HR Benefits Specialist

Job Title: HR Benefits Specialist

Reports To: HR Director

Department: Human Resources

Location: Piscataway, NJ (Onsite 4 days per week, 1 day remote flexibility)

The estimated salary range is $75,000 - $85,000 per year, dependent upon experience.

Job Summary:

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for administering employee benefit programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, leave programs, and other employee benefits. This role ensures that benefits are communicated effectively to employees, enrollment and eligibility processes are managed efficiently, and compliance with relevant laws and regulations is maintained.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Benefits Administration:
• Manage the day-to-day administration of employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement plans, disability, and wellness programs.
• Assist employees with benefits inquiries, including providing information on available benefits, eligibility, and coverage details.
• Oversee benefits enrollment processes, ensuring employees are correctly enrolled and that any changes (e.g., life events) are accurately reflected in the system.
• Maintain benefits records and ensure accurate data entry.
2. Compliance and Legal Requirements:
• Ensure that all benefits programs comply with federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., ACA, FMLA, HIPAA, COBRA, ERISA).
• Coordinate with external vendors to ensure compliance and timely reporting (e.g., filing of annual reports, required notices).
3. Communication and Employee Support:
• Act as the primary point of contact for employee and internal HR team’s questions about benefits, explaining options and processes clearly.
• Develop and deliver communications (e.g., emails, newsletters, presentations) to employees regarding benefit programs, open enrollment, and changes.
• Organize benefits orientation sessions and benefit fairs for new employees and provide ongoing support for existing employees.
4. Benefits Enrollment and Processing:
• Coordinate annual benefits open enrollment, ensuring smooth processes and clear communication about available benefits.
• Handle employee claims, disputes, and eligibility questions, working with providers to resolve any issues.
5. Data Management and Reporting:
• Maintain accurate records of employee benefit elections, changes, and claims.
• Assist in preparing budgets for benefits programs and help ensure that the company remains within the allocated benefits budget.
6. Vendor Management:
• Manage relationships with external benefits vendors.
• Collaborate with vendors to ensure the timely and accurate processing of claims and benefits issues.
• Evaluate vendor performance and recommend improvements or changes when necessary.
7. Benefit Program Design and Enhancement:
• Assist with the design, review, and implementation of new benefit programs and policies.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• Experience: ~5 years of experience in benefits administration or human resources.
• Knowledge of Benefits: Strong understanding of benefits programs (health insurance, retirement plans, etc.) and relevant compliance laws (e.g., ACA, HIPAA, ERISA).
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex benefits information clearly to employees.
• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy and attention to detail, especially when processing benefits data.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Technology Skills: Familiarity with HRIS systems (e.g., Workday, ADP) and benefits administration software. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with benefits vendors and managing vendor contracts.

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