Benefit Specialist

Benefits Specialist will direct and plan the day-to-day operations of the agency’s group benefits program (group medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, workers’ compensation, life insurance, identity fraud, flexible spending, retirement plans, and more).

• Research employee benefit plans and vendors and recommend those that present the best value to the agency and our diverse team.
• Design, recommend, and implement new benefit programs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for plan vendors and third-party administrators.
• Coordinate data transfers to external contacts for services, premiums, and plan administration.
• Document and maintain administrative procedures for assigned benefits processes.
• Coordinate daily benefits processing, including handling enrollments, COBRA, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, disability, accident and death claims, distributions, loans, hardships, and compliance testing.
• Serve as the point person for all leave of absence requests and claims, including workers’ compensation, FMLA, PFL, disability, and related benefits/status issues.
• Oversee maintenance of employee benefits files, maintain New Hope’s group benefits database, and update employee payroll records.
• Gather employee data and oversee the processing of monthly billing and the preparation of check requests for all group plans.
• Provide customer service to all staff seeking information on benefit plan offerings.
• Develop communication tools to enhance staffs understanding of the benefits package.
• Design and distribute materials for benefits orientation, open enrollment, and summary plan descriptions.
• Complete various special HR projects and initiatives as directed.

Must be able to:
• Frequently required to stand, push, pull, squat, bend, reach, and climb stairs.
• Required to communicate clearly and effectively with employees across the organization and external vendors.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office setting including typing, filing, and prolonged sitting.

Qualifications
• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field and 2 years’ experience with demonstrated expertise in employee benefits and/or benefits administration OR 5 years’ relevant job experience plus demonstrated expertise in employee benefits and/or benefits administration
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and HRIS and payroll systems
• Complete a Criminal History Background Check with a result indicating the applicant has no prior convictions that are disqualifying offenses.

Preferred Qualifications
• HR Certification
• Familiarity with benefit platforms/portals and UKG (Ultipro)

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