Benefits Specialist

Department: Human Resources

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Downtown Boston - Tremont Street

Compensation: $62,000 - $640,000 / year

Description

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as an employee advocate with benefits vendors and the leave of absence administrator to resolve issues, escalating as appropriate.
• Counsel employees who need family, medical, or personal leave, including educating them on how to formally apply and next steps.
• Oversee all leave of absence data maintained by leave administrators and provided to ABCD; monitor systems to ensure this information is accurately stored and maintained by HR.
• Regularly reconcile information between leave administrators and HR systems to ensure accurate data is available to HR staff, payroll, and program leadership.
• Leverage technology to ensure managers receive regular updates on employee leaves, and make recommendations on next steps based on applicable laws, best practices, and organizational standards.
• Review and prepare formal communications to employees regarding the status of their continued employment.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of ABCD policies and how they interact with applicable leave laws.
• Support day-to-day administration of ABCD's retirement plan, including auto-enrollment, deferral changes, and loans — ensuring contributions begin as soon as administratively possible and stay within IRS limits.
• Routinely monitor retirement plan loans to ensure new loans and re-amortizations start on time and completed loans end as expected, avoiding overpayment; coordinate with the plan administrator and payroll to process corrections.
• Collaborate with retirement plan administrators, advisors, auditors, payroll, and HR systems consultants to research and troubleshoot issues so employee elections and loan repayments process successfully.
• Regularly validate information provided to retirement plan administrators; review weekly reports and resolve discrepancies.
• Support annual compliance testing by preparing and validating census data and reports.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of retirement plan compliance changes and escalate any concerns about processes that may not align with plan requirements.
• Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of retirement plan documents and design.
• Maintain retirement plan documents to support recordkeeping requirements.
• Support the retirement plan audit as needed.
• Monitor and update the HR system as IRS limits or insurance rates change, working with payroll and consultants to test changes.
• Make recommendations for process improvements and provide quality control over all benefits and leave-related data.
• Support open enrollment and life events processes using the online portal and with carriers.
• Perform other related duties as assigned 

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• A minimum of a High School Diploma or equivalent and additional courses toward a certification or degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, or a related field. 
• At least three years of responsibility within a Human Resources environment with a focus on benefits, compliance, or data analysis. 
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and project management skills.
• Demonstrated ability in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and database management.
• Demonstrated ability in Human Resources, including Compensation, Benefits and HRIS.
• Ability to maintain up-to-date knowledge of compliance and legal issues.
• Ability to work sensitively with individuals and groups.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Why Work Here

• Make a Difference: Every day, your work directly impacts the lives of thousands in the Greater Boston community, empowering them and making positive, lasting change.
• Inclusive Environment: ABCD values the diversity of its workforce, with an inclusive culture that respects individuality and promotes collaboration.
• Continuous Learning: We offer numerous training and development opportunities, ensuring our staff remain at the forefront of community action methodologies and strategies.
• Comprehensive Benefits: At ABCD, we take care of our own, providing a competitive benefits package, including health coverage and retirement plans.
• A Legacy of Impact: Join an organization that boasts a legacy spanning over half a century, consistently championing the rights and needs of our community's most vulnerable.
• Teamwork & Camaraderie: Be a part of a passionate team, united in their mission to combat poverty, and ensure every individual can reach their fullest potential.