Benefits Specialist

The Building Center Inc•Gastonia, NC

5h•Onsite

About The Position

The Benefits Specialist is a Full-time, On-site position responsible for managing and analyzing employee benefit programs, ensuring compliance, and providing support to employees with enrollment and inquiries. This role requires a candidate who is fully bilingual in English and Spanish, with the ability to support and communicate benefits information to a diverse employee population. Additionally, the Benefits Specialist will help conduct benefits education sessions and ensure the benefits program aligns with the organization’s strategic goals and meets the needs of employees.

Requirements

Bilingual (English/Spanish) required, with the ability to communicate benefits information clearly and effectively to Spanish‑speaking employees.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to explain complex benefits information to employees in an easy-to-understand manner.
Strong attention to detail and the ability to process benefits information accurately and efficiently.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and experience with HRIS systems or benefits management software.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive employee information with discretion.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to resolve benefits-related issues or challenges.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
High degree of professionalism and customer service orientation
HR Certification Preferred; or a minimum of two – five years of experience in the HR field, or any similar combination of education and experience.
Experience working in a fast-paced, high-growth environment with constantly changing priorities.
Proven as a self-motivator and self-starter; can juggle multiple projects and priorities resourcefully and at pace.
Strong customer service work ethic and a creative, resourceful mindset
Solid facilitation and communication skills; able to engage a variety of audiences on a variety of topics

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree in Human Resources, Accounting, or Business Administration; Preferred, Not Required
HR Certification Preferred

Responsibilities

Administer and manage day-to-day employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plans (e.g., 401(k)), flexible spending accounts (FSAs), health savings accounts (HSAs), and voluntary benefits.
Ensure all new hires are enrolled in appropriate benefits plans and manage any life event changes, such as marriage, birth of a child, and medical leave.
Handle employee benefits-related questions, providing clear and accurate information about benefits plans, coverage options, and eligibility.
Ensure timely and accurate processing of benefits enrollments, changes, terminations, and any other benefit-related transactions in the HRIS (Human Resources Information System).
Lead the preparation and communication for annual open enrollment, including creating informational materials, planning benefit fairs, and setting up meetings for employee education.
Collaborate with HR, IT, and external vendors to ensure a smooth and seamless open enrollment experience for all employees.
Provide one-on-one assistance to employees during open enrollment, helping them understand their benefits options and make informed decisions.
Review and reconcile open enrollment data, ensuring all elections and changes are processed accurately and on time.
Provide benefits support and education in both English and Spanish to ensure accessibility and understanding for all employees.
Serve as the primary point of contact for employees regarding benefits-related inquiries, including but not limited to health insurance, retirement plans, leave of absence, and wellness programs.
Educate employees on benefits offerings through various communication channels, such as emails, webinars, presentations, and benefit guides.
Assist employees with navigating benefits portals, submitting claims, and resolving issues related to claims, benefits eligibility, or coverage disputes.
Create and distribute employee communications on benefits programs, upcoming changes, open enrollment, wellness initiatives, and more.
Serve as a liaison between employees and benefit brokers to resolve claims or coverage-related issues.
Track the status of claims and escalate unresolved issues to appropriate contact or management when necessary.
Monitor the performance of benefits providers, addressing any issues related to claims processing, customer service, or coverage discrepancies.
Manage relationships with third-party benefits providers, and brokers, ensuring they deliver high-quality service to employees and meet company expectations.
Review and audit vendor and carrier monthly invoices for accuracy.
Analyze benefit data to identify trends, opportunities for improvement, and cost-saving measures.
Support Payroll to analyze and optimize integrations of file feeds
Evaluate engagement of existing benefit programs and propose changes.
Maintain accurate records of employee benefits data in the HRIS, ensuring that all information is up-to-date and accessible.
Assist in the preparation of benefits reports for leadership, HR, and finance teams, including data on employee participation, costs, and utilization trends.
Analyze benefits data to identify trends, opportunities for cost savings, and areas for improvement in the company’s benefits offerings.
Partner with HR and wellness program coordinators to promote wellness initiatives, such as fitness challenges, mental health resources, and preventive care programs.
Track employee participation in wellness programs and benefits offerings, reporting back to leadership on engagement levels and program effectiveness.
Recommend new or improved wellness benefits that align with employee needs and organizational goals.
Work closely with the payroll team to ensure benefits deductions, premiums, and contributions are accurately reflected in employee payroll.
Assist in ensuring that benefits data integrates seamlessly with the company’s payroll system for correct deductions and timely payments to benefits vendors.
Answer employee questions and resolve any issues related to benefits coverage, claims, or eligibility.
Update employee records in the HRIS and ensure changes to benefits elections are processed accurately.
Coordinate with benefits providers to resolve claims issues or address employee inquiries.
Prepare and distribute benefits communication materials to employees as needed.
Review and approve benefits-related invoices for payment.
Monitor compliance with benefit-related regulations, filing required reports and documents on time.
Track employee participation and engagement in wellness programs and other benefits offerings.