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, 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.

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.