Benefits Specialist
A Benefits Specialist manages employee benefits programs, such as healthcare, retirement plans, and wellness initiatives, often working within human resources departments to ensure that benefit plans are competitive and compliant with regulations.
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Sample Job Descriptions for Benefits Specialist
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
We are seeking a dedicated Benefits Specialist to join our Human Resources team. The ideal candidate will assist with the administration of employee benefits, providing support with various HR functions and working closely with employees to address their benefits-related questions and concerns.
Required Skills
- Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational and multitasking skills.
- Familiarity with HRIS and benefits administration software.
- Problem-solving skills and the ability to handle sensitive information confidentially.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field.
- Understanding of all pertinent federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements, both adopted and pending, affecting employee benefits programs.
- Strong analytical skills and a thorough knowledge of plan designs.
- Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply the appropriate sections of applicable laws, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, and policies.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize workload and meet tight deadlines.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills with a customer-service focus and the ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
Responsibilities
- Assist in the administration of various employee benefits programs such as life, health, dental and disability insurances, retirement plans, and wellness programs.
- Respond to benefits inquiries from employees on plan provisions, benefits enrollments, status changes and other general inquiries.
- Process and administer leave of absence requests and disability paperwork: medical, personal, disability and FMLA.
- Effectively interpret FMLA and ADA implications as they relate to leaves of absences/disabilities.
- Stay current on benefits trends and legislation to ensure program compliance.
- Coordinate daily benefits processing, handle enrollments, COBRA, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, disability, accident and death claims.
- Assist employees in resolving benefits-related problems or issues.
- Prepare and maintain related benefits documentation, such as employee benefits files and plan documents.
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
The Benefits Specialist will be responsible for managing and administering the employee benefits programs of our organization, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other personnel benefit programs. This role requires a detail-oriented individual with exceptional communication skills and a deep understanding of employee benefits and applicable regulations.
Required Skills
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
- Ability to work independently with little supervision.
- Detail-oriented with strong administrative and record-keeping skills.
- Customer service oriented with the ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize work effectively.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
- At least 2 years of experience in benefits administration or related field.
- Understanding of HR best practices and current regulations.
- Sound knowledge of various types of benefits and their administration.
- Experience with HRIS and benefits databases.
- Knowledge of all pertinent federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements, including ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, SECTION 125, ACA, and DOL requirements.
Responsibilities
- Administer various employee benefits programs, such as group health, dental and vision, accident and disability, life insurance, 401(k), and wellness benefits.
- Ensure benefit plans are administered in accordance with federal and state regulations and that plan provisions are followed.
- Serve as the primary contact for plan vendors and third-party administrators.
- Coordinate transfer of data to external contacts for services, premiums, and plan administration.
- Evaluate and revise internal processes to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
- Document and maintain administrative procedures for assigned benefits processes.
- Ensure compliance with applicable government regulations. Ensure timeliness and accuracy of required reporting and fees.
- Coordinate daily benefits processing, including enrollments, terminations, and claims.
- Handle benefit inquiries and complaints to ensure quick, equitable, courteous resolution.
- Maintain accurate employee benefits data, including enrollment and claims records.
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
As a Senior Benefits Specialist, you will be instrumental in managing and overseeing the company's employee benefits program. You will serve as an expert resource on various employee benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks. Your role will ensure that the benefits program aligns with the company’s strategic objectives and legal compliance, while also enhancing employee satisfaction and retention.
Required Skills
- Expertise in benefits administration
- Knowledge of ERISA, ACA, and other relevant legislation
- Strong analytical and reporting abilities
- Proficient with HRIS and benefits software
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Exceptional negotiation skills with vendors and service providers
- Keen attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
- Leadership and team-management skills
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field.
- At least 5 years of experience in benefits administration or a related HR function.
- Strong knowledge of employee benefits and applicable laws.
- Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) designation or equivalent is preferred.
- Experience with benefits administration software and HRIS systems.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement employee benefits policies and procedures.
- Conduct benefits needs analyses and make recommendations based on findings.
- Liaise with insurance brokers and benefits carriers to negotiate plan features and rates.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws pertaining to benefits, and stay updated on regulatory changes.
- Administer employee benefits programs, including enrollment and termination processes.
- Lead benefits orientation and educational programs for employees.
- Manage and resolve complex benefits inquiries and issues.
- Prepare and analyze reports to assess the effectiveness of benefits programs.
- Assist with the management of the benefits budget and forecast future costs.
- Coordinate with HR and finance departments to integrate benefits with payroll and accounting systems.
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