Benefits Specialist

Description

The Benefits Specialist supports the administration of employee benefits programs within a Catholic, mission-driven organization. This role serves as a primary resource for lay employees by providing guidance on health and welfare benefits, retirement plans, leave administration, and benefits-related services.

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day administration of employee benefit programs, open enrollment, employee education, vendor coordination, compliance, and leave management. Working closely with Human Resources, Payroll, HRIS, insurance carriers, brokers, and third-party vendors, this position helps ensure benefits programs are administered accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable regulations.

The ideal candidate is customer-focused, detail-oriented, and experienced in benefits administration, leave management, and employee support.

Requirements

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement, wellness, and voluntary benefit offerings.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefits inquiries and provide guidance regarding eligibility, coverage, enrollment, claims, and plan provisions.

• Oversee the annual open enrollment process, including employee communication, education sessions, system updates, and enrollment activities.

• Process benefit enrollments, changes, terminations, and qualifying life event requests.

• Maintain accurate benefits records and documentation while ensuring compliance with applicable federal and state regulations.

• Conduct regular audits of benefit data to ensure accuracy across HRIS, payroll, and benefits administration systems.

• Coordinate benefit deductions with Payroll and resolve employee benefit-related discrepancies.

• Assist with benefits reconciliation, reporting, and compliance activities.

• Develop and distribute employee-facing benefits communications, educational materials, and resources throughout the year.

• Support employee wellness initiatives and benefit engagement programs.

Vendor Management & Benefits Partnerships

• Serve as a primary contact for insurance carriers, brokers, retirement plan administrators, and third-party benefit vendors.

• Coordinate eligibility, enrollment, and data exchange processes with benefit providers.

• Work closely with vendors to resolve employee benefit issues and ensure timely service delivery.

• Participate in vendor meetings and assist with evaluating the effectiveness of benefit programs.

• Support the implementation of benefit plan changes, enhancements, and new programs.

• Maintain productive working relationships with external partners to ensure competitive and cost-effective benefits offerings.

Leave Management

Administer employee leave programs, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, parental leave, disability leave, and other organizational leave programs.

• Track leave requests and maintain all required documentation.

• Communicate with employees, managers, Human Resources, and third-party administrators regarding leave-related matters.

• Ensure compliance with federal and state leave regulations.

• Assist employees throughout the leave process by providing guidance and support.

• Coordinate leave-related payroll and benefits impacts with Payroll and HRIS teams.

Compliance, Reporting & Administration

• Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, and other applicable regulations.

• Prepare benefits-related reports, audits, and compliance documentation.

• Maintain employee benefit records and support annual reporting requirements.

• Assist with plan audits, vendor reviews, and process improvement initiatives.

• Support HR projects and other departmental initiatives as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or a related field preferred.

• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in benefits administration, Human Resources, or a related field.

• Experience administering employee health and welfare plans, retirement programs, and leave management.

• Experience working with insurance carriers, brokers, payroll teams, and third-party vendors.

• Experience administering or supporting FMLA, ADA accommodations, and leave programs.

• Experience in a nonprofit, educational, healthcare, or faith-based organization preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of employee benefits administration, retirement plans, and leave management.

• Working knowledge of ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, and related employment regulations.

• Ability to interpret and explain complex benefits information clearly and effectively.

• Strong problem-solving and customer service skills.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Ability to maintain highly sensitive and confidential information.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Experience using HRIS, benefits administration platforms, and Microsoft Office applications.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with Human Resources, Payroll, HRIS, vendors, and employees.

Salary : $75,000 - $85,000