Benefits Specialist
About the role
At UR Medicine | Thompson Health, our 2,300 associates are the heart of our mission. We are seeking a highly experienced Benefits Specialist who goes beyond basic data entry to serve as the subject matter expert and point of accountability for a robust portfolio of over 25 diverse benefit programs. In this role, you will manage the full lifecycle of 25+ benefit programs for 2,300 associates. Beyond core health and welfare administration, you will lead the leave and disability administration and the administration of the retirement and pension plan within a high-volume healthcare setting.
What You Will Own
**Benefits Lifecycle Leadership:** Manage the full lifecycle of 25+ benefit programs, including self-insured medical, dental, vision, life/AD&D, HSA/FSA, and executive benefit offerings.
**Advanced Leave Administration:** Administer all leave programs in partnership with Lincoln Financial Group. You will oversee FMLA, NYS Disability, and PFL claims, monitor leave timelines, and consult with managers and associates on extended leaves, return-to-work processes, and the ADA interactive process.
**Retirement Stewardship:** Administer active and frozen retirement programs (403b, Pension, 457), coordinating calculations and supporting participants through their transition to retirement.
**HRIS & Data Integrity (UKG Pro):** Act as a UKG power user configuring benefit plans, generating complex reports & ensuring system accuracy for payroll & finance.
**Compliance Leadership:** Ensure compliance with ACA, ADA, ERISA, DOL, IRS, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, NYS disability and worker's compensation. You will assist in preparing annual Form 5500 filings and support in-person audits for 403(b) and pension plans.
**Strategic Education & Advocacy:** Serve as a benefits consultant, promoting education, proactive outreach, and responsive service.
What You Bring to the Table
Experience: Minimum 3+ years of progressive benefits administration experience, preferably in a high volume or healthcare environment. _(Candidates without dedicated, complex benefits experience will not be considered.)_
Education: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or a related field (or equivalent experience paired with continued education).
Compliance Expertise: Excellent working knowledge of benefits laws to include ACA, ADA, COBRA, DOL, ERISA, FLSA, FMLA, HIPAA, OFCCP, NYS disability and worker's compensation.
Technical Proficiency: Strong HRIS experience is strictly required; advanced UKG Pro experience is highly preferred for system configuration and reporting.
Autonomy: Exhibits ability to function effectively with minimal supervision in a high-volume setting.
Why Thompson Health?
Five weeks paid time off
Contribution and match on Retirement Plan
Tuition reimbursement up to $6000/year
Access to Success coaches
Free parking
Access to an onsite gym, Zen Room, and Community Shared Agriculture program
Pay Range
$70,000 - $85,000
Starting Pay: Based on Experience