Benefits Specialist

Spelman College Portal • Atlanta, GA

6d

About The Position

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day administration and operational support of Spelman College’s employee benefits programs. This role serves as a primary point of contact for benefits, leave, and workers’ compensation inquiries, ensures accurate data entry and reporting within HR systems, and supports compliance with ERISA , FMLA , ACA , HIPAA , and applicable federal and state regulations. The position requires a high level of attention to detail, discretion, customer service, and the ability to manage multiple time-sensitive processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or a minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in benefits administration or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of ERISA , FMLA , ACA , HIPAA , COBRA , and workers’ compensation regulations.
• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with diplomacy and discretion.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• High attention to detail and accuracy, with the ability to see both operational details and broader process impacts.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (including pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and formulas) and working knowledge of Word, PowerPoint, Access, and reporting tools.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Banner/Ellucian systems, benefits administration platforms (e.g., PlanSource), and vendor interfaces preferred.

Responsibilities

• Administer employee leave programs ( FMLA , STD , and other leaves), including intake, documentation, tracking, follow-up, and weekly leave status reporting in compliance with applicable laws.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefits and leave inquiries via phone, email, and one-on-one consultations; research, resolve, and escalate issues as appropriate.
• Provide individual sessions related to benefits, leave, eligibility, enrollment, and coverage changes.
• Administer the Workers’ Compensation program, including injury intake, documentation summaries, reporting, and coordination with vendors (e.g., Caduceus, Concentra), while maintaining required postings and records.
• Coordinate and support related programs such as random drug screenings and fitness-for-duty processes, as applicable.
• Support benefits onboarding and new hire orientation, including system access, documentation follow-up, one-on-one sessions, and benefits enrollment education.
• Collect, validate, and maintain employee and dependent documentation required for enrollment, qualifying life events, age-outs, and terminations.
• Enter, audit, and correct benefits-related data in Banner and benefits systems (e.g., deductions, PAFs, reimbursements, arrears, eligibility changes).
• Monitor PlanSource dashboards, carrier feeds, and issue logs, research discrepancies and drive issues to resolution.
• Maintain and process benefits reports, including ACA -related reporting and part-time hours uploads.
• Monitor vendor-required documentation (e.g., Evidence of Insurability, approvals, denials) and ensure timely follow-up.
• Process and reconcile monthly premium billing and invoices for all benefits vendors; coordinate with Payroll and notify vendors of eligibility changes and terminations for COBRA administration.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA , HIPAA , FMLA , ACA , COBRA , and applicable federal and state regulations.
• Maintain confidential medical and benefits records ( FMLA , Workers’ Compensation, ADA ) in accordance with recordkeeping requirements.
• Process benefits-related mail and deposits and maintain tracking logs.
• Maintain and update benefits materials, forms, orientation content, and HR portal resources.
• Prepare and participate in monthly benefits check-ins and reporting reviews with Benefits leadership.
• Provide administrative and project support to the Manager of Benefits Services and Benefits leadership.
• Serve as backup for HRIS functions as needed, including Banner data maintenance, reporting, and employment verification.
• Participate in audits, special projects, and continuous improvement initiatives related to benefits and HR operations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees