Benefits Specialist

Job Description Summary

The Benefits Specialist reports to the Sr. Director of Human Resources and is responsible for overseeing and managing the day-to-day operations of group benefits programs, including group health, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, travel and accident plans, flexible spending plans, 401(k) plans, and retirement plans. The Benefits Specialist ensures excellent customer service, improves existing programs, manages the benefits enrollment process, and provides analytical and technical support in delivering benefits programs

Job Description

Essential Job Functions:

Benefit Administration and Compliance:

• Oversee the administration, renewal process, and compliance of all benefits plans, including 401(k) plans.
• Document and maintain administrative procedures for benefits processes, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations.
• Perform quarterly plan audits and review cost estimates, projections, and relevant statistical analyses.
• Analyze current benefits programs, including cost, coverage, and competitive trends, and identify potential improvements or cost changes.
• Evaluate and revise internal processes to reduce costs and increase efficiency.

Benefits Enrollment:

• Manage the benefits enrollment process for new hires, terminations, changes, and annual open enrollment.
• Administer employee enrollments, COBRA, terminations, changes, and various claims processes.

Vendor and Billing Management:

• Serve as the primary contact for plan vendors and third-party administrators, coordinating data transfer and services.
• Reconcile monthly benefits billing and investigate discrepancies.

Leave Administration and Compliance:

• Oversee employee leaves of absence and ensure compliance with company policies and legal regulations.
• Process and approve leave requests and maintain accurate leave records.

Technical Support and Reporting:

• Maintain and update employee benefits files and databases, prepare regular reports and provide technical support.
• Maintain records and reports regarding leave usage and tracking for management.

Customer Service and Communication:

• Provide customer service support to internal and external customers, resolving eligibility inquiries and benefits issues.
• Develop communication tools and materials for benefits orientations, open enrollment, and summary plan descriptions, and conduct presentations and training.
• Communicate leave policies and provide guidance and support to employees regarding their leave entitlements.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources or a related field, or 5 years of relevant experience.
• Three (3) years or more related experience in benefits administration.
• Knowledge of all pertinent federal and state regulations, filing, and compliance requirements affecting employee benefits programs, including ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125, workers’ compensation, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and DOL requirements.
• 401(k) retirement plan administration experience, including open enrollment, terminations, audits, rollovers, loans, and annual reports.
• Understanding of HR best practices in benefits and total rewards.
• Experience with HR Information Systems and HCM software to conduct quantitative and qualitative research.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate data and provide actionable insights.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred.
• Ability to work extended hours, including weekends, and travel locally as needed to support business needs.

Physical/Environmental Demands:

• Seeing, hearing, and smelling continuously.
• Sitting, standing, and walking frequently.
• Handling (holding), balancing, bending, crouching, kneeling, pushing, & reaching occasionally.
• Exposure to dust, smoke, fumes, odors, noise, grease, oil, hot/cold temperatures, and vibration frequently.
• Exposure to electrical hazards, chemicals, standing on concrete, and uneven or slippery surfaces occasionally.
• Works primarily in an office setting but may work outdoors on occasion.

Salary: $71,123 - $108,072

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance