HR Benefits Specialist

• Lead the development / implementation of new and continuing initiatives to ensure benefit offerings and contribution strategies remain market-competitive, sound financially, and legally compliant
• Develop and implement existing and on-going communication strategies to promote and educate employees on company health and welfare benefits
• Ensure legal compliance of ERISA, DOL, IRS regulations, HIPAA, COBRA, 5500 reporting and other health & welfare regulations required by federal and state laws
• Review and process benefits related life-event enrollments and associated dependent verification

processes

• Carry out data audits as needed and review and monitor vendor plan performance
• Lead the company open enrollment process and ensure timely selection and communication with the vendors and broker
• Partner with insurance broker to ensure legal requirements and benefit plan design controls costs to the company and employees
• Assist employees with questions regarding their benefits and assist new hires in the selection process
• Review and manage vendor relationships to ensure excellent service and support
• Conduct comparative analysis of health plan provisions, practices and costs. Partner with benefits consultant/broker and executive leadership in the selection and negotiation processes for new and renewed benefit plans
• Participate in benefits budgeting process, track spending, and ensure all costs are accounted for and reconciled
• Assist with other HR and Benefits projects and programs as necessary
• Update and maintain HRIS system with benefit offerings and employee selections
• Maintain file feeds between vendors and HRIS system

Qualifications & Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational, time management and prioritization skills
• Must be strong in Excel and reporting experience
• Proven experience in vendor management, contract negotiations, and cost management
• Effective planning and priority setting. Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines
• Strong analytical skills and a thorough knowledge of plan designs and contract language
• 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, OBRA, and Social Security and DOL requirements
• Ability to work in a highly confidential environment and exhibit professionalism, especially under pressure
• Proficient in computer applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Candidates must be open to working on a variety of projects and tasks

Education, Experience & Licenses:

• College degree (or equivalent experience)
• CCP or CBP Certification (or equivalent)- Preferred
• Experience in Business Intelligence reporting (BI)
• Must be willing to work in office
• Experience utilizing UKG for benefits and compensation facilitation- Preferred
• Minimum two years benefits analyst experience