About this role
Position Summary
The Benefits Specialist supports the Companys 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 Companys 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, retroactivity, 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.
Qualifications
Required
- 2–4+ 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.