Benefits Specialist

This will be a hybrid role based out of the Banfield Pet Hospital headquarters in Vancouver, WA.

Salary Range: $67,725 - $82,063 (DOE)

Summary and Qualifications:

The primary purpose and function of the Benefits Specialist is to ensure the practice’s LOA/ADA and benefits programs are accurately and efficiently administered in compliance with applicable laws and practice policies and to support associates regarding their LOA/ADA & benefits. 

This position will conduct LOA training, acting as a resource for key stakeholders and interact with associates to ensure adequate knowledge of and notification of LOA/ADA and benefits plan and coverage available to them.

This position will coordinate with outside vendors to ensure efficient and quality service provided to Banfield and our associates.

Essential Responsibilities and Tasks:

• Live and exemplify the Five Principles of Mars, Inc. within self and team.
• Maintain confidentiality of associate and practice data at all times; ensure HIPAA and data security policies are upheld.
• Respond to associates’ questions regarding LOA/ADA and benefits programs and policies. Ensure benefit inquiries are responded to promptly with quality customer service and detailed follow-through, recommending corrective or alternative actions to resolve problems.
• Administer leave of absence programs, associate leaves of absences (Federal and State FMLA, Personal Medical, Personal LOA, Parental Leave, Military and ADA, etc.) and medical accommodation requests in partnership with our external vendors and internal stakeholders in accordance with federal and state regulations and practice policies.
• Maintain awareness of federal and state laws pertaining to benefits and their potential impact on the practice’s LOA/ADA and benefit programs. Review, research and recommend modifications and/or enhancement to the leave of absence programs.
• Coordinate, develop and/or modify training materials; conduct training sessions as needed.
• Retrieve, compile and enter benefit information into HRIS and Payroll systems.
• Coordinate, develop and modify benefit processes and procedures as needed.
• Retrieve, compile and prepare benefit reports in a timely manner.
• Audit internal reports to ensure accuracy and consistency of participant accounts, information and premium deductions at regular intervals.
• Extrapolate data from multiple sources to create necessary reports for program administration.
• Prepare written communications for various benefits purposes (associate education, letters, emails, etc.)
• Assist with Open Enrollment, which may include: coordinate, develop and modify annual Open Enrollment guides, communication, project plan and other related materials; participate in ongoing user acceptance system testing; develop test cases; execute testing, provide feedback and recommendations.
• Work with the Manger of Benefits Operations on escalated benefits issues, and assist other Benefits Team associates with questions and customer service issues.
• Other job duties as assigned.

Special Working Conditions:

• Ability to work at a computer for long periods of time. 
• Project timelines and work volume/deadlines may often require more than 40 hours per week to complete essential duties of this job.
• Must have mental processes for reasoning, remembering, mathematics and language ability (reading, writing, and speaking the English language) to perform the duties proficiently.
• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form and to solve problems involving several variables.
• Ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb as well as manipulate (lift, carry, move) up to 50 pounds.
• Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm-hand-finger dexterity with the ability to grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard and operate necessary equipment.
• The noise level in the work environment is normally moderate.
• Environment where pets are present.

Experience, Education and/or Training:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or Business Administration is preferred, or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• CPDM, CEBS, CBP, PHR or SPHR certification is preferred.
• Three years of experience administering LOA/ADA and employee benefit plans are required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of employee benefits administration (HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, LOA, Disability, COBRA and ERISA) is required.
• Relevant professional experience administering LOA/ADA and employee benefit plans is required.
• Experience with Oracle Cloud and/or WorkDay is preferred.

What We Offer – The Good Stuff:

• Competitive salary with paid time off & holidays so you can spend time with the people you love
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your loved ones
• Fertility and family-building assistance
• Paid Parental leave
• Practice Paid Basic Life Insurance
• Practice Paid Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Competitive referral program – join our team, bring your friends, and get paid*
• Automatic enrollment 401(k) Savings Plan after 60 days of employment with generous company match
• Commuter Benefits
• Legal Plan
• Health Savings Account & Flexible Spending Account
• Mental health support and resources
• Paid Volunteering
• Optimum Wellness Plans® for up to three pets
• Continuing Education allowance & MED hours for eligible positions
• Student Debt Relief (for full-time DVMs)
• A Variety of discounts including Mars, PetSmart, Royal Canin, fitness, cellular and so much more

Even More Good Stuff:

• Opportunities for growth and leadership roles at Banfield, Mars, and other divisions of Mars
• Health and well-being benefits to support quality of life
• Associate-led equity, inclusion, and diversity groups (we have 7 of them!)
• Awesome opportunities to volunteer through Mars Volunteer Program, like volunteering at coral reef cleanups or on research vessels!

*Terms and conditions apply

**Benefits eligibility is based on employment status

WE ARE A DRUG-FREE, SMOKE-FREE, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

Banfield Pet Hospital® strongly supports and values the uniqueness of all individuals and promotes a work environment where diversity is embraced. Banfield Pet Hospital is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability. Banfield Pet Hospital complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every Banfield location.