Benefits Specialist

Accountabilities:: Serve as the primary point of contact for employees and managers regarding benefits programs, policies, eligibility, enrollment, and coverage questions. Guide new employees through benefits onboarding and support exiting employees through the benefits offboarding process. Provide information and assistance related to medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and ancillary insurance programs. Track employee eligibility and coordinate with benefits providers and insurance teams to resolve enrollment, coverage, and service issues. Review benefits invoices and communicate with external benefits providers as needed to address discrepancies or questions. Maintain accurate benefits records in the HRIS and ensure enrollments and employee information remain up to date. Run HRIS reports and provide accurate benefits data and transaction support for HR activities. Coordinate Open Enrollment activities, including working with third-party benefits vendors to prepare reports and data for the annual benefits planning and RFP process. Maintain ACA resolutions throughout the year and ensure benefits records are accurate so that year-end 1095-C forms are properly generated and distributed. Monitor and manage the benefits and dependent verification inbox, ensuring employee inquiries are addressed promptly. Participate in employee engagement initiatives and contribute to HR special projects as assigned. Identify opportunities to improve benefits processes, systems, and employee support while contributing to a collaborative, service-oriented team environment. Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required. Requirements At least 3 years of experience managing employee benefits in a fast-paced, high-growth environment or equivalent experience. Strong knowledge of benefits administration, customer service, health plans, and insurance carrier coordination. Experience building effective working relationships with hiring managers, business leaders, employees, and external benefits providers. Hands-on experience with Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), preferably Paylocity or a similar platform. Understanding of HR concepts, principles, and practices, as well as applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously. Excellent attention to detail, logical problem-solving abilities, and a focus on achieving measurable results. Strong written communication skills and the ability to communicate benefits information clearly and effectively. Excellent time management and multitasking skills, with the ability to work effectively within tight timelines. Proactive, self-directed approach with a strong work ethic, sense of urgency, and willingness to take ownership of tasks. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including SharePoint, Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Ability to collaborate effectively as part of a fully remote team. Bachelor’s degree in any field. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring employer sponsorship now or in the future. Ability to work for extended periods at a desk and computer, with occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds. Benefits Full-time employment. Fully remote work within the United States. Opportunity to work within a small, agile, and collaborative team environment. Opportunity to contribute to employee engagement initiatives and HR projects. Exposure to benefits administration, HRIS operations, vendor management, Open Enrollment, and ACA compliance activities.