Benefits Specialist

Winston Water Cooler is seeking a dynamic and highly experienced Benefits Specialist to lead the strategic management of our employees benefits programs across 70 branch locations within a multi-state environment.

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for the administration maintenance and communication of employee benefit programs including health dental vision life insurance short-term disability long-term disability 401k retirement plans safe harbor FMLA leave programs COBRA and wellness initiatives.

This role serves as the primary point of contact for employee benefits inquiries and leveragesPaycom to manage benefits enrollment reporting compliance and employee data accuracy. Responsibilities commonly include benefits administration open enrollment compliance monitoring employee support vendor coordination and negotiation market analysis and HRIS management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Administer employee benefit programs including medical dental vision life short-term disability long-term disability HSA/FSA 401k retirement plans safe harbor FMLA leave programs COBRA and wellness initiatives.
• Own open enrollment processes and employee benefit elections via Paycom including communication strategy compliance documents education and wellness initiatives.
• Maintain accurate employee benefits records and HRIS data within Paycom.
• Process qualifying life events benefit changes enrollments and terminations.
• Reconcile benefit invoices and payroll deductions.
• Partner with insurance carriers brokers TPAs and vendors to resolve benefits-related issues not limited to renewals audits and transitions.
• Ensure compliance with ACA ERISA COBRA HIPAA FMLA SPD SAR WRAP Form 5500 filings and other applicable regulations.
• Generate benefits reports conduct audits and analyze benefits utilization data.
• Support payroll and HR teams with benefits deductions and reporting.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in human resources business administration or related field preferred.
• 5-8 years of progressive benefits administration experience.
• Fully-insured self-insured level-funded experience.
• HIPPA certified.
• Expert knowledge of employee benefits regulations and compliance requirements.
• Ability to lead with empathy and compassion for others.
• Excellent communication organizational and problem-solving skills.
• A solution seeker.
• Expert benefit invoicing and payroll deductions reconciliation experience.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel (Pivot Tables Reporting).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS).
• HR PHR or SHRM certifications.
• Experience with Paycom system administration workflow configuration reporting and audits.
• Bilingual English/Spanish