Benefits Specialist

About This Role

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for the daily administration of the organization's employee benefit programs, serving as a primary resource for employees regarding eligibility, enrollment, coverage, and plan administration. This position works closely with leadership, employees, HR partners, payroll, and vendors to ensure accurate and timely administration of health, welfare, and retirement programs.

Responsibilities

• Administer employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, HSA, FSA, 401(k), COBRA, and other benefit programs
• Serve as a primary point of contact for employee benefit questions and provide clear explanations regarding eligibility, coverage, enrollment, deductions, claims, and benefit plan provisions
• Oversee new hire benefit enrollments, qualifying life events, terminations, dependent changes, and other benefit-related transactions
• Monitor EDI file exchanges with each vendor and resolve discrepancies as needed
• Review benefit elections and supporting documentation to ensure changes comply with plan provisions and applicable Section 125 requirements
• Monitor benefit enrollment deadlines and follow up with employees regarding incomplete or outstanding elections and documentation
• Coordinate benefit coverage changes with insurance carriers, third-party administrators, payroll, and HRIS/benefits administration systems
• Research and resolve complex eligibility, enrollment, coverage, and payroll deduction discrepancies
• Assist employees with benefit claim and carrier issues and coordinate escalated matters with vendors as appropriate
• Support COBRA administration, including reviewing qualifying events and ensuring required information is transmitted accurately and timely to the COBRA administrator
• Assist with administration of employee benefits during FMLA and other approved leaves of absence, including employee premium collection and benefit status changes
• Support Leave administration with employee leave programs, including FMLA, state and local leave laws, personal leaves of absence, and company leave policies
• Coordinate STD/LTD claims administration
• Assist with paid parental leave process
• Review payroll benefit deductions and identify discrepancies requiring correction
• Maintain accurate employee benefit records and documentation
• Assist with annual Open Enrollment activities, including employee communications, system testing, enrollment support, and post-enrollment audits
• Support new-hire orientation and benefit education programs
• Coordinate with benefit vendors regarding eligibility files, enrollment issues, employee questions, and administrative concerns
• Assist with preparation and distribution of required benefit notices and employee communications