Benefits Specialist

About the Role

Our client, a Connecticut municipality, is seeking a Benefits Specialist to support the administration of employee benefit programs. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys helping employees, ensuring compliance, and managing benefit processes from enrollment through retirement.

Responsibilities

• Administer employee health, dental, vision, life, disability, and retirement benefit programs.
• Coordinate new hire enrollments, qualifying life events, open enrollment, and benefit terminations.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefit questions.
• Maintain accurate benefit records and HRIS data.
• Work closely with insurance carriers, brokers, payroll, and Human Resources.
• Assist with FMLA, COBRA, and other leave-related benefit administration.
• Reconcile monthly benefit invoices and resolve discrepancies.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and municipal regulations.
• Support wellness initiatives, benefit communications, and employee education.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of benefits administration experience.
• Strong understanding of employee benefit programs and applicable regulations.
• Excellent customer service, communication, and organizational skills.
• Experience with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Municipal or public sector HR/benefits experience.
• Knowledge of pension and retirement administration.
• Experience working in a unionized environment.
• Familiarity with leave administration, including FMLA and ADA.