Benefits Specialist

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for the comprehensive administration of employee benefit programs across a multi-state and multi-employer environment. This role ensures accurate processing of benefit transactions including enrollments, terminations, life event changes, claims, COBRA, and leave of absence requests. The specialist serves as a key point of contact for employees, providing guidance and support on benefit-related matters, and promoting benefit offerings through various communication channels.

Benefits Specialist responsibilities and essential job functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Administer and maintain benefit plans including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, disability, 401(k) and leave of absence in a multi-state and multi-employer environment.
• Process enrollments, terminations, life event changes, disability, accident and death claims, COBRA, etc.
• Manage communication to employees regarding all benefits related matters (e.g., annual notices, plan changes, reminders, etc.)
• Promote company benefits to employees via multiple channels including company intranet, email, newsletters and new employee orientations.
• Prepare and distribute informational literature and verbal presentations to educate employees in all benefits programs, such as insurance plans, 401(k) and other employer-sponsored benefits and activities.
• Review, audit and reconcile weekly EDI files and resolve discrepancies. 
• Provide guidance and support to employees for all benefit related matters including interpretation of benefit policies, programs, and procedures.
• Research, analyze and resolve questions or discrepancies from employees and managers as it relates to benefits information such as benefit eligibility, plan coverage, claim assistance and deductions. 
• Maintain HRIS data, such as configurations, processes, and running queries.
• Administer and track leave of absence requests, including FMLA, short-term disability, long-term disability, and other statutory or company-sponsored leaves.
• Assist with audits and reporting requirements for benefit plans.
• Regular and reliable attendance, with or without reasonable accommodation, is an essential function of this position and is crucial for maintaining workflow and productivity.
• The above job functions are illustrative of the duties and responsibilities associated with this position and are not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may be asked to perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
• Participate in benefits plan renewals and the open enrollment process; conduct open enrollment meetings.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• High School Diploma or GED; Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management a plus 
• 2+ years of experience in benefit plan administration, preferably in a multi-state environment; experience in leave administration a plus 
• Previous experience with Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS); Oracle Cloud preferred
• CBP, CEBS, PHR or SHRM-CP Certification a plus 
• Knowledge of all pertinent federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements, both adopted and pending, affecting employee benefits programs, including the ACA, ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125, workers' compensation, Medicare and DOL requirements.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset to work effectively with internal teams and external partners. Proficient in building and maintaining positive relationships. 
• Proficient in both written and oral communication. Capable of clearly and effectively conveying information and presenting to various audiences.
• Process-oriented mindset with a strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to multitask and shift focus in a fast-paced, dynamic and evolving logistics environment with rapidly changing priorities, meet deadlines, work well under pressure, prioritize work and maintain discretion on confidential matters while maintaining a positive attitude and providing unmatched customer service. 
• Proficient in utilizing various technology platforms, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and video conferencing tools (WebEx, Zoom, Microsoft Teams); advanced Microsoft Excel a plus.
• Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently; ability to speak Spanish fluently is a plus.