Benefits Specialist

POSITION: Benefits Specialist

Compensation:Pursuant to Colorado regulations if this job is performed in Colorado the salary range is $60000 - $70000 plus bonus potential. âEligible to participate in the company benefits plan. We offer health vision dental and pet insurance. We offer a 401(k) retirement plan student loan assistance licensing and continuing education reimbursement parental leave and housing allowances or gifts.

Summary:

The Benefits Specialist is a core functional expert responsible for the effective administration communication and compliance of the organizations core benefits leave of absence and Workers Compensation (WC) programs. Reporting directly to the Benefits Manager this role demands a robust working knowledge of disability programs federal/state leave laws and policy execution. The specialist acts as the primary subject matter expert for employees and managers on all related inquiries ensuring accurate data management and seamless execution of the annual open enrollment cycle.

Essential Responsibilities

Benefits Administration & Open Enrollment

• Program Management: Administer and manage all employee benefit programs including medical dental vision life insurance 401(k) Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs.
• Enrollment and Data Integrity: Process and manage all benefit enrollment changes and terminations within the HRIS and with external carriers ensuring data accuracy and timeliness.
• Financial Oversight: Manage monthly benefit invoicing performing meticulous reconciliation of carrier bills against payroll deductions and enrollment records to ensure payment accuracy and cost control.
• Open Enrollment: Actively lead and execute the annual open enrollment process including system configuration coordinating employee communication materials and conducting informational sessions.

Leave & Disability Administration

• Leave Management: Administer all federal and state-mandated leaves of absence (e.g. FMLA state family/medical leaves) ensuring compliance appropriate documentation and proper tracking.
• Disability Programs: Serve as the main point of contact for employees regarding short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) claims assisting with claim filing and coordinating return-to-work timelines with the third-party administrator (TPA).
• Policy Expertise: Advise employees and managers on company leave and disability policies ensuring consistent and fair application across the organization.

Workers Compensation (WC) Management

• First Report of Injury: Manage the intake and administration of the first report of injury for all Workers Compensation claims ensuring timely and accurate submission to the WC carrier and relevant state agencies.
• Compliance & Tracking: Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Workers Compensation laws and regulations by state. Ensure proper internal documentation and tracking for all claims.
• Return-to-Work Coordination: Collaborate with the WC carrier medical providers and managers to facilitate and track employee status manage documentation and coordinate modified duty or return-to-work programs.

Compliance and Team Member Support

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all benefit plans and procedures comply with federal regulations including ERISA COBRA HIPAA FMLA and ACA requirements.
• Employee Liaison: Serve as the primary contact for all employee inquiries related to benefits leaves and policies providing accurate and professional guidance.
• Policy Documentation: Assist the Benefits Manager in developing updating and communicating benefit-related policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelors degree in Human Resources Business Administration or a related field or equivalent relevant work experience.
• Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of direct experience administering complex employee benefits and HR programs with specific proven responsibility in leave administration (FMLA state leaves) and Workers Compensation (WC).
• Technical Skills:
  • Strong proficiency with HRIS/payroll systems.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel for data analysis reconciliation and reporting.

• Core Competencies:
  • Thorough knowledge of federal and state benefits laws (e.g. COBRA HIPAA ACA) including detailed expertise in FMLA and various state-mandated leave laws.
  • Demonstrated working knowledge of Workers Compensation processes disability programs (STD/LTD) and open enrollment execution.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to clearly explain complex policies to a diverse employee population.
  • Strong analytical skills meticulous attention to detail and proven discretion when handling confidential information.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Incumbents work in an office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers phones photocopiers and filing cabinets.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the Team Member is regularly required to use hands to finger type handle or feel and talk or hear. The Team Member is frequently required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop or squat. The Team Member is often required to sit. The Team Member must be able to push pull lift carry or maneuver office products and supplies of up to twenty (20) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision distance vision color vision peripheral vision depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Regular local travel may be required to assist properties as needed attend training classes or other situations necessary for the accomplishment of some or all of the daily responsibilities of this position.

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as assigned by their Team Leader.

Required Experience:

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