Benefits Specialist

General Shale the nations leading masonry materials manufacturer is seeking aBenefits Specialistfor our corporate headquarters in Johnson City TN. The Benefits Specialist will serve as a key business partner for employees managers HR leadership and external vendors providing expertise in employee benefit programs while delivering an exceptional employee experience and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations.

Position Summary

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for the administration communication and continuous improvement of employee benefit programs. This position partners with employees managers vendors and HR leadership to ensure accurate and timely benefits administration regulatory compliance and responsive employee support. The ideal candidate combines strong technical benefits knowledge with excellent customer service analytical and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Administer and coordinate FMLA ADA accommodations short-term disability long-term disability and leave of absence processes ensuring compliance and effective employee communication.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee communications regarding leave disability and benefit-related matters.
• Partner with third-party vendors and carriers to resolve claims eligibility issues and benefit administration concerns.
• Coordinate and maintain employee benefit records and ensure data accuracy within HR systems.
• Administer COBRA processes and maintain compliance with applicable regulations.
• Answer and resolve employee benefit questions promptly accurately and with empathy.
• Partner with managers to support employee benefit and leave-related needs.
• Assist with annual open enrollment new hire enrollment qualifying life event changes and related employee communications.
• Develop and distribute organization-wide benefits communications and educational materials.
• Perform data entry and administrative tasks related to employee benefits programs.
• Reconcile and process invoices related to employee benefit plans and vendor services.
• Prepare HR and benefits-related reporting analytics and dashboards.
• Analyze benefit utilization trends and assist in identifying opportunities for process improvement and enhanced employee experience.
• Support annual benefits renewals vendor evaluations and wellness initiatives.
• Assist with compliance activities related to ERISA ACA HIPAA COBRA FMLA and other applicable federal and state regulations.
• Recommend process improvements that increase efficiency accuracy and employee satisfaction.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Associates or Bachelors degree in Human Resources Business Administration or a related field.
• 35 years of progressive benefits administration experience including leave management and disability programs.
• Working knowledge of FMLA ADA COBRA ERISA ACA HIPAA and applicable leave regulations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office particularly Excel Word PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Experience with UKG (formerly UltiPro) or a comparable Human Capital Management (HCM) system preferred.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data identify trends and make recommendations.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and customer service skills with a demonstrated ability to communicate with compassion and empathy.
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Process improvement mindset with a commitment to delivering high-quality service.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment.

Why Join General Shale

• Opportunity to support employees across a leading national manufacturing organization.
• Collaborative and team-oriented HR environment.
• Ability to contribute to employee experience compliance and strategic benefits initiatives.
• Professional growth and development opportunities.

Required Experience:

IC