Benefits Specialist

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

The Benefits Specialist is a trusted resource to the staff at the YMCA. The primary responsibility of the position is to oversee the administration and management of employee benefits programs, ensuring they run smoothly, comply with regulations and are well-communicated to employees. Primary responsibilities include health insurance, retirement plans, worker’s compensation, leaves of absence (including FMLA & ADA) and unemployment benefits. Be the subject matter expert in benefit laws and regulations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Administer the employee benefits program, including New Hire and annual Open Enrollment. Manage benefits data entry, payroll deductions and the timely processing of enrollments, terminations and changes.
2. Monthly benefits reconciliation, billing/payment of invoices.
3. Coordinate the annual open enrollment process, including communication, benefits materials preparation, and enrollment assistance.
4. Facilitate group and one-on-one training sessions for New Hires and Open Enrollment events, organize informational webinars and meetings to educate employees about benefits plans. Meet with new employees to review benefits, answer questions, and guide them on options, coverage, and eligibility.
5. Provide ongoing support to employees on how to utilize their benefits and assist with claims issues, coordinating with insurance carriers to resolve disputes and monitoring claim trends.
6. Collaborate with external vendors (insurance providers, retirement plan administrators) to ensure smooth administration of benefits and compliance with policies.
7. Administer Worker’s Compensation Program, including proactive safety initiatives, employee injuries and return to work processes. Train supervisors on proper procedures and reporting.
8. Manage leave of absence, including FMLA, ADA, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability.
9. Prepare and file necessary annual compliance reporting to include OSHA 300, EEO-1 Filing, and ACA within required deadlines.
10. Administration of the retirement program including managing enrollments, terminations, and changes.
11. Ensure that all unemployment claims are processed accurately and in a timely manner, maintain up-to-date records related to unemployment claims and work closely with external agencies to resolve any issues or discrepancies.
12. Responsible for communication of new benefits offerings.
    
13. Maintain accurate records of benefits-related documentation, including employee elections, beneficiary designations and vendor contracts.
14. Ensure all benefits programs comply with federal, state and local regulations (e.g., ACA, FMLA, COBRA, ERISA).
15. Stay informed & compliant on changes to benefits laws and regulations, updating policies as needed. Ensuring adherence to federal and state regulations regarding benefits administration, including COBRA continuation, HIPAA privacy and FMLA leave.
16. Perform regular audits of benefits records to ensure accuracy.
17. Assist in generating HR reports and analytics as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

1. Bachelor’s degree in business, human resources, or equivalent.
2. 3-5 years of experience in benefits administration, including administering Leaves of Absence and Open Enrollment.
3. Proficient in all standard business software (ie: Microsoft Office). Experience working with a Human Resources Information System (HRIS).
4. Current knowledge of employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, life insurance and other employee perks.
5. Ability to maintain confidentiality and work with integrity, discretion and a professional approach. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex benefits information clearly to employees.
6. Strong attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.

WORK SCHEDULE:

The schedule for this full-time position is generally Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm, though work outside these days/hours may be required depending on the business need. This is NOT a remote position.