Senior Benefits Specialist – Health & Welfare Compliance

Description

Do you love health and welfare compliance?

Are you searching for important work in human resources with a focus on benefits?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking a Senior Benefits Specialist who serves as the subject matter expert on health and welfare plan compliance and administration. This role ensures the organization’s benefit programs remain compliant with federal and state regulations while supporting day‑to‑day plan operations, vendor management, and employee experience. The incumbent partners closely with HR, Legal, Payroll, and external vendors to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the company’s benefits programs.

As a Senior Benefits Specialist - Health & Welfare Compliance...

• Your primary responsibility will be to ensure compliance with ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, COBRA, Section 125, FMLA, State Leaves, and other federal/state regulations affecting group health and welfare plans.
• You will prepare, review, and maintain compliance documentation including Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs), Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBCs), 5500 filings, and required employee notices.
• You will support nondiscrimination testing, ACA reporting, and audit preparation.
• You will monitor regulatory changes and partner with legal counsel to interpret and implement new requirements.
• You will oversee vendor and plan compliance with Business Associate Agreements and data privacy standards.
• You will also provide support to day‑to‑day administration of health, dental, vision, life, disability and wellness programs.
• You will serve as an escalation point for complex employee benefit inquiries and issue resolution.
• You will collaborate with brokers, carriers, and third‑party administrators to ensure accurate eligibility, billing, and claims management.
• You will participate in annual open enrollment activities, including system setup, employee communications, and vendor coordination.
• You will audit benefit enrollment data and payroll deductions for accuracy and timeliness.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Possess a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Have 5+ years of progressive benefits experience, with emphasis on health and welfare plan compliance and administration
• Possess strong knowledge of applicable federal and state benefit regulations
• Have experience managing relationships with carriers, brokers, and third‑party administrators
• Have high attention to detail and strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Hold U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status, as required to access APL facilities and networks, subject to applicable laws

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Are proficient with HRIS/benefits systems and Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel).
• Hold CEBS, CBP, or related certification preferred.

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world‑class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore‑Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any…