Benefits Specialist

Encova Insurance is seeking a Benefit Specialist to work a hybrid schedule from our Columbus, Ohio corporate office or Charleston, WV office. Join a high-performing, collaborative Human Resources team where your expertise will make a meaningful impact on the employee experience every day.

About the role

As a Benefits Specialist, you will play a key role in helping associates navigate important life events while supporting a comprehensive benefits program that promotes health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. This is an excellent opportunity for a detail-oriented HR professional who enjoys solving problems, building relationships, and delivering exceptional service.

You will work closely with colleagues across Human Resources, Payroll, and business partners in a supportive environment that values teamwork, continuous improvement, and professional growth. You will also serve as a trusted liaison with external benefit providers and vendors, helping to ensure seamless plan administration, exceptional service delivery, and a positive experience for associates.

Unique residence requirements apply: Encova is only able to employ associates who reside and work within specific U.S. states, including Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely and accurate assistance to associates, retirees, and outside vendors by answering benefits-related questions.
• Efficiently coordinate and process all benefits changes caused by new enrollments, transfers, terminations, leave of absences, retirements, and other changes with Payroll, providers, record keepers, and affected associates.
• Ensure compliance with all laws and regulations affecting assigned functions.
• Assist vendors with information to prepare 5500s, Summary Annual Reports, and compliance-related reports and activities.
• Assist with administration of leaves under short-term disability, long-term disability, and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Maintain tracking of applicable records.
• Process administrative services payments and maintain eligibility information for assigned benefit programs.
• Coordinate activities with HRIS (Human Resources Information System) Team and Finance Team related to electronic files and funding for associate benefit programs.
• Assist in the development and documentation of efficient system uses for Human Resources and the Benefits Team.
• Prepare materials for and conduct new associate orientation and open enrollment.
• Document and maintain work processes and procedures for administration of benefit plans.
• Cross-train and provide back-up for benefit areas other than those directly assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred with 1-3 years of professional human resources or benefits experience required. Commensurate experience in benefits and education can be considered to meet the experience requirement.
• Professional certification (e.g., CEBS, CBP) preferred.
• Demonstrates initiative and ability to work independently and/or expertise or advanced knowledge in one or more benefit areas.
• Strong knowledge of benefits regulations including ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, and FMLA preferred.
• Knowledge of benefits administration, defined contribution plans, and record keeping.
• High level of proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience working with HRIS platforms; Workday experience preferred.
• Proven and effective verbal and written communication skills, ability to research and prepare reports, and attention to detail is required.
• Demonstrated commitment to providing superior customer service.
• Familiarity with defined benefit pension programs is preferred.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $55,132.00 - $88,210.00 annually, plus bonus and benefits. The above represents the full salary range for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your pay and job title, we'll consider your location, education, experience, and other job-related factors, and will fall within the stated range.

Benefits

• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Company-provided life and income protection plans
• Eligibility to participate in a company incentive bonus program
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - 100% company match up to 7% on annual salary
• Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, and Floating Holidays
• Flexible Work Arrangements - Hybrid and remote depending on the role