What are the responsibilities and job description for the Benefits Specialist position at Petersen Inc.?
**Essential Duties and Responsibilities**
**Education and Experience**
- Administer employee benefit programs including health, welfare, retirement, and voluntary plans.
- Coordinate benefit enrollments, qualifying life events, terminations, and annual open enrollment activities.
- Respond to employee questions regarding coverage, eligibility, claims, and plan provisions.
- Serve as liaison between employees, carriers, third-party administrators, and vendors to resolve benefit issues, escalating to Benefits Manager when necessary.
- Maintain accurate benefit records in HRIS and payroll systems.
- Audit benefit deductions, invoices, eligibility files, and enrollment data for accuracy.
- Support leave administration processes with third party vendor including FMLA, ADA accommodations, and other leave programs as assigned.
- Assist with preparation and distribution of employee benefit communications and educational materials.
- Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations including ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, and Section 125 requirements.
- Assist with benefit reporting, data analysis, and renewal preparation.
- Participate in wellness initiatives, employee meetings, and benefit education sessions.
- Recommend process improvements to enhance employee experience and administrative efficiency.
- Maintain confidentiality of employee and benefit information.
- Willingness to travel to other sites as needed.
**Education and Experience**
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
- **2 - 4 years of experience directly working with employee benefits highly preferred**. Minimum 5 years experience in human resources, or related area preferred.
- Experience working with self-funded health plans, third-party administrators, or HRIS systems is a plus.
- Ability to work onsite in Ogden, UT, Indianapolis, IN, or DFW, TX.
- Working knowledge of employee benefit plans and applicable regulations.
- Strong customer service and interpersonal communication skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and HRIS/payroll systems.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Precinmac Values Statement:** We are bound by Trust; we express our Gratitude, we lead with Action, we are poised for Growth, and we are driven by Excellence.
- Affirmative Action/EEO Statement:** We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.