Benefits Specialist

Summary

The Benefits Specialist’s primary responsibility is to manage and administer benefit and leave programs for the Foundation and to ensure compliance with ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, COBRA, Section 125, FMLA, State Leaves, Unemployment, Workers’ Compensation, and other federal and state regulations affecting employee benefits plans. This role is required to maintain confidentiality and to safeguard sensitive employee and HR information, files, records, and data.

The ideal candidate has previously worked in a relevant role within a similar organization. You will manage the day-to-day administration of health, dental, vision, life, disability, wellness, retirement, leave, and mandated benefits. In this role, you will also manage eligibility and enrollment; build and maintain relationships with plan providers; manage benefit invoices and payroll deductions and contributions; resolve disputes; and manage job descriptions and classifications.

In addition, you must be well-versed in employee benefits, leave, compliance, and coordinating the annual benefits renewal. You must have strong organizational and analytical skills; maintain a thorough understanding of and stay up to date with relevant laws and regulations; ensure confidentiality of information; and possess effective program and time management skills.

• You will ensure compliance with ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, COBRA, Section 125, FMLA, Workers’ Compensation, and all other federal and state regulations affecting employee benefits.

• You will provide day-to-day administration of health, dental, vision, life, disability, wellness, and retirement programs (401(k)). This also includes determining eligibility, offering coverage, and administering leave, workers’ compensation, and unemployment claims.

• You will serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefits and leave, and as an escalation point for complex employee benefit inquiries and issue resolution.

• You will collaborate with HR, Payroll, and external vendors to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the Foundation’s benefits programs.

• You will prepare, review, distribute, and maintain compliance documentation, including Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs), Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBCs), Form 5500 filings, and required employee notices.

• You will administer nondiscrimination testing, ACA reporting, and audit preparation.

• You will coordinate the annual renewal and open enrollment activities, including system setup, distribution of employee communications, and vendor coordination.

• You will monitor regulatory changes and partner with the CHRO and legal counsel to interpret and implement new requirements.

• You will audit benefit enrollment data, payroll deductions, and employer contributions for accuracy and timeliness, collaborating with Payroll and HR to ensure accuracy and timeliness.

• You will oversee vendor and plan compliance with Business Associate Agreements and data privacy standards.

• You will collaborate with brokers, carriers, and third-party administrators to ensure accurate eligibility, billing, and claims management. This includes monitoring and managing automated file feeds for health and retirement plans.

• You will assist with maintaining job descriptions, levels, and determining job classifications.

• You will support the annual merit and compensation processes, including updating the HRIS with salary information.

• As needed, you will respond to and submit information and statistics for regulatory agencies and organizations.

• Other duties, as assigned.

• HR or related degree and/or equivalent work experience.

• Four (4) or more years of practical experience administering employee health and welfare, leave, and retirement plans.

• PHR, CEBS, QKA, or other relevant certifications are desirable.

• Extensive knowledge of employee benefits, employment regulations, and applicable laws.

• Insurance industry knowledge.

• Experience working in a variety of benefit plan structures (including consortium benefits).

• Strong computer literacy and…