What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr. Benefits Specialist position at Meritrust Credit Union?
Not a fully remote position
We recognize that in order to meet the needs of our communities, we must represent our communities. Our success relies on creating a culture where we have diverse perspectives and a true sense of belonging. This is a journey, and we pledge to do more than simply check the box.
When you join the Meritrust team, your benefits will include:
The Senior Benefits Specialist is responsible for the design, administration, compliance, and ongoing evaluation of the credit union’s employee benefits programs. This role serves as the subject matter expert for all health & welfare benefits, retirement plans, leave programs, and wellness initiatives. The Senior Benefits Specialist ensures programs are competitive, cost-effective, legally compliant, and aligned with the credit union’s Total Rewards strategy. The role also provides high-level employee support, vendor oversight, data integrity, and process improvement within the Human Resources function.
Essential Functions
We recognize that in order to meet the needs of our communities, we must represent our communities. Our success relies on creating a culture where we have diverse perspectives and a true sense of belonging. This is a journey, and we pledge to do more than simply check the box.
When you join the Meritrust team, your benefits will include:
- Comprehensive medical insurance plan
- Dental and vision insurance
- Generous paid-time-off
- 12 paid holidays
- Annual bonus (based off of annual results/scorecard each year)
- 401(k) plan
- Wellness program
- Tuition assistance
- Employee loan discount
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Life and disability coverage
- Career development and pathing opportunities to move into leadership roles or other lines of business within MCU such as Commercial Lending, Finance, Marketing, Underwriting, Member Solutions, Training, Human Resources, and more.
- Supportive and engaging work environment.
- A wellness and sustainable work culture that puts family, Mother Nature, our community, and your health first.
- A work environment that encourages personal as much as professional growth, teamwork to make the dream work, and treating everyone equally.
- Studies have shown that individuals from marginalized and or historically underrepresented groups may be less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage you to apply for a job at Meritrust Credit Union, even if you don’t meet every one of our qualifications listed.
The Senior Benefits Specialist is responsible for the design, administration, compliance, and ongoing evaluation of the credit union’s employee benefits programs. This role serves as the subject matter expert for all health & welfare benefits, retirement plans, leave programs, and wellness initiatives. The Senior Benefits Specialist ensures programs are competitive, cost-effective, legally compliant, and aligned with the credit union’s Total Rewards strategy. The role also provides high-level employee support, vendor oversight, data integrity, and process improvement within the Human Resources function.
Essential Functions
- Participate and provide input in the design and oversight of the administration of all employee benefit programs, including health & welfare plans, retirement plans, leave programs, and wellness initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational strategy and compliance requirements.
- Serve as the subject matter expert for benefits programs, providing guidance and strategic recommendations to leadership on plan design, cost management, and competitive positioning.
- Manage annual open enrollment, including planning, vendor coordination, system configuration, and development of communication strategies to optimize employee engagement.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations (ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, ACA, Workers’ Compensation), exercising judgment in interpreting regulatory requirements and implementing necessary changes.
- Develop and maintain internal controls and audit processes to ensure data integrity within HRIS systems and accurate transmission to benefit carriers.
- Work with internal communication team to develop and execute communication strategies for benefits, wellness, and total rewards programs, tailoring messaging for diverse employee audiences.
- Contribute input on Total Rewards initiatives, including benchmarking, policy development, plan redesign, and due diligence for mergers/acquisitions.
- Develop and deliver training for HR team members, managers, and employees on benefits processes, compliance requirements, and best practices.
- Participate in budget planning and vendor renewal and contract review processes, ensuring cost-effectiveness and alignment with organizational objectives.
- Maintain and update standard operating procedures, compliance documentation, and internal policies related to benefits and leave programs.
- Act as backup for Employee Benefits Specialist and deliver benefits presentations during new hire orientation.
- Serve as system administrator of benefits within the HRIS system. Maintain and update benefit plans, including premium allocations. Complete the benefit rollover process at the beginning of each new plan year in the system.
- Gathers employee data and oversees reconciliation of all health care billings and invoices ensuring accuracy for payment of administrative fees.
Salary : $78,068 - $97,585