D E S C R I P T I O N S U M M AR Y

A Benefit Specialist is responsible for managing employee benefits programs within an organization. Their duties include administering benefits, assisting employees with inquiries, ensuring compliance with regulations, communicating benefit details to employees, coordinating with vendors, managing data, overseeing open enrollment, resolving issues, and contributing to benefits strategy development. They play a key role in ensuring employees understand and receive their entitled benefits while helping employers maintain competitive and compliant benefits programs.

D U T I E S AND R E S P O N S I B I L I T I E S

General Duties:

• Handle the enrollment, termination, and modification of employee benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, life insurance, disability insurance, and other perks or incentives offered by the employer.
• Primary point of contact for employees regarding their benefits inquiries, concerns, or issues.
• Provide guidance and assistance to employees regarding their benefit options, coverage details, and eligibility criteria.
• Ensure that all employee benefits programs comply with relevant laws, regulations, and company policies. This includes staying updated on changes to healthcare laws (e.g., ACA) and ensuring that benefit plans meet compliance standards.
• Communicate benefit plan details to employees through various channels, such as employee handbooks, presentations, email, or one-on-one meetings. They also conduct educational sessions to help employees understand their benefit options and make informed decisions.
• Work closely with benefit plan vendors, such as insurance providers, retirement plan administrators, and third-party administrators, to manage benefit plans effectively. This may involve negotiating contracts, resolving issues, and ensuring smooth administration of benefits.
• Maintain accurate records of employee benefits enrollment, changes, and terminations.
• Analyze benefit utilization data to assess the effectiveness of benefit programs and identify areas for improvement.
• During open enrollment periods, Benefit Specialists coordinate the enrollment process, communicate plan changes or updates to employees, and assist employees in making informed decisions about their benefit selections.
• Address employee concerns or complaints related to benefits promptly and effectively, working to resolve issues in a timely manner while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
• May be involved in developing and implementing strategic initiatives related to employee benefits, such as introducing new benefit offerings, restructuring existing plans, or optimizing benefits to attract and retain talent.
• Other related duties, including special HR projects, as assigned.

Q U AL I F I C AT I O N S

• Proficient in MS Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to create and comprehend reports and spreadsheets
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team environment and under pressure of deadlines
• Excellent collaboration, teamwork and interpersonal skills
• Regular, physical attendance on a predictable basis is essential to the performance of this job
• Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Works well in group problem solving situations.
• Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
• Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently. Detail oriented and organized.
• Observes safety and security procedures; reports potentially unsafe conditions.
• Adapts to changes in the work environment; is able to deal with frequent change, delays or unexpected events.
• Fluency in English, Bilingual in Spanish is a plus
• Ability to travel, position requires travel up to 25% of the time.

E D U C AT I O N AND E X P E R I E N C E

• Minimum Experience: 3 - 5 years performing support activities in an HR department
• Required License: Not Applicable
• Preferred Certification: PHR or SHRM-CP Certified or seeking certification

P H Y S I C AL D E M AN D S

• Regularly required to sit and/or stand and may occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Long hours sitting and, on the computer, entering data