Benefits Specialist

About the role

Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest (PPPSW) is one of the largest providers of sexual and reproductive healthcare in Southern California, operating 20 health centers throughout our three-county region. We are seeking a detail-oriented and service-focused Benefits Specialist to join our team and play a key role in delivering a seamless and engaging benefits experience for our employees.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day administration of employee benefits and retirement programs, including enrollments, qualifying life events, and terminations, while providing operational support for open enrollment.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for employee benefit inquiries, ensuring timely, accurate, and helpful responses that enhance the employee experience.
• Research and resolve coverage, claims, and billing issues by partnering directly with carriers, vendors, and brokers.
• Develop and deliver ongoing benefits education, including employee-facing resources, communications, and guidance, to support understanding and effective use of benefit programs.
• Coordinate and execute operational components of the annual open enrollment process, including system readiness, audit and approval of changes, and employee-facing process support.
• Identify and implement improvements to open enrollment workflows, documentation, and employee resources year over year.
• Manage ongoing relationships with benefit vendors and brokers to resolve eligibility, service, and billing issues and ensure smooth benefits administration.
• Coordinate with third-party administrators (e.g., COBRA vendors) to monitor processes and support benefits compliance requirements.
• Process, audit, and reconcile monthly benefit invoices; investigate discrepancies and partner with vendors and internal teams to resolve variances.
• Support eligibility and data feeds (including EDI and non-EDI vendors) by auditing files and resolving data mismatches between systems and vendor records.
• Partner closely with Payroll to support accurate benefit deductions and consistent application of benefits processes.
• Maintain the automated benefits administration system within the HCM by auditing data, reviewing and approving changes, and troubleshooting system issues.
• Develop, maintain, and update benefits “how-to” guides and employee self-service resources; ensure internal benefits documentation remains accurate and accessible.
• Lead day-to-day benefits administration workflows and recommend process improvements that strengthen data accuracy, operational efficiency, and employee experience.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience – Required
• 3+ years of benefits administration experience, including enrollments, qualifying life events, open enrollment execution, vendor coordination, and benefits systems support – Required
• Strong working knowledge of benefit plan administration and HCM/benefits systems – Required
• $32.90 - $37.10 an hour

Qualifications

• Strong organizational skills
• Attention to detail
• Passion for delivering excellent employee service in a collaborative, fast-paced environment

Skills

• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Proficiency with HCM/benefits administration systems

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Retirement savings plans
• Employee assistance programs
• Professional development opportunities

Pay

$32.90 - $37.10 an hour

Schedule

Full-time

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals.