The Senior Benefits Specialist facilitates the daily oversight of the Company’s US-based health and welfare plans (dental/vision/life/self-insured medical), as well as the Company’s retirement plan (401(k)). This individual administers and communicates the Company’s benefits program with regard to plan options, policy features, enrollment and other employee education goals. The Senior Benefits Specialist conducts periodic surveys to determine market positioning, facilitate the planning, developing, and redesigning of the Company’s benefit programs when appropriate, including the coordination of budget submission with annual design work. Ensures compliance through completion of all required and appropriate audit and submission processes.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Act as benefits subject matter expert, responsible for responding to employees and fielding benefits inquiries (eligibility, coverage, payments, etc.).
- Resolve problems regarding company benefits programs: act as liaison between employees and Third Party Administrators/Vendors. Manage billing for assigned plans and policies.
- Create, review, and update plan summaries, communication materials, open enrollment materials, benefit brochures, and other related materials.
- Perform regular eligibility and compliance audits on all benefit programs.
- Attend yearly renewal meetings and provide input on renewal discussions to the leadership team.
- Manage and oversee the company’s 401k program to include vendor management, eligibility and annual plan audit.
- Serve as Benefits data subject matter expert (SME) for the HR Operations team.
- Enter/update enrollment and termination data in vendor websites as necessary.
- Understand risk and compliance of benefits administration, and have strong working knowledge of Benefits/Payroll related Federal/ State laws, including, but not limited to FLSA, FMLA, HIPAA, FICA, ERISA, COBRA, and 401(K).
- Review, reconcile and coordinate vendor billings.
- Handle special projects and additional responsibilities as required.
Skills & Requirements
Experience and Education
- High School Diploma/GED
- Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources or related discipline (or equivalent experience) required.
- Five (5)+ years of health benefits administration experience required.
- Experience with self-funded plans, plan design, and 5500 filings also required; prior 401k administration experience preferred.
- CEBS certification preferred.
