Health & Welfare Benefits Specialist - Employee Benefits

About the role

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP is a leading global law firm known for innovation, intellect, teamwork and tenacity. Our attorneys deliver high-quality advice and solutions across 50-plus practices and 21 offices in major financial centers. We are seeking a Health & Welfare Benefits Specialist – Employee Benefits to support the Firm’s CHOICE Benefits Program, serving attorneys and business service professionals in the U.S. and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Serve as subject matter expert for daily operational and administrative functions of the Firm’s CHOICE Benefits Program.
• Oversee U.S. and international health and welfare plans, including enrollment for new hires, status changes, and terminations; maintain data in Workday and Excel.
• Conduct and oversee audits of daily, weekly, and monthly Workday benefits reports and related operational transactions.
• Manage employee election tracking and communications, ensuring timely notifications and completion.
• Support COBRA administration, including eligibility management, coverage verification, and communications.
• Process qualified status changes and payroll adjustments; verify and process insurance carrier premium invoices and wire requests; reconcile premium discrepancy reports.
• Conduct routine audits of benefits data to ensure accuracy and integrity; troubleshoot and resolve discrepancies.
• Act as liaison to insurance carriers regarding enrollments, changes, and terminations.
• Respond to employee inquiries about benefits plans (eligibility, forms, plan details) and escalate as needed.
• Support the annual open enrollment process.
• Ensure data privacy, security, and integrity of all benefits-related information.
• Conduct benefits orientations and one-on-one informational meetings.
• Monitor departmental hotline and email for health and welfare benefit-related questions.
• Maintain employee benefits records in SRM; file and audit records as needed.
• Act as backup support for Partners’ and retirees’ health and welfare benefits administration.
• Review and maintain health and welfare procedure documentation.
• Process and distribute departmental mail.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of health and welfare benefits administrative procedures and applicable laws.
• Proficiency in MS Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint; ability to learn new software and systems.
• Strong customer service, math/analytical aptitude, and Excel skills.
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow instructions; close attention to detail.
• Self-directing with minimal supervision; ability to handle multiple projects and shifting priorities.
• Capacity to manage sensitive matters and maintain confidentiality.
• Strong organizational, prioritization, and deadline management skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Flexibility to adjust hours and meet business needs.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of two years of health and welfare benefits administration experience.
• Prior experience in a law firm or professional services environment preferred.
• Workday or equivalent HRIS experience in benefits administration preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and year-end discretionary bonuses.
• Comprehensive health care (medical, dental, vision), 401(k) savings plan, and voluntary benefits.
• Generous paid time off and paid leave options, including parental leave.
• In-classroom, remote, and on-demand learning and professional development opportunities.
• Robust well-being classes and programs.
• Opportunities to give back and make an impact in local communities.

Pay

The starting base salary for this position is expected to be within the range of $85,000 – $95,000. Actual salary will be determined based on skills, experience, and other job-related factors, consistent with applicable law.