Benefits Specialist

Department: Human Resources - Payroll & Benefits

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Team Member - American Veterinary Group

Reporting To: Susan Gunsher

Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Administer employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, HSA, FSA, 401(k), COBRA, and other benefit programs.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for employee benefit questions and provide clear explanations regarding eligibility, coverage, enrollment, deductions, claims, and benefit plan provisions.
• Oversee new hire benefit enrollments, qualifying life events, terminations, dependent changes, and other benefit-related transactions.
• Monitor EDI file exchanges with each vendor and resolve discrepancies as needed.
• Review benefit elections and supporting documentation to ensure changes comply with plan provisions and applicable Section 125 requirements.
• Monitor benefit enrollment deadlines and follow up with employees regarding incomplete or outstanding elections and documentation.
• Coordinate benefit coverage changes with insurance carriers, third-party administrators, payroll, and HRIS/benefits administration systems.
• Research and resolve complex eligibility, enrollment, coverage, and payroll deduction discrepancies.
• Assist employees with benefit claim and carrier issues and coordinate escalated matters with vendors as appropriate.
• Support COBRA administration, including reviewing qualifying events and ensuring required information is transmitted accurately and timely to the COBRA administrator.
• Assist with administration of employee benefits during FMLA and other approved leaves of absence, including employee premium collection and benefit status changes.
• Review payroll benefit deductions and identify discrepancies requiring correction.
• Maintain accurate employee benefit records and documentation.
• Assist with annual Open Enrollment activities, including employee communications, system testing, enrollment support, and post-enrollment audits.
• Support new-hire orientation and benefit education programs.
• Coordinate with benefit vendors regarding eligibility files, enrollment issues, employee questions, and administrative concerns.
• Assist with preparation and distribution of required benefit notices and employee communications.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee and protected health information and comply with HIPAA privacy requirements.
• Support benefit audits and compliance activities.
• Assist with 401(k) enrollment, eligibility, contribution, and participant administration issues.
• Identify opportunities to improve benefit administration processes and employee service.
• Perform other benefit-related duties and special projects as assigned

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• High School Diploma (Required) 
• 2+ years of experience in employee benefits, Human Resources, benefits administration, or a related field preferred.
• 2+ years working knowledge of employee health and welfare benefit programs.
• Familiarity with ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, Section 125, FMLA, HSA, and FSA requirements preferred.
• Experience working with HRIS, payroll, and/or benefits administration systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and other Microsoft Office applications.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Flexible work schedules to support work-life balance
• Comprehensive group insurance including medical, dental, and vision
• Paid Family Leave and Paid Parental Leave (including maternity & paternity)
• Paid Time Off
• One Life Balance Day for added flexibility
• Pet Discounts to keep your furry family members covered
• Retirement Savings Plan with employer match to help build your future
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health and wellbeing support
• Career development resources may include:
  • Learning and development programs 
  • Tuition reimbursement
• A vibrant, inclusive culture