Benefits Specialist

Western States Careers•Meridian, ID

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the employee benefits program, including health insurance, 401K, health savings accounts, Life, AD&D, and optional employee coverage. This role also involves assisting parent and sister companies with benefits questions and needs, and supporting open enrollment activities. The specialist will work with vendors to understand benefits and resolve employee issues, manage enrollments, terminations, and life event changes, and reconcile vendor invoices. Additionally, the role includes managing the COBRA program, performing benefits reporting and analysis, collaborating on wellness initiatives, assisting with open enrollment meetings and communication campaigns, maintaining accurate benefits records, preparing compliance reports, and auditing vendor file feeds. Ensuring adherence to federal and state regulations (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA) is also a key responsibility. The position requires excellent communication and multitasking skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS systems, and the ability to travel occasionally.

Requirements

Minimum of three years administering benefits programs.
Minimum of three years supporting employees with benefits inquiries, researching claims, and partnering with vendors to resolve employee concerns.
Must be able to communicate (speak, read, comprehend, write in English).

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
Equivalent experience accepted.
Self-funded programs preferred.
Minimum one year experience with HRIS systems, reporting and configuration in relations to benefits strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Responsible for the day-to-day administration of employee benefits program which includes health insurance, 401K, health savings accounts, Life, AD&D, optional employee coverage, and more.
Assists Parent and Sister companies with benefits questions and needs, and open enrollment activities on an as-needed basis.
Works with vendors to understand benefits and help to resolve employee issues.
Assists in daily management of benefit programs, including enrollments, terminations, and life event changes.
Reconciles and approves vendor invoices and sends to finance for payment.
Manages and monitors COBRA program to ensure compliance and timely communication to eligible past employees.
Assists with various benefits reporting and analysis such as benefits utilization.
Collaborates with Employee Experience & Wellness Manager on wellness program and initiatives.
Assists with annual open enrollment process and help conduct open enrollment meetings.
Creates employee benefits communication and awareness campaigns.
Maintains accurate benefits records and prepare required compliance reports.
Regularly monitors and audits vendor file feeds to ensure accuracy of data transfer.
Ensures adherence to federal and state regulations (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA).
Performs other duties as assigned.