Benefits Specialist

On Lok•Sf, CA

15h

About The Position

On Lok is a not-for-profit organization founded in the early 1970s by a group of citizens concerned about the plight of elders and the lack of long term options in the community. On Lok serves as the administrative arm of a group of five affiliated non-profit organizations. Its functions include research and development, human resources, fundraising and management information systems. We understand the importance of a system that works together. Your expertise, drive and passion can help us carry out our mission to improve lives and advance healthcare. Join our team of leaders to begin a rewarding career! POSITION SUMMARY: The Benefits Specialist administers and supports the organization's employee benefits programs, ensuring accurate enrollment, compliance with federal and state regulations (including California-specific laws), and excellent service to employees. This role serves as a key point of contact for benefits-related inquiries, open enrollment, claims resolution, benefit related audits, and vendor coordination in a dynamic HR environment. The Benefits Specialist also assists with researching, analyzing and evaluating benefit plans and works on projects in a supportive role.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field or additional applicable experience may substitute for the degree required.
3 years of experience in benefits administration required.
Strong knowledge of employee benefits programs and applicable laws/regulations (federal and California-specific preferred).
Excellent communication and customer service skills for explaining complex benefits information clearly required.
Detail-oriented with strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities required.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel for reporting) required.

Nice To Haves

Strong knowledge of employee benefits programs and applicable laws/regulations (federal and California-specific preferred).
Excellent communication and customer service skills for explaining complex benefits information clearly preferred.
Detail-oriented with strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities preferred.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel for reporting) preferred.
Familiarity with California employment laws (e.g., paid sick leave, paid family leave integration) preferred.
Background in retirement plan administration or public sector benefits (for government-adjacent roles) preferred.
Certified Benefits Professional (CPB) preferred.
Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS)-IFEBP preferred.

Responsibilities

Administers employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, ancillary, retirement plans (e.g., 401(k)), flexible spending accounts, and wellness initiatives.
Conducts open enrollment processes, including communications, employee education sessions, and system updates (e.g., in HRIS platforms like Oracle or similar).
Assists Benefits Manager in coordinating with benefits vendors and brokers to resolve issues, track performance, approve invoices, and negotiate as needed.
Processes enrollments, terminations, qualifying life event changes (e.g., marriage, birth), verification of benefits requests, and COBRA notifications.
Tracks and reports on benefits data, prepare audits (e.g., 5500 filings, nondiscrimination testing), and support annual compliance activities.
Assists with leaves of absence administration (FMLA, CFRA, workers' compensation, accommodations) and maintains accurate employee benefits records.
Supports compliance activities regarding federal laws (ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA) and California state requirements (e.g., Paid Family Leave, California Family Rights Act, state disability insurance, Kin Care, and relevant notices/filings).
Serves as the initial Benefits contact for employees and retirees regarding benefits eligibility, options, changes, and claims resolution; provide guidance on plan details and answer inquiries promptly.
Supports in conducting new hire benefit review sessions to educate employees on available plans, eligibility, and enrollment requirements, and ensure timely and accurate completion of the benefits enrollment process through proactive follow-up.
Supports development of benefits communications including newsletters, presentations, and training materials.
Assists Benefits Manager in researching and analyzing benefit trends.
Participates in benefits plan design reviews, cost analysis, and recommendations.