Benefits 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)