Benefits Specialist

Brandy Rice with the Forum Group PNW is seeking a Bilingual Benefits Specialist for her client in the Chicago area.

The Benefits Specialist is an integral member of the Human Resources team, responsible for supporting the day-to-day administration of employee benefit programs across the organization and its partner companies. This individual serves as a primary resource for benefits-related questions, enrollments, eligibility changes, qualifying life events, and general employee support.

This highly visible, employee-facing position requires frequent travel to company locations to support open enrollment, newly acquired businesses, and employee engagement efforts, including wellness initiatives. The Benefits Specialist works closely with HR, Payroll, external vendors, benefits brokers, and the Total Rewards Manager to ensure benefits are administered accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable requirements while providing employees with a positive experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer employee benefit programs, including new enrollments, qualifying life events, eligibility changes, and terminations.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for employee benefits questions, education, and support.
• Ensure benefit deductions, system updates, audits, and benefits invoice reconciliations are completed accurately and on time.
• Lead onsite open enrollment sessions for existing employees and newly acquired companies.
• Deliver benefits education and group presentations in both English and Spanish.
• Collaborate with HR, Payroll, benefits brokers, and vendors to support compliant and effective benefits administration.
• Assist with benefits integration during company acquisitions.
• Support company-wide wellness initiatives by developing and promoting wellness challenges and employee engagement programs.
• Travel approximately 30-50% to company locations to support enrollments, acquisitions, and employee engagement activities.
• Maintain the confidentiality of employee information and benefits-related records.

Required Qualifications

• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish.
• Two to four years of experience in benefits administration, HR operations, payroll, or a related Human Resources function.
• Hands-on experience administering health and welfare benefits, including enrollments, eligibility changes, qualifying life events, and employee support.
• Experience reconciling benefits invoices and resolving discrepancies.
• Ability and willingness to travel approximately 50–60% to field locations and partner companies.
• Strong understanding of benefits eligibility requirements, payroll deductions, and employee communications.
• Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Strong customer service, communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience leading onsite open enrollment meetings or employee group presentations.
• Experience supporting benefits integration during company acquisitions.
• Familiarity with HRIS and payroll platforms, preferably ADP or a comparable system.
• Working knowledge of COBRA, ACA, and general benefits compliance requirements.
• Experience coordinating wellness programs or employee engagement initiatives.