Benefits Specialist IV

Job Summary:

Leads the day-to-day administration of employee benefits programs, including leave management, new hire enrollment, and resolution of complex employee inquiries. Serves as the organization's primary benefits resource, providing guidance on policy interpretation and coordinating with vendors, payroll, and HR partners to deliver accurate, timely service. Analyzes benefits data, identifies process gaps, and implements improvements to benefits operations and the employee experience.

Essential Functions:

• Leads the administration of leave of absence programs, including FMLA, state mandated programs, short-term and long-term disability, and company-sponsored leave, and manages complex cases in coordination with employees, managers, payroll, and vendors.
• Owns new hire benefits enrollment, providing guidance on plan options, eligibility, deadlines, and enrollment decisions.
• Analyzes HCM and benefits reports to monitor enrollments, leave usage, data accuracy, and compliance measures, and resolves identified discrepancies.
• Resolves employee questions involving benefits eligibility, coverage, and claims, coordinating with carriers and plan administrators when needed.
• Maintains benefits processes in alignment with company policies and applicable federal, state, and local requirements, including ACA, COBRA, and HIPAA.
• Serves as the primary benefits contact for vendors, payroll, and HR partners to resolve issues and ensure timely processing of enrollments and claims.
• Leads benefits audits and open enrollment activities, including planning, data validation, employee communications, issue resolution, and follow-up.
• Educates employees on wellness programs, benefit options, and available resources to support informed use of their benefits.
• Identifies recurring service issues and process gaps, and implements improvements to benefits administration, employee communications, and data integrity.

Level of Supervision Received:
Plans and arranges own work; works with manager to prioritize projects.

Education (can be substituted for experience):
Bachelor's degree required

Experience (can be substituted for education):
8 - 11 years required; 12 - 14 years preferred