Benefits Specialist

Visual Comfort & Co • Skokie, IL

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Reporting directly to the Director Human Resources within the Human Resources department, the Benefits Specialist is responsible for collaborating with employees, leadership, and external vendors to ensure effective administration of benefits and leave programs. Duties include overseeing employee benefits and leave administration, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and organizational policies, supporting employees with benefits education and issue resolution, and supporting the organization with the management of FMLA, ADA, short-term and long-term disability, workers’ compensation, and health and welfare programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 2-4 years of progressive experience in benefits and leave administration
• Solid understanding of employee benefit programs, HR practices, and employment laws related to benefits administration and leaves of absence
• Fluency in both English and Spanish required, including the ability to verbally communicate and translate benefits and leave-related information accurately and professionally
• Familiarity with HRIS and other HR-related software, specifically Ceridian Dayforce
• Ability to analyze benefits data, identify trends, and make data-driven recommendations to improve benefit offerings
• Strong organizational and time management skills to manage multiple priorities effectively
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to interact clearly and professionally with employees, managers, and vendors
• Keen attention to detail to ensure accurate recordkeeping and benefit administration
• Ability to handle sensitive information with a high level of confidentiality and discretion
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and changing priorities
• Ability to achieve results both independently and through others by fostering a spirit of teamwork and cooperation
• Demonstrate exceptional communication across all contact channels, including email, chat and phone

Nice To Haves

• Professional certification (e.g., CEBS, PHR, or SHRM-CP) preferred

Responsibilities

• Oversee the administration of employee health, welfare, retirement, and ancillary benefit programs, including planning and execution of the annual open enrollment process.
• Serve as the primary liaison between employees, managers, and external vendors to resolve complex benefits and leave-related issues.
• Administer and manage employee leave programs (including FMLA, ADA, parental, military, and personal leave), handling complex and escalated cases while ensuring accurate tracking, documentation, and timely processing.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, and leave laws; monitor regulatory changes and implement updates as needed.
• Analyze benefits and leave data to identify trends, improve program effectiveness, and support strategic decision-making.
• Maintain and update benefits and leave policies, procedures, and documentation to align with legal requirements and organizational needs.
• Provide guidance and training to HR team members, managers, and employees on benefits and leave programs, policies, and best practices.
• Support internal and external audits, including retirement plan audits, Form 5500 filings, and other required reporting.
• Works effectively with others in a team environment to accomplish organizational goals and to identify and resolve problems.
• Exhibits and adheres to the established Visual Comfort Company Values.
• Must demonstrate commitment, dependability, punctuality, and adherence to agreed-upon schedule while being present in the workplace to effectively collaborate and communicate amongst co-workers and teams.

Benefits

• Work-Life Balance: Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm
• Training & Development: A comprehensive and structured training program, complemented by ongoing education and opportunities for career advancement.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation accrual and paid time off policies.
• Holidays: 7 paid holidays per year, in addition to 2 floating holidays.
• Competitive compensation plan
• Health Benefits: Visual Comfort covers the majority of employee medical premiums, and offers competitive vision and dental coverage available starting the first of the month following your start date.
• Insurance: Company-provided life insurance and short-term disability coverage.
• Retirement: 401(k) plan with company matching up to 4%, available beginning the first of the month following your hire date.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level