Benefits Specialist

Key Responsibilities

• Administer and manage employee benefits programs including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, and voluntary benefits
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefits inquiries, resolving issues related to eligibility, coverage, claims, and life event changes
• Lead open enrollment efforts, including communication strategy, employee education, and HRIS updates
• Maintain and audit benefits data in the HRIS to ensure accuracy, compliance, and a smooth employee experience
• Proactively monitor benefits utilization and trends, identifying cost drivers and opportunities for savings
• Evaluate benefit plan performance and partner with carriers, third-party administrators and ESL's insurance broker to implement design enhancements or cost-containment measures
• Implement benefit transitions such as plan design changes or carrier transitions, including project planning, vendor coordination, data analysis, employee communication, and utilization tracking
• Produce and analyze HRIS reports to support benefits planning, compliance, and leadership decision-making
• Continuously assess and improve benefits-related processes and workflows to drive efficiency and effectiveness
• Collaborate with Finance and HR to forecast benefit-related costs and propose strategies that align with organizational goals and financial stewardship
• Support carrier invoice payment processing and perform regular reconciliation of benefits costs against payroll deductions
• Regularly reconcile payroll contributions to employee Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts and the Retirement Plan
• Stay informed on relevant legislation and regulations (ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, ERISA) and apply industry best practices
• Support annual compliance tasks, including retirement plan audit, annual filings and notices

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Proven experience in benefits administration and HRIS management, preferably in healthcare or senior living environments
• Experience supporting or leading significant benefit transitions strongly preferred
• Strong knowledge of benefits regulations and compliance requirements
• Proficiency with HRIS and benefits platforms (e.g., ADP, Paylocity, UKG)
• Strong analytical skills and ability to leverage data to drive strategic decisions
• High attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and project management capabilities
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a collaborative and employee-centered approach
• Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion and integrity

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, STD/LTD, life and voluntary life
• 401k with employer matching
• Paid holidays
• Up to 20 days PTO in the first three years

Compensation

$75,000 - $83,000 annual salary, 10% bonus opportunity