Benefits Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:

Furthering the HR mission of enabling strategy, shaping behaviors and driving results, the Benefits Specialist supports the administration, compliance, and continuous improvement of the Company’s benefits programs, including health and welfare plans, leave of absence programs (FMLA, ADA, and other LOA), and wellness initiatives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

Benefits:

• Administers day-to-day operations of all associate benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, COBRA, and voluntary benefits.
• Oversees benefit payments for associates on leave, including tracking, communication, and coordination of retroactive cancellations where necessary.
• Drafts and manages benefit-related communications, including repayment notices, eligibility notifications, and plan updates.
• Audits benefit enrollments, carrier files, and third-party administrator data to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Manages COBRA processes, including qualifying event tracking, data entry, and coordination with third-party administrators.
• Point of contact for associate benefit enquiries and issue resolution.
• Partners with HRIS and vendors to ensure accurate data integration, including EDI file management and troubleshooting.

Leave Administration:

• Administers and tracks all leave of absence programs, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, state leave programs, and company leave policies.
• Maintains and manages all leave documentation, ensuring proper recordkeeping and compliance.
• Partners with the Director, Benefits & Compensation, HRBPs and leaders in the interactive process for ADA accommodations to determine reasonable accommodations.  
• Ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, including timely notices, certifications, and eligibility determinations.
• Coordinates with payroll, benefits, and third-party vendors to ensure accurate pay, benefits continuation, and return-to-work processes.
• Provides guidance to leaders and HRBPs on leave administration, risk mitigation, and compliance requirements.
• Develops and maintains reports related to benefits utilization, leave trends, and program effectiveness.
• Identifies process improvements and automation opportunities within benefits and leave administration.

Wellness:

• Manages the CCS Wellness program.
• Assists with the Wellness newsletter, graphic design, research, writing, etc.
• Plans and manages bi-monthly wellness challenges by creating and communicating challenges throughout the challenge timeframe, tracks participation, chooses winners through raffle, communicates winners.
• Assists in the coordination and facilitation of the monthly Financial webinar and other webinars.
• Assists in the coordination of Flu Clinics by gauging interest, communicating, setting up and facilitating for all offices.
• Assists in the coordination of 20/20 Vision Van yearly visits by communicating, setting up and facilitating for all offices.
• Assists in research, coordination and implementation of new initiatives throughout the year.

Workers’ Compensation (WC):

• Supports Workers’ Compensation administration, including filing first reports of injury and coordinating with carriers.
• Conducts ergonomic assessments, as needed. 
• Files first report of injury with WC carrier (The Hartford).
• Ability to maintain a consistent and regular attendance in accordance with an established schedule. 
• Ability to work onsite/in-office and in accordance with CCS and department policies and procedures. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• A minimum of 4 years of experience in benefits administration, with direct experience in leave management.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws related to benefits and leave.
• Must be detail oriented, highly organized and have the ability to manage confidential information 
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communications skills.
• Strict adherence to confidentiality and high ethical standard.
• Experience working with HRIS systems, such as Paycom, ADP, UKG, Workday, etc.
• Must have Microsoft Word and Excel skills at intermediate level.
• Receptive to Coaching: Being receptive to feedback, willing to learn, embracing continuous improvement and is receptive and responsive to change.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business or related field is preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.