Benefits Specialist/SR Benefits Specialist

About The Team

The Benefits Team resides within Human Resources and is responsible for administering and supporting all associate benefit programs across WoodmenLife. As part of a two-person team, you will play an important role in managing the day-to-day benefits needs of WoodmenLife associates and retirees. The team works closely with Payroll, Human Resources, Sales, Member Customer Service, external vendors, and benefit carriers to deliver an exceptional benefits experience.

Role Summary

The Benefits Specialist / Senior Benefits Specialist serves as a key resource for associate benefits administration and retirement support. This role administers associate benefit programs, manages benefit enrollments and changes, supports retirement processes, oversees billing activities, responds to associate and retiree inquiries, coordinates with vendors, and supports compliance initiatives. Depending on experience and level, the individual may also mentor others, lead projects, support audits, and serve as a subject matter expert on complex benefits issues.

What You'll Do

Benefits Administration & Customer Support

• Serve as a primary point of contact for associates, retirees, and sales representatives regarding benefit programs.
• Respond to benefit-related phone calls, emails, and inquiries.
• Research and resolve routine complex benefit issues and discrepancies.
• Educate associates on available health, welfare, disability, life insurance, wellness, pension, and 401(k) benefits.
• Process benefit enrollments, qualifying life events, and coverage changes.
• Administer COBRA benefits for terminated associates and sales representatives.
• Coordinate disability benefit administration and return-to-work activities.
• Process wellness reimbursements and incentive programs.
• Coordinate collection of missed premium payments when necessary.

Retirement Administration

• Support administration of pension and 401(k) plans.
• Ensure retirement processes are completed accurately and timely.
• Prepare pension estimates, valuations, and calculations using vendor tools.
• Coordinate retirement distributions and participant communications.
• Support retirement-related audits and reporting activities.

Billing, Auditing & Vendor Management

• Manage monthly benefits billing activities.
• Audit enrollment, payroll, vendor, and billing data to ensure accuracy.
• Research and resolve enrollment discrepancies and vendor issues.
• Process vendor payments accurately and on schedule.
• Maintain strong relationships with insurance carriers, benefit vendors, brokers, and consultants.
• Compile and analyze benefit data to support reporting and decision-making.

Life Insurance & Survivor Benefits

• Administer Group Term Life benefits.
• Process beneficiary claims and payments.
• Monitor associate and retiree death notifications.
• Coordinate survivor and beneficiary benefit administration.

Communication & Employee Education

• Assist with and/or lead new associate benefits orientation.
• Support Annual Enrollment activities and communications.
• Develop benefits communications, presentations, employee guides, SharePoint content, and educational materials.
• Help associates understand benefit offerings and retirement options.

Compliance & Process Improvement

• Stay current on benefit compliance regulations and industry trends.
• Support compliance initiatives related to: ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, Medicare, Section 125, PPACA, Secure Act 2.0, Social Security, Department of Labor requirements.
• Maintain accurate records within Dayforce and other systems.
• Ensure confidential information is handled appropriately.
• Identify opportunities to improve benefit administration processes and participant experiences.

Leadership & Team Support (Senior-Level Expectations)

• Serve as a subject matter expert for benefits administration.
• Train and mentor team members on benefit processes and procedures.
• Support escalated and complex benefit matters.
• Assist with compliance audits and strategic HR initiatives.
• Recommend process improvements and operational efficiencies.

What You Bring

Benefits Specialist Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent experience.
• 1-3 years of customer service, benefits, HR, or related experience.
• Strong customer service and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Senior Benefits Specialist Qualifications

• High school diploma plus significant related experience and/or PHR/SHRM certification.
• 5+ years of benefits administration experience.
• 5+ years of customer service or related professional experience.
• Experience supporting retirement plans, benefits administration, and vendor management.
• Ability to lead projects and provide guidance to others.

Technical Skills

• Microsoft Excel proficiency including: Formulas, PivotTables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, Data analysis and reporting.
• Microsoft Word and PowerPoint proficiency.
• HRIS experience (Dayforce experience preferred).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience administering: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life Insurance, Pension Plans, 401(k) Plans.
• Annual Enrollment administration experience.
• Experience working with insurance carriers and benefits vendors.
• Dayforce HRIS experience.
• PHR or SHRM certification.

Top Reasons to Join WoodmenLife

• Meaningful Impact on Associates — Help employees and retirees navigate important healthcare, retirement, and financial decisions.
• Great Exposure and Variety — Gain broad experience across benefits administration, retirement plans, compliance, associate education, and vendor management.
• Mission-Driven Culture — Join an organization focused on serving others while supporting associates and communities.

Leadership Insight

"I would describe my leadership style as supportive, collaborative, and accountable. I believe in empowering my team, providing clear direction, maintaining open communication, and creating an environment where people can grow professionally while delivering strong results."