What are the responsibilities and job description for the Benefit Specialist position at Washington Hospital?
Position Summary
The Benefits Specialist reports to the Employee Benefits Manager and is responsible for the planning, coordination, and administration of comprehensive employee benefits programs, including health, welfare, retirement, and pension plans. This role ensures accurate and timely delivery of benefits services while maintaining compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations.
The Benefits Specialist manages day-to-day operations, including enrollments, employee support, vendor coordination, benefits billing, management of the benefits inbox, and reporting. This position also meets with employees as needed to provide guidance and support regarding benefits programs and related inquiries. It serves as a key resource by delivering responsive, clear communication and resolving issues in a timely and professional manner.
Additionally, the role is responsible for administering and tracking retiree benefits, including Medicare Part B and Part D reimbursement programs, as well as managing billing processes through invoice reconciliation and vendor collaboration. The Benefits Specialist supports open enrollment, audits, and compliance activities, ensuring data integrity and adherence to regulatory requirements.
Success in this role requires strong benefits knowledge with 3-5 years of experience in benefits administration and compliance. The role also requires strong time management, attention to detail, confidentiality, and professional work etiquette, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities while delivering high-quality customer service. The Benefits Specialist partners closely with HR, payroll, finance, and external vendors to ensure efficient and compliant benefits operations. Experience working in a hospital or public sector setting is a plus.
This role is in-person and requires on-site presence in the office Monday through Friday.
Reports to: Employee Benefits Manager
Qualifications:
Required:
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience)
Preferred:
Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, or related field.
Preferred Certifications
- PHR/SPHR
- Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS)
Work Experience
Required:
- 3–5 years of experience in employee benefits administration, ideally in a large or complex organization
- Experience supporting unionized workforces and interpreting collective bargaining agreements
- Experience with defined benefit pension plans and/or retirement systems (e.g., CalPERS or similar public retirement systems)
- Experience administering benefits for large employee populations
- Strong knowledge of employee benefits, retirement and pension administration, and regulatory compliance and applicable laws, including HIPAA, COBRA, ERISA, ACA, and IRS requirements.
- Experience with HRIS systems (e.g., Workday, ADP, UKG)
- Excellent communication and customer service skills
- High attention to detail and strong organizational skills
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information
- Experience in a healthcare or hospital environment (a plus)
Preferred / Desirable Skills, Abilities & Knowledge
- Proficiency with HRIS systems, including Workday, ADP/EV5, UKG, Oracle, or similar platforms.
- Advanced Microsoft Office skills, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Teams.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in sensitive situations.
- Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
- Demonstrated customer service mindset and commitment to employee experience.
- Ability to accurately manage data entry and process changes and updates.