Benefits Specialist

Job Description

Position Title: Benefits Specialist

Position Reports To: Director, Total Rewards + HR Technology

Position Summary

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Company's employee benefits and retirement programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, leave of absence programs, and 401(k) plan administration. This position serves as the primary point of contact for employee benefit inquiries, benefits enrollments, qualifying life events, vendor coordination, and benefits administration activities. The Benefits Specialist partners closely with the Director, Total Rewards & HR Technology to ensure benefit programs are administered efficiently, employees receive excellent service, and compliance requirements are met.

Essential Functions

• Administer various employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability, wellness, and retirement plans.

• Process new hire enrollments, qualifying life events, terminations, and benefit changes within Workday and applicable vendor systems.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefits inquiries and assist employees with benefits-related questions, issues, and claim resolution.

• Coordinate with insurance carriers, brokers, third-party administrators, and vendors to resolve eligibility, enrollment, billing, and claims issues.

• Administer leave of absence programs, including FMLA and other company leave programs, while coordinating with employees, managers, and vendors.

• Administer ACA compliance and reporting activities, ensuring accurate employee eligibility tracking and timely filing requirements.

• Prepare and reconcile monthly benefits invoices and coordinate with Finance regarding payment and reporting requirements.

• Support annual open enrollment activities, including employee communications, enrollment audits, system testing, employee education, and enrollment processing.

• Maintain accurate employee benefits records and ensure data integrity between Workday, payroll, and vendor systems.

• Coordinate retirement plan administrative activities, including weekly contribution submissions, participant transactions, and employee inquiries.

• Assist with benefits audits, compliance activities, and required reporting to support regulatory requirements.

• Develop and distribute benefits communications, educational materials, and required employee notices.

• Generate reports and assist with analysis related to benefits participation, utilization, and program effectiveness.

• Maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, and FMLA.

• Support special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field preferred.

• 4+ years of employee benefits administration experience.

• Experience administering health and welfare benefit programs.

• Experience with leave administration and benefits compliance requirements.

• Experience with HRIS/HCM systems; Workday experience preferred.

• Experience supporting retirement plans and 401(k) administration preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, FMLA, and other applicable benefits regulations.

• Strong customer service and employee relations skills.

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.

• Ability to build effective working relationships with employees, leaders, vendors, brokers, and external partners.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods.

• Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.

• No adverse environmental conditions expected.