Benefits Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

Benefits Specialist is responsible for the administration of the company’s health & welfare and well-being programs. Assists leadership to leverage these programs to attract and retain talent. Ensures benefit and well-being programs and initiatives are communicated, processed and delivered within company and regulatory requirements. This position is designed for a benefits professional who has passion for employee benefit and well-being programs and delivering exceptional customer service.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Acts as primary point of contact for the administration of company’s health & welfare benefit and well-being program offerings to address employee questions, resolve issues and work closely with third-party administrators, as appropriate. 
• Works collaboratively with IT, Payroll and HRIS to implement the open enrollment process, including setup, communications and enrollment of employee benefits. 
• Provides day-to-day expertise, education and administration on all leave of absence matters; maintains working knowledge of the interaction of FMLA, short-term, long-term disability benefits and/or ADA accommodations. 
• Facilitates the new hire benefit orientation process and ensures all presentation materials are accurate and current; assists with benefit enrollment training. 
• Processes the company’s workers' compensation claims in compliance with company policy, laws and regulations. 
• Serves as the wellness ambassador for the company's well-being program; creates content and maintains a diverse, interesting and challenging wellness calendar to support the overall health of employees and the company. 
• Maintains working knowledge of legislation impacting benefits programs. 
• Works closely with department leadership to design, develop and implement an effective communication strategy to ensure employees value and understand benefit and well-being programs. 
• Compiles benefits and well-being related statistics as requested by internal departments, vendors, auditors and/or actuaries. 
• Maintains summary of plan changes and amendments by plan for annual report out. 
• Assists with benchmarking best practices and stays up-to-date on applicable benefits legislation.
• Works with vendor partners to develop, coordinate and implement the company's well-being program. 
• Makes budget recommendations regarding benefit and well-being initiatives and programs. 
• Assists with project planning including processes, tasks and timelines.
• Assists with compiling data for annual legal reporting filed with federal and state agencies and other regulatory agencies. 
• Interprets FMLA, COBRA, ERISA, HIPAA and Section 125 and responds to general inquiries.
• Streamlines, maintains and sustains consistent practices to meet internal benefit procedures and local, state and federal legal and regulatory requirements. 

• Identifies necessary changes to ensure efficient and accurate workflow, internally and with third-party vendors.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Communications or related field or relevant, equivalent experience and/or education. 
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in corporate benefits and wellness.
• Experience with Cloud based HRIS.
• Must be proactive, analytical and a "go-getter" with proven experience administering health and welfare, and wellness programs. 
• Working knowledge of Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), IRS Section 125 and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills and intermediate to advance functional knowledge in Excel.
• Detailed, deadline and compliance oriented. 
• Ability to work with highly confidential information. 
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. 
• Outstanding customer service skills.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer. ITC does not sponsor employment visas, such as H-1B or TN visas.