Benefits Specialist

General Summary

The Benefits Specialist applies knowledge of benefit regulations, concepts, practices, and procedures as well as knowledge of company policies in the administration of the company sponsored benefit program.  This position is responsible for supporting the administration of team member benefit programs, including but not limited to the group health plans, life/disability insurance, 401(k) plan, workers’ compensation and ADA/leaves of absence.  The Benefits Specialist partners with the benefits consultant and benefit program vendors to ensure successful benefit program management.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Priority One – 50%

Administration of the company benefit programs.

• Work with the Sr. Benefits & Wellness Manager to administer various employee benefits programs, such as group health, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, retirement plans and wellness benefits.
• Assist with ACA compliance and 1095-C’s.
• Assist with Open Enrollment tasks, review benefits guides, schedule meetings, send out email communications, update rates and eligibility rules.
• Review and approve employee enrollments including qualified life events, audit employee benefits eligibility, process COBRA.
• Utilize tools to enhance employee understanding of the company’s benefits plans.

Priority Two – 20%

Administration of the company leave programs.

• Ensure the efficient administration of the company leave programs (FMLA, PDL, CFRA, PFL, ADA, Worker’s Compensation).
• Administer the company ergonomics program.
• Ensure proper work/travel accommodations are supported.
• Participate in quarterly carrier claims review for Worker’s Compensation.
• Update OSHA tracking logs and complete the annual required reporting

Priority Three – 20%

Ensure accurate and timely responses to employees and vendors.

• Monitor and resolve carrier file feeds, error reports and enrollment issues in a timely manner.
• Respond to benefits inquiries from managers and employees on plan provisions, benefits enrollments, status changes and other general inquiries within compliance requirements to include required documentation.

Priority Four – 10%

Other responsibilities.

• Analyze, audit, reconcile and process monthly insurance invoices.  
• Prepare affiliate billing.
• Conduct new hire benefit orientations.

This list of essential responsibilities and duties is not exhaustive and may be supplemented and changed as necessary by management.

Qualifications/Education

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required.
• SHRM or PHR Certification is a plus.

Job Requirement

• Minimum 5+ years of years of human resources experience required.
• 3+ of direct experience with benefits administration required.

Other Requirements:

• Physical Requirements: frequent sitting, vision, hearing, typing, and talking.
• Up to 5% of domestic and/or international travel.
• Job demands may include reading (documents), detailed work, confidentiality, problem solving, language, reasoning skills, oral communication, written communication, customer contact, ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, vendors, and other employees, multiple concurrent tasks, ability to work with frequent interruptions, etc.
• Must be able to maintain focus and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to analyze information and make sound decisions under time constraints.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently
• Must be able to respond to challenges with poise and agility.
• Ability to handle competing priorities effectively and with composure.
• Other duties as assigned.

Specialized Skills and Knowledge Required

• Previous experience and knowledge of laws and regulations that govern benefits administration (e.g., FLMA, CFRA, ADA, §125, DOL, IRS guidelines and requirements, and workers’ compensation.)
• Strong background working with various leaves of absences and work accommodations.
• Strong attention to detail is crucial when managing benefit records, claims and compliance.
• Effective communicator with all levels including executives/senior management.
• Proactive approach and collaborative attitude with HR department team members and management.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret benefits and financial reports and other legal documents. 
• Ability to effectively present information to team members and management.
• Ability to work with different cultures to effectively deliver results.
• Computer Skills – Proficient with Microsoft Office programs, including excel, word and PowerPoint.