Benefits Specialist

Position Overview

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day administration, compliance, and management of employee health and welfare benefit programs. This role serves as the primary point of contact for employee benefits inquiries and ensures accurate processing, regulatory compliance, and smooth execution of all benefit-related activities.

Required Qualifications

To be considered, candidates should have:

• At least 3 years of direct, hands-on experience administering employee health and welfare benefits
• Experience managing benefits within an HRIS and reconciling carrier invoices and payroll deductions
• Experience independently leading or co-leading annual open enrollment
• Strong knowledge of ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, and related regulations
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills

Key Responsibilities

• Administer employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, HSA, and 401(k)
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefits inquiries
• Support new hire onboarding and benefits enrollment
• Coordinate annual open enrollment, including employee communications and system updates
• Oversee COBRA administration and termination processing
• Administer retirement and profit-sharing plans
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, including ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, and ACA
• Coordinate preparation and filing of Form 5500 and related documentation
• Support audits and documentation requests
• Maintain plan documents and monitor vendor performance
• Reconcile benefit invoices and ensure billing accuracy
• Work closely with brokers and carriers to resolve escalated issues
• Assist with benefit renewals and cost analysis
• Support administration of leave of absence programs
• Coordinate workers’ compensation reporting and documentation
• Maintain benefit-related data within HRIS systems
• Prepare reports and analytics related to participation and costs
• Partner with Payroll to ensure accurate deductions and adjustments
• Provide backup payroll support as needed

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred
• 3–5 years of benefits administration experience
• Experience with HRIS systems and payroll integration
• Professional certifications such as CEBS, SHRM-CP, or PHR are a plus

Preferred Attributes

• Strong customer service orientation
• Ability to maintain confidential information with discretion and integrity
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Highly organized with strong follow-through
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment
• Collaborative team player with excellent interpersonal skills