Admin- Benefits Specialist-1st shift - Columbus, IN

NTN DRIVESHAFT, INC.

Job Title: Benefits Specialist
Reports To: HR Director
Location: Administrative Office

JOB SUMMARY

The Benefits Specialist - Level II is responsible for the administration, compliance, and ongoing management of employee benefit programs in support of NTN Driveshaft, Inc. This role serves as a primary point of contact for benefits-related matters, including health and welfare plans, retirement programs, leaves of absence, and workers' compensation. The position also provides backup support to payroll operations to ensure accuracy, compliance, and business continuity.

This role partners with HR leadership, employees, vendors, and third-party administrators to deliver consistent, compliant, and employee-focused benefits administration within a manufacturing environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, and wellness initiatives.
• Manage employee eligibility, enrollments, qualifying life events, and system updates within ADP and vendor platforms.
• Lead the annual open enrollment process, including planning timelines, coordinating vendor activities, and delivering employee communications.
• Develop and distribute benefits communications such as new hire materials, open enrollment guides, notices, and email communications.
• Respond to employee and management inquiries regarding benefits coverage, plan provisions, claims issues, and enrollment status.
• Serve as the primary liaison with benefit brokers, carriers, and third-party administrators; resolve escalated issues and monitor service levels.
• Maintain benefit plan documents, summary plan descriptions (SPDs), and required compliance postings.
• Reconcile vendor invoices, resolve discrepancies, and monitor benefits-related costs and fees.
• Perform regular audits and quality checks to ensure accuracy of benefits data.

Leave of Absence, Compliance & Risk Management

• Coordinate and administer leaves of absence in partnership with third-party administrators, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, medical, personal, military, and disability leaves.
• Interpret and apply applicable regulations including FMLA, ADA, STD, LTD, COBRA, HIPAA, and related employment laws.
• Administer Workers' Compensation claims and reporting; act as the primary contact with third-party administrators.
• Respond to unemployment claims and coordinate with state agencies as needed.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to benefits and leaves.

Payroll Backup & System Support

• Provide backup support for payroll processing, including payroll audits, benefit deductions review, time validation, and issue resolution as needed.
• Support payroll and HRIS partners by ensuring accurate benefit-to-payroll integrations.
• Generate ADP reports to support benefits administration, payroll audits, financial analysis, and compliance reporting.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support HR initiatives related to employee engagement, wellness, and compliance.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism in handling sensitive information.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the HR Director.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EDUCATION, AND ABILITIES

• Associate's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or related field required.
• Minimum of 4-6 years of experience administering health, welfare, and retirement benefit programs.
• Working knowledge of payroll processes and HRIS systems; ADP experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of benefits-related regulations including FMLA, ADA, COBRA, HIPAA, STD, and LTD.
• Knowledge of Workers' Compensation and unemployment processes.
• High level of discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.