Benefits Specialist

Advantage Sales & Marketing dba Advantage Solutions•Saint Louis, MO

About The Position

Summary Benefits Specialist The Benefits Specialist performs the day-to-day administrative and compliance functions for the Company's benefits programs, including health and welfare and retirement plans, in compliance with ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, and applicable Federal and/or State employment laws in the U.S. The role will also support the benefit programs in Canada. Job Will Remain Open Until Filled Responsibilities The Company is one of North America’s leading sales and marketing agencies specializing in outsourced sales, merchandising, category management, and marketing services to manufacturers, suppliers, and producers of food products and consumer packaged goods. The Company services a variety of trade channels including grocery, mass merchandise, specialty, convenience, drug, dollar, club, hardware, consumer electronics, and home centers. We bridge the gap between manufacturers and retailers, providing consumers access to the best products available in the marketplace today.

Requirements

Education Level: (Preferred): Associate's Degree or equivalent job-related work experience
Field of Study/Area of Experience: Human Resources Management or Business Administration
3+ years of experience administering health and welfare benefit programs
Proficient in ERISA, DOL, IRS, COBRA, HIPAA, PPACA regulations
Strong understanding of health, welfare, and retirement (401(k)) programs
Exceptional attention to detail and time management skills
Thrives in fast-paced, team-oriented environments
Balances empathy with objectivity towards employees' personal circumstances
Skillful interpersonal abilities coupled with the capacity to cultivate peer relationships
Strategically plans and problem-solves to achieve results
Clear, effective verbal and written communication of programs and policies
Applies strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills
Collaborative team player
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Experience with HR systems such as Oracle, PeopleSoft, or ADP

Responsibilities

The Benefits Specialist administers and communicates the company’s benefits regarding plan options, policy features, enrollment, and regulatory requirements.
Guides the Company's multi-state employees, acting as a liaison between benefit vendors and employees. Advises employees clearly and concisely on qualified life events, eligibility, coverage, open enrollment questions, and other benefits matters.
Supports HR and employees and/or dependents in resolving benefit inquiries timely.
Processes and audits employee benefit changes, carrier discrepancy reporting, and open enrollment data changes.
Provides payment reconciliations to AP.
Responsible for benefit updates for payroll, including benefits premium adjustments and corrections.
Completes documents including court orders, disability, and State forms.
Advises employees on required benefit premiums while on leave, tracks payments, and interfaces with payroll as needed.
Participates in testing the HRIS system during implementations and preparation for open enrollment.
Responsible for reviewing vendor error reports, researching, and identifying issues while partnering with the HRIS team on the resolution.
Documents and maintains administrative and compliance procedures for assigned benefits processes.