HR Benefits Associate

New York Life • New York, NY

9h • $65,000 - $92,500 • Hybrid

About The Position

The HR Benefits Associate supports the administration of employee, agent, and retiree benefit programs. The role responds to benefit inquiries, processes transactions, resolves issues, and helps ensure accurate and timely service. It involves researching participant records and plan provisions, reviewing and processing benefit documentation, maintaining records, and supporting operational accuracy through data validation and reconciliation. The associate works with benefits team members, HR partners, and external vendors, and communicates regularly with employees, agents, and retirees.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree.
• Strong analytical skills, including Excel VLOOKUP, pivot tables, spreadsheet comparisons, text-to-spreadsheet conversion, and formulas.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for daily communications with participants, vendors, and HR partners.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, time management, and a sense of urgency.

Nice To Haves

• Two to three years of experience in Benefits.

Responsibilities

• Respond to employee, agent, and retiree inquiries about Health & Welfare, defined contribution, and defined benefit plans.
• Research participant records and plan provisions, identify discrepancies, and provide accurate, timely responses.
• Collaborate with internal team members, HR partners, and external vendors to resolve participant issues; escalate complex matters as needed.
• Perform routine administrative activities, including COBRA subsidies, benefit terminations, refunds, and payment processing.
• Review and process benefit-related documentation and transactions.
• Assist with participant communications.
• Maintain accurate records of benefit transactions, inquiries, and resolutions.
• Manage assigned tasks and recurring deadlines to support benefits operations.
• Use Excel to research discrepancies and validate benefit information.
• Identify errors, inconsistencies, and transactions requiring additional investigation.
• Support data validation and reconciliation activities.
• Work with benefits team members to support employee satisfaction and engagement.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute ideas to improve the benefits experience.

Benefits

• Employees receive a full package of benefits, including leave programs, adoption assistance, and student loan repayment programs.
• Annual discretionary bonus eligibility.
• May be eligible to participate in an incentive program.

What This Job Offers

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