Benefits and Wellness Specialist

About the role

The Benefits & Wellness Specialist provides specialized administration and subject‑matter expertise for assigned employee benefit programs involving complex eligibility requirements, employee status changes, and high‑impact employee circumstances. The role is responsible for effective and efficient administration of assigned programs, interpreting plan provisions, eligibility requirements, policies, and procedures, and focusing on compliance, vendor management, data integrity, analysis, employee support, and continuous process improvement.

Responsibilities

• Manage benefit plans in accordance with ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, and other federal and state regulations.
• Oversee benefits programs including health, dental, long‑term disability, voluntary benefits, life insurance, pre‑paid legal services, and other wellness programs.
• Analyze employee benefit costs and recommend cost‑saving measures and plan design changes.
• Conduct benefits information sessions, interview prospective retirees, provide estimates, and coordinate correspondence with benefit providers and agencies.
• Manage customer service support (calls and emails) for current and former associates; handle complex and escalated issues.
• Collaborate on and gather information related to pension and other post‑employment benefits.
• Oversee issue resolution, reporting, administrative functions, integration files, plan eligibility, contributions, and reconciliations.
• Lead other Benefits Team members and manage relationships with assigned plan vendors to ensure outstanding service and accurate administration.
• Recommend and implement process‑improvement solutions; engage in key projects and duties as assigned.
• Provide oversight for all plans, programs, and policy compliance with federal, state, and local regulatory requirements.
• Leverage technology to increase productivity and efficiencies; communicate and present employee benefit information.
• Lead and oversee assigned employee benefit programs such as Paid Parental Leave, Qualifying Events, Life Insurance, Retiree Benefits, and Line of Duty Benefits.
• Serve as subject‑matter expert, interpreting plan provisions, eligibility requirements, policies, and procedures, and providing guidance on complex benefit matters.
• Provide individualized guidance to employees regarding complex eligibility requirements, qualifying events, and specialized benefits.
• Research and analyze complex eligibility questions, escalating matters requiring classification determinations as needed.
• Conduct employee education sessions and develop resources to support informed benefit decisions.
• Analyze benefits data to identify trends, discrepancies, risks, and improvement opportunities; conduct audits, reconciliations, and eligibility reviews.
• Research discrepancies and coordinate corrective action with vendors, carriers, payroll, HR, and other stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain procedures, process documentation, and controls for assigned programs.
• Manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Perform all additional related duties and responsibilities as required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of Human Resources experience, with at least 3 years in employee benefits.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field (or equivalent combination of training and experience).
• Knowledge of employee benefit eligibility requirements, plan provisions, budgeting, and reconciliation of large data sets.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word and Excel; advanced Excel skills for data analysis.
• Strong research, analysis, and critical‑thinking abilities; ability to interpret benefit plan provisions and policies.
• Project management, resourcefulness, and the ability to manage multiple projects independently.
• Excellent oral and written communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask, listen attentively, motivate others, and function with minimal supervision.
• Preferred: 4+ years of experience in Benefits Administration with complex programs and eligibility requirements.
• Preferred: 1+ year of experience handling complex employee classification criteria.
• Preferred: Education in accounting, finance, or mathematics, or equivalent training/experience.

Benefits

• Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• Language Incentive
• Referral Bonus
• Tuition Assistance Program

Pay

Anticipated hiring range: $73,672 – $90,000.