Benefit Specialist

SSO•Madison, WI

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Benefit Specialist supports member and employer services for public employee benefit programs administered for more than 600,000 public employees, retirees, and beneficiaries. The role combines benefits administration, data analysis, customer service, and operational support, including work on benefits administration modernization initiatives. Specialists learn and apply complex program requirements, handle confidential member information, and provide clear, accurate service to members, employers, and internal stakeholders. This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position based in Madison, Wisconsin, with a hybrid work arrangement. Candidates must be current Wisconsin residents and may be required to work onsite in Madison at least two days per week. Remaining workdays may be remote, depending on business needs, workload, and employee preference. The assignment is listed as 12+ months, with a target start date of November 16, 2026. Two positions are available, with a pay rate of $23.10 per hour.

Requirements

Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Experience working with large datasets and complex information.
Ability to research, interpret, and apply policies, regulations, and procedures.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Customer service experience and a commitment to delivering quality support.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word.
Ability to quickly learn new systems, software applications, and business processes.
Experience working collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
Candidates must be current Wisconsin residents.

Nice To Haves

Benefits administration experience.
Retirement or pension administration experience.
Insurance operations experience.
Government program administration experience.
Data quality, data remediation, or data conversion experience.
Experience supporting system implementations or modernization projects.
Knowledge of public sector benefits programs.
Experience processing eligibility determinations, applications, or benefit transactions.

Responsibilities

Support member and employer services related to public employee benefit programs.
Learn and apply complex benefit program requirements involving eligibility, enrollment, application processing, and benefit distributions.
Research, analyze, and resolve benefit-related issues and discrepancies.
Work with large volumes of complex and confidential member and benefit data.
Support benefits administration modernization initiatives, including data conversion, validation, and remediation activities.
Review, update, and maintain member demographic and benefit account information.
Process benefit applications, death reports, and related transactions.
Interpret and apply Wisconsin Statutes, Administrative Code, policies, and procedures.
Communicate complex benefit information clearly to members, employers, and internal stakeholders.
Assist with operational projects and process improvement initiatives.
Communicate with members through phone, email, and written correspondence.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet organizational goals and project deadlines.