Benefits Specialist

The Squires Group•Port Huron, MI

18d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Squires Group is seeking a Benefits Specialist for a long-term contract opportunity. This hybrid position is based in Port Huron, Michigan, with an onsite schedule of three days per week (preferably Monday through Wednesday) and remote work available on the remaining days. The ideal candidate will bring strong benefits administration experience, a solid understanding of benefits regulations and compliance requirements, and the ability to effectively partner with employees, leadership, vendors, and HR teams to ensure the successful delivery of benefits programs and services.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or a related field
5+ years of experience in benefits administration, pension administration, benefits accounting, or a related area
Experience administering employee benefit programs in a corporate environment
Knowledge of employee benefits laws and regulations, including ACA, ERISA, and Section 125 Cafeteria Plans
Experience working with HRIS systems and reporting tools
Experience supporting audits, compliance activities, and benefits-related reporting
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
Excellent communication and presentation abilities
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy and confidentiality

Nice To Haves

Experience with self-insured health and welfare plans
Experience resolving complex claims, eligibility, and vendor-related issues
Workday experience
Experience supporting Form 5500 audits and nondiscrimination testing
Adobe Acrobat experience
CBP and/or CEBS certification (or coursework)

Responsibilities

Administer employee benefits programs, including health and welfare, retirement, pension, leave of absence, PTO, and employee assistance programs
Serve as a subject matter expert and primary point of contact for employee and management inquiries related to benefits programs
Investigate and resolve complex or escalated benefits issues while ensuring a positive employee experience
Monitor benefits administration processes and identify opportunities for improvements, efficiencies, and issue resolution
Support annual open enrollment activities, including communications, system updates, testing, rate validations, and employee education
Collaborate with HRIS teams and third-party vendors to implement program enhancements and ensure accurate benefits administration
Analyze benefits data, reporting, costs, and trends to support decision-making and program effectiveness
Assist with audits, compliance reporting, vendor management activities, and benefits-related data requests
Reconcile benefit invoices and support financial and administrative processes related to benefits programs
Provide support for vendor implementations, system enhancements, and benefits-related projects
Ensure benefits programs are administered in compliance with applicable federal and state regulations