Benefits Specialist

American Electric Power•Columbus, OH

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Benefits Life Events Specialist is responsible for supporting employees and their families through benefits changes associated with significant life and employment events. The Benefits Life Events Specialist manages complex and sensitive cases and serves as a trusted point of contact during transitions such as retirement, leaves of absence and the loss of a loved one. The role emphasizes accurate benefits administration, informed judgment and coordinated support to ensure a seamless and supportive employee experience.

Requirements

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; or equivalent relevant experience.
Minimum of 4 years of employee benefits administration or HR services experience.
Solid working knowledge of health and welfare benefits and general retirement plan concepts.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to exercise judgment while following established policies and procedures.
Attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple complex cases simultaneously.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting employees through complex or sensitive benefits-related life events preferred.
PHR, CEBS, or similar professional certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Independently manage employee and family benefit cases related to life and employment events, ensuring accurate application of benefit provisions and timely resolution.
Provide clear, empathetic guidance on benefit options, eligibility, required actions, and deadlines using sound judgment within established policies and procedures.
Coordinate benefit changes across health, welfare, and retirement plans resulting from employee status changes to ensure accuracy and continuity of coverage.
Work closely with HR partners, payroll, leave administrators, vendors, and third-party administrators to resolve issues and support complex benefit transitions.
Maintain detailed case documentation and handle sensitive employee and family information with discretion, professionalism, and care.
Identify recurring case issues or systemic challenges and share insights with the benefits team to support continuous improvement.