across HRIS, payroll, and carrier systems.
• Perform routine and ad hoc audits of benefit enrollments and payroll deductions; identify discrepancies and coordinate corrective actions with Payroll, HRIS, and vendors.
• Support benefit eligibility management and premium collection for employees on leave of absence in coordination with Payroll and leave administration partners.
• Support HRIS benefits functionality through testing, troubleshooting, and issue resolution; escalate system defects, risks, and enhancement needs to the Manager of Benefits.
• Partner with insurance carriers and third-party administrators to resolve enrollment discrepancies and claims issues, following defined escalation protocols.
• Provide operational support for annual open enrollment, including system testing, employee assistance, issue resolution, and post-enrollment audits.
• Perform assigned compliance-related administrative activities, including CMS verifications, court-ordered medical support notices, and documentation tracking, in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Support employee benefit education sessions and wellness initiatives as directed.
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts by identifying process gaps and recommending administrative efficiencies.
• Cross-train and provide backup coverage for other benefits operational functions as needed.
• Responsible for the Company's Security and Safety Management System (SMS) and associated Safety Risk Management and Safety Assurance outputs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible experience in benefits administration or HR operations.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of employee benefit regulations and compliance requirements, including ERISA, COBRA, ACA, FMLA, HIPAA, ADA, and CMS reporting.
• Experience with benefits administration platforms, HRIS systems (e.g., Workday), and payroll systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience working with large, complex data sets.
• Proven ability to manage sensitive employee data with discretion and confidentiality.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex benefit concepts clearly.
• Ability to speak, read, and write in English.
• If hired, must be able to demonstrate that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.

Additional Information

Supervisory Responsibility: This is not a supervisory position.

Delegation: In absence, responsibilities delegated to Manager of Benefits.

Authorities: None

Work Environment: This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, telephones, photocopiers, facsimile machines and filing cabinets.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. This is largely a sedentary role; however, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; climb up and down stairs; lift weight up to 25 lbs; use hands to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

AAP/EEO Statement: PSA Airlines is an equal opportunity employer; qualified applicants are considered for and treated during employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Security Clearance: All employees are required to pass the fingerprint-based criminal history records check (CHRC) per 49CFR1542.209 as well as a pre-employment drug screen.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designated to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.