Benefits Specialist

The Benefits Specialis
t is responsible for supporting and administering employee benefit programs, including health and welfare plans, retirement plans, supporting the leave of absence process, and other employee reward programs. The successful candidate will be an independent self-starter with exceptional communication and organization skills, superb multi-tasking abilities and outstanding client service skills. This position reports to the Total Rewards Manager.

• Administer employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement plans, COBRA, and wellness.
• Maintain confidential and accurate benefit records in compliance with plan rules and regulatory requirements.
• Support annual Open Enrollment activities, including testing, vendor coordination, reporting, and communications.
• Partner in development of benefits communication, education, and program development.
• Support administration of leaves of absence, including FMLA, state leave programs, disability benefits, and company leave policies.

Employee Support

• Serve as a primary resource for employees, HR partners, and managers on benefit eligibility, enrollment, qualifying life events, plan details, and general inquiries.
• Resolve employee benefit issues by partnering with vendors, payroll, and HR teams.
• Assist with New Hire Benefits Orientation meetings with possibility of periodic domestic travel to company clinics (travel 5-10%). Fully knowledgeable of benefits and demonstrates strong engagement when educating, responding to inquiries, and dealing with escalated issues.

Vendor and Carrier Coordination

• Collaborate with benefit vendors and insurance carriers to research and resolve discrepancies and eligibility concerns.
• Assist with invoice review and reconciliation to ensure accurate and timely payments.

Compliance, Reporting & Process Improvement

• Assist with benefit-related audits, reconciliations, and regulatory reporting.
• Improve processes enhancing benefit delivery, employee experience, and compliance.
• Support Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliance activities, including eligibility tracking, reporting, and coordinating with internal teams and vendors to ensure accurate and timely filings.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including benefit administration and special projects.

Experience

• 3+ years of previous benefit administration experience with demonstrated knowledge of health and welfare plans, life and disability insurance, retirement plans, and leave programs.
• 3+ years working with an HRIS system, preferably Workday.

Education

Skills

• Advanced knowledge of federal and state laws regarding benefits (i.e. COBRA, ERISA, Section 125, ACA), working knowledge of FMLA, ADA, Worker’s Compensation, strong knowledge of health and welfare benefits.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with ability to research issues, interpret plan rules, and provide clear guidance.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to explain complex benefit concepts in a clear, employee-friendly manner.
• High attention to detail with strong organizational and time management skills to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Collaborative mindset with ability to work effectively across HR, payroll, vendors, and employee groups.
• Ability to write and generate reports, create data visualizations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Physical Requirements

• Remain in seated position at least 75% of the time.
• Ability to communicate with others via in-person verbal communication, as well as frequent emails and phone/video calls. Must be able to exchange clear, accurate information in these situations.
• Ability to utilize a computer, keyboard and mouse when working.

Work Location

• Hybrid:
  Two-three days per week in the Chicago corporate office (1 S. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606).

Salary Range
: $65, per year

Blue River Pet Care team members are eligible to participate in the discretionary annual bonus program.

Blue River Pet Care offers the following benefits:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Flexible & Health Spending Accounts
• Disability, Life Insurance, and Critical Illness Coverage
• Retirement plans with company match
• Paid Time Off (PTO), Holidays, and Bereavement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Pet Perks with industry vendor partners, including deals on insurance, preventatives, food, and supplies
• Chicago CTA Transit Program Benefits
• Discounted gym memberships for local Chicago team members
• Childcare discounts with Kinder Care
• Exclusive travel, entertainment, and retail discounts
• Hybrid and remote opportunities

We’re proud to announce that Blue River Pet Care is a certified Great Place To Work!

Blue River Pet Care is a multi-state owner and operator of high-quality veterinary hospitals, with our corporate office located in downtown Chicago. We provide an exit strategy for owners of veterinary…