Benefits Specialist

Nippon Express USA•Wood Dale, IL

13d•$54,204 - $79,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day administration and support of employee health and welfare and wellness benefit programs. This position serves as a primary point of contact for employee benefits inquiries, assists with benefits enrollment and compliance activities, maintains benefits data integrity, and supports the Benefits Manager in ensuring the efficient and compliant administration of company-sponsored benefits programs. This position is hybrid: 4 days in-office, 1 day remote, in Des Plaines, IL.

Requirements

Minimum 2-4 years of experience in employee benefits administration or Human Resources.
Working knowledge of employee benefit programs and applicable regulations, including COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, ACA, and FMLA.
Strong customer service orientation with the ability to effectively assist employees and resolve benefit-related issues.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
Experience with HRIS systems; UKG experience preferred.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
UKG experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Administer employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, and wellness initiatives.
Process benefit enrollments, changes, terminations, beneficiary updates, qualifying life events, and leave-related benefit transactions in a timely and accurate manner.
Serve as the first point of contact for employee benefit inquiries and provide guidance regarding plan provisions, eligibility, enrollment procedures, and claims issues.
Coordinate with benefit vendors, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators to resolve employee and administrative issues.
Maintain accurate employee benefit records within HRIS systems and ensure data integrity between internal systems and vendor platforms.
Assist with annual open enrollment activities, including employee communications, enrollment audits, system testing, and employee education sessions.
Review and reconcile monthly vendor invoices and assist with benefits billing audits to ensure accuracy.
Maintain current knowledge of federal and state regulations affecting employee benefits, including ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and ACA requirements.
Assist in the development and maintenance of benefits procedures, documentation, and employee educational materials.
Support employee wellness and financial well-being initiatives as directed.
Participate in benefits audits and provide documentation as requested.
Perform other duties as assigned.