Benefit Specialist

Job Responsibilities

As a critical member of the HR team, the Benefits Specialist will be responsible for daily administration of benefits, wellness, and retirement programs. Benefits will include Health and Welfare plans such as Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, EAP, and Voluntary Benefit Programs. This position will collaborate with the payroll team as well as third-party administrators and carriers to ensure smooth enrollments, changes, audits, and compliance. The Benefits Specialist will provide exemplary customer service and education to team members and HR business partners in the administration of benefits, wellness, and retirement plans. This position will also collaborate internally with other departments, as well as third parties.

• Develop and maintain competitive benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other employee benefits. Assures accurate and timely enrollment and disenrollment of eligible employees and dependents daily. Performs audits and reconciliations to ensure proper administration of each benefit eligibility group in each benefit program, in conjunction with outsourced partners, vendors, and carriers. Assists with processing vendor invoices.
• Analyze benefits data to identify trends, opportunities for improvement, and ensure compliance with regulations. Analyzes benefits programs for effectiveness and opportunities for continuous improvement. Researches and implements initiatives such as physical, mental, and financial well-being programs, and systems enhancements. Work with benefits vendors, brokers, and consultants to negotiate contracts, evaluate services, and ensure compliance.
• Helps employees with day-to-day benefit inquiries using excellent customer service. Assists in monitoring that benefits email box to address questions and provide timely responses. Utilizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills to research, analyze, document, and resolve issues. Informs supervisor of systemic issues, trends, or other concerns. Works with vendors and HR business partners to ensure accurate and timely administration of the plans.
• Ensures legal compliance such as HIPAA, ERISA, ACA, and assists with legally required reporting and disclosures (e.g., 5500s, SPDs, SARs, 1095's, non-discrimination testing).
• Conducts new hire benefits orientation and participates in the development and implementation of annual open enrollment material and processes.
• Develop and implement effective communication strategies to educate employees about benefits programs. Provides ongoing communications on benefit topics to the organizations via internal and external trainings, articles, emails, etc.

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor's degree in a related field is required
• Minimum of 5 years of human resources benefit experience
• CEBS, SHRM or HRCI Certification preferred
• Travel of approximately 10%
• Strong Excel knowledge and HRIS system knowledge is ADP is preferred
• Strong working knowledge of all health and welfare plans (medical, dental, vision, 401(k), HSA, FSA/DCA, pension, life insurance, etc.) as well as relevant regulations and audit requirements
• Effective communication and presentation skills to educate employees and stakeholders.
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make recommendations.
• Attention to detail with the ability to accurately and efficiently enter and audit data.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong work ethic and the willingness to go the extra mile for the customer
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of protected and sensitive data
• Willingness to learn and prioritize critical tasks

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  Compensation and Incentive plans
  
  
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  Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance effective day 1
  
  
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  Paid Time Off in addition to personal days and holidays
  
  
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  Paid parental leave
  
  
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  Wellbeing fund
  
  
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  Flexible hybrid work arrangements
  
  
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  401(k) with company match
  
  
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  Education Assistance Program
  
  
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  Career development and advancement opportunities
  
  
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  Support for Community Involvement