Benefits Specialist

Job Title: Benefits Specialist

Targeted Pay: $65k - $75k

Location: Raleigh, NC

Hours: 8am-5pm

Work Environment: Fully On-Site

Experience Required: 5-7 years in benefits administration

Preferred Qualifications: PHR and/or CEBS (Certified Employee Benefits Specialist) certification

Travel: Annual open enrollment session lasting 3 weeks, requiring travel to various offices in NC, SC, and VA.

Software Experience: Dayforce (HRIS)

Primary Function:

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for overseeing and managing the day-to-day operations of the company’s group benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, flexible spending, and 401(k) plans. This role involves delivering excellent customer service, improving existing programs, and supervising the benefits administration team.

Benefits Management:

• Lead the planning and execution of the annual insurance Open Enrollment process.
• Develop employee materials, schedule on-site and virtual education sessions, and deliver benefits education.
• Ensure updates are made in the HCM system, including changes to benefits, premiums, and plan design.
• Monitor employee enrollment progress and coordinate communication efforts.
• Work with carriers on data transfers, troubleshooting issues as needed.

Systems & Data Management:

• Oversee benefits administration within the HCM system, ensuring accurate enrollments and vendor file management.
• Troubleshoot system issues and maintain data exchange standards.
• Perform plan audits and prepare data for benefit renewals, RFPs, annual testing, and problem resolution.
• Analyze vendor reporting and provide insights for improvement based on data and employee feedback.
• Complete benefit surveys and assess results to improve offerings.

Benefits Administration:

• Maintain and update administrative procedures for benefit processes.
• Ensure compliance with relevant government regulations and assist with reporting and tax filings.
• Maintain relationships with key benefit-related vendors, particularly health plan administrators and 401(k) providers.

Relationship Management:

• Provide high-level customer service to employees and managers, addressing complex benefits inquiries and claims issues.
• Conduct new hire benefits orientation.
• Act as a liaison between employees, managers, and vendors to resolve benefits-related issues.

Corporate Wellness Program:

• Lead and manage the company’s corporate wellness program, acting as the primary point of contact with vendors.
• Schedule wellness activities, promote initiatives, and communicate with employees about wellness offerings.
• Develop and deliver health challenges and educational campaigns across the company.
• Empower local wellness champions and organize annual meetings.

Projects (15% of time):

• Develop communication materials, newsletters, and presentations to enhance employee understanding of benefits.
• Assist with policy creation and revisions, including research as needed.

Minimum Requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field, with 5-7 years of benefits administration experience.
• Preferred certifications: SHRM-CP or PHR and CEBS.

Skills / Abilities:

• Proficient in MS Office, HRIS/HCM systems, and benefits enrollment software.
• Strong verbal and written communication, analytical, time management, and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations impacting employee benefits programs (e.g., ACA, ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125).
• Experience with benefits plan designs, compliance requirements, and vendor management.