Benefits Specialist

Position Summary The Benefits Specialist supports the Company’s benefits strategy and day-to-day benefits administration by serving as a knowledgeable resource for benefit plans, eligibility, approvals, compliance, and employee support. This role partners closely with the Director of HR Systems & Total Rewards and cross-functional teams to help employees understand and effectively use their benefits while supporting initiatives that improve the overall benefits experience.

The position supports benefits-related projects, events, communications, vendor coordination, enrollment approvals, qualifying life event (QLE) administration, HRIS maintenance, and oversight of COBRA administration through external partners.

Key Responsibilities Benefits Expertise & Employee Support Serve as a primary resource for benefit programs, eligibility rules, plan provisions, and employee guidance.

Review and process benefits enrollments and qualifying life events (QLEs) for accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with applicable plan terms.

Provide responsive customer service to employees seeking assistance with claims, plan details, well-being programs, and vendor escalations.

Conduct benefits overviews for new hires and support benefits-related training and education.

Benefits Administration Manage benefits approvals, enrollment audits, and ongoing benefits maintenance in the HRIS.Coordinate with the Company’s COBRA administrator and validate applicable data, notices, and administration.

Support open enrollment, including system testing and verification, communications, employee education, and issue resolution.

Review benefits data for accuracy and partner with Payroll to resolve deduction, retro activity, and eligibility discrepancies.

Strategic Projects & Programs Lead or support projects related to benefit plan enhancements, process improvements, and new program rollouts.

Coordinate employee benefits and wellness events, including logistics and budget tracking for approved initiatives.

Analyze employee engagement and utilization trends and recommend opportunities to improve the employee benefits experience.

Vendor & Cross-Functional Coordination Serve as a liaison among employees, benefit carriers, brokers, vendors, Payroll, HR, and other internal partners.

Support plan renewals, data validation, vendor implementation activities, and benefits reporting.

Compliance & Documentation Support benefits administration in accordance with applicable federal and state requirements and plan documents, including ERISA, COBRA, ACA, and HIPAA requirements, as applicable.

Maintain accurate benefits documentation, plan materials, internal procedures, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).Assist with benefits-related audits, required notices, reporting, and compliance activities.

Maintain confidentiality of employee benefits and protected information in accordance with Company policy and applicable law.

Additional Responsibilities Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Required2–4+ years of experience in benefits administration, HR operations, or a related field.

Working knowledge of QLE processing, benefits eligibility rules, and COBRA administration.

Experience coordinating with benefit vendors, carriers, brokers, or third-party administrators.

Strong attention to detail and experience working in HRIS or benefits administration systems.

Excellent written and verbal communication and customer service skills.

Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing processes and business needs.

Preferred Experience coordinating wellness or benefits engagement events.

Familiarity with budgeting or cost tracking for HR or benefits programs.

CEBS, SHRM-CP, PHR, or related certification, or progress toward certification.

Experience supporting a multi-state or fast-growing organization.