Benefit Specialist

Energy Distribution Partn
Chicago, IL 60606, USA

This is an office-based role working out of our Chicago office.

Job Purpose

As our Benefits Specialist, you will support EDP employees with day-to-day benefits administration and operational execution to ensure processes run smoothly, accurately, and consistently. This role serves as the first point of contact for general benefits questions and provides practical, service-oriented support, with guidance and escalation support from senior benefits leadership as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Benefits Operations & Administration
  • Assist with benefits onboarding and ensure new hire make elections or waive coverage within the eligibility period
  • Maintain data accuracy across HRIS and benefits platforms through timely updates, audits, and reconciliation
  • Coordinate and process benefit changes, and invoice requests in a timely and accurate manner, escalating issues as needed
  • Manage EDP Connect by maintaining current benefits content and coordinating with vendors on notifications and employee messaging
  • Support wellness initiatives by coordinating logistics, prize tracking, and reward distribution
• Employee Support (Tier
  1)
  • Serve as the first point of contact for general benefits questions
  • Resolve routine inquiries independently
  • Escalate complex or sensitive issues with appropriate context and documentation
• Track carrier invoices and payment status
• Identify discrepancies and prepare summaries for review
• Submit, track, and monitor vendor support tickets as needed
• Partner with Finance to reconcile carrier invoices and ensure accurate internal coding.
• Leave of Absence (LOA)
  • Administer all leave programs, including FMLA, state-specific leaves, company medical leave, parental leave, personal leave, military leave, and ADA accommodations.
  • Serve as the primary contact for employees requesting leave; explain rights, responsibilities, timelines, and return to work processes.
  • Review and process leave request, medical certifications, extensions, and return to work documentation.
  • Track leave time, eligibility, and usage in accordance with federal/state laws and company policies.
  • Coordinate with payroll regarding timekeeping, pay adjustments, and benefits deductions during leave.
  • Ensure compliance with FMLA, ADA, HIPAA, and state leave regulations.
  • Communicate leave status updates to managers while protecting employee confidentiality.
• Manage logistics, timelines, and system setup
• Coordinate materials and employee communications (print + digital)
• Track enrollment completion and prepare reports
• Compliance & Reporting Support
  • Maintain audit-ready documentation (i.e., Plan documents (SPDs, SBCs), carrier contracts and amendments, open Enrollment material, benefit guides and employee communications, COBRA notices and election records, eligibility files and enrollment confirmations.
  • Pull recurring reports and eligibility files (i.e., Payroll /benefits comparison deduction reports, open enrollment summary reports, and new hire enrollment reports)
  • Support COBRA administrative processes
• Other duties as assigned and needed

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in, Human Resources, or closely related
• 3-4 years of benefits experience.
• Knowledge of HR systems and state/federal regulations.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Problem-solving and multitasking skills
• Professionalism and integrity
• Team orientated mindset
• In Office-based role
• Standard business hours, with potential for extended hours during peak HR cycles.

Direct Reports

None

Travel Requirements

0-5%

In addition to competitive wages, we are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to help support the physical and financial health of our employees and their families.

Our benefits program allows you to customize your coverage, to select the best plans to meet your family’s needs while taking advantage of tax savings. Eligible employees have the option to enroll in any of the following options with many of them offering pre-tax premium deductions to lower your taxable income, thereby reducing your income taxes.

• Medical Insurance – multiple options to choose from
• Voluntary Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• Confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Voluntary Supplemental Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability
• 401(K) with Company Match
• Tuition Reimbursement

As part of your comprehensive compensation package, we provide eligible employees with the following benefits at no cost:

• Paid Holidays & Time Off
• $50,000 Basic Life/AD&D benefit
• Long Term Disability

Pay
- Starting at $75,000, depending on experience

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.