Benefit Specialist - Health and Welfare

Benefit Specialist - Health and Welfare

Cayuga Health and its affiliates are the region's leading healthcare system and most trusted providers of integrated health services, empowering our people in our mission to equitably improve the well-being of the communities we serve. Our commitment to providing extraordinary healthcare begins with our team of extraordinary professionals who are continuously discovering clinical innovations and enhancing access to the most up-to-date facilities, equipment, technologies, and research protocols. Cayuga Health's commitment to our employees includes competitive compensation, comprehensive employee benefits programs, and the opportunity to explore and build a career in healthcare through our many professional development programs. 

The Benefit Specialist - Health and Welfare is responsible for managing and administering employee health and welfare benefits programs. This role ensures compliance with company policies and federal/state regulations while providing excellent service to employees regarding benefits inquiries, enrollments, and changes. The Specialist will also manage related processes, maintain accurate records, and collaborate with HR, payroll, and external vendors to support benefits administration.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Respond to employee benefits inquiries professionally and manage the personal inbox for timely communication.
• Handle Jira tickets, resolve benefit-related issues, and process Personnel Action Forms (PAFs) for hires, terminations, and transfers.
• Oversee benefit administration, including enrollments, changes, terminations, and COBRA file processing.
• Review and approve benefit changes for Qualified Life Events (QLEs) and ensure accurate payroll reporting for dependent and domestic partner benefits.
• Manage billing for LTD, Voluntary Life, AD&D insurance, and premium payments
• Submit and verify ACA compliance reports (1095-C) and process Child Medical Support Notices.
• Conduct weekly benefit orientations, assist with Open Enrollment, and provide retiree life and health insurance follow-up.
• Participate in benefit surveys to maintain competitive offerings and ensure accurate fringe benefits reporting.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred, or equivalent work experience.
• 4 years of experience in benefits administration, HR, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of health and welfare benefits programs, ACA compliance, COBRA, and other applicable regulations.
• Experience working with HRIS and benefits management systems.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with employees and external vendors.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and HR technology platforms.
• Experience working in a multi-state environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience working with Plan Source, 4MyBenefits, and iSolve.
• Certification in HR (e.g., PHR, SHRM-CP) or Benefits (e.g., CEBS, CBP) is a plus.
• Familiarity with retiree benefits administration and fringe benefits compliance.

Physical Requirements:

• 90% sitting 10% standing

Location and Travel Requirements:

• Hybrid at CHS Warren Rd

Pay Range Disclosure:

• $75,000 to $90,000 per year

Cayuga Health System and its affiliates are committed to treating all patients, providers, staff and volunteers equitably and with dignity, ensuring the highest levels of safety, care and respect, and striving to recognize and overcome biases and policies that contribute to disparities in healthcare access, equitable care and positive health outcomes for all.

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, supporting the growth and health of our employees and community by embracing the rich diversity, needs and circumstances of all peoples and prioritizing opportunities to build a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable protected characteristics.

If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact the Cayuga Health Talent Acquisition team at talentacquisition@cayugahealth.org.

I certify that the information contained in this application is correct and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification or omission of information may disqualify me from further consideration for employment or, if hired, may result in termination. In consideration for my employment, I agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the company, which rules may be changed, withdrawn, added, or interpreted at any time, at the company's sole option and without prior notice to me.

I understand that any hiring decision is contingent upon my successful completion of all of the Company's lawful pre-employment/post-offer checks, which may include a background check, drug screen, employment references, and licensing review. If I am made a conditional offer of employment, I agree to execute any consent forms necessary for the Company to conduct its lawful pre-employment/post-offer checks. Such checks will not be conducted until allowed under applicable federal, state, and local law. I understand if I have a criminal background, it will not automatically disqualify me from employment unless otherwise required by law. I agree to execute any consent forms necessary for the Company to conduct its lawful pre-employment checks.

I also understand that the Company is a drug and alcohol-free workplace and has a drug and alcohol testing program consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. I understand that after a conditional offer of employment, I must submit to and pass a pre-employment drug test as a condition of employment.

Salary : $75,000 - $90,000