HR Benefits Specialist

Balchem Corporation•Montvale, NJ

17h

About The Position

The Benefits Specialist administers employee benefit programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, leave programs, and other benefits. The role ensures employees receive clear benefits information, enrollment and eligibility processes are managed accurately, and programs comply with applicable laws and regulations. The specialist supports employees and HR colleagues with benefits questions, manages enrollment and records, coordinates open enrollment and new-hire enrollment, and works with benefits providers to resolve claims, disputes, and eligibility issues. The position also supports compliance reporting and audits, benefits budgeting and reporting, vendor relationships, and the design and implementation of benefit programs and policies.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
At least 7 years of experience in benefits administration and/or human resources within a manufacturing company.
Strong understanding of benefits programs, including health insurance and retirement plans, and related compliance laws such as ACA, HIPAA, and ERISA.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex benefits information clearly to employees at all levels.
High accuracy and attention to detail, particularly when processing benefits data.
Ability to proactively manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Familiarity with HRIS systems and benefits administration platforms.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with ADP Workforce Now or ADP Lyric.
Experience working with benefits vendors and managing vendor contracts.
Proficiency in multistate leave-of-absence management.

Responsibilities

Administer day-to-day employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, disability, and wellness programs.
Respond to employee benefits inquiries about available benefits, eligibility, and coverage.
Manage enrollment processes and ensure employee elections and life-event changes are accurately reflected in the system.
Maintain benefits records and ensure accurate data entry.
Ensure benefits programs comply with federal, state, and local regulations, including ACA, FMLA, HIPAA, COBRA, and ERISA.
Coordinate with external vendors on compliance and timely reporting, including annual reports and required notices.
Facilitate internal and external audits related to retirement plans.
Serve as a primary contact for employee and HR team benefits questions, explaining options and processes.
Develop and deliver employee communications about benefits, open enrollment, and program changes.
Organize benefits orientation sessions and benefit fairs, and provide ongoing employee support.
Coordinate annual open enrollment and manage new-hire benefits enrollment.
Handle employee claims, disputes, and eligibility questions, working with providers to resolve issues.
Maintain accurate records of benefit elections, changes, and claims.
Assist with benefits program budgets and help ensure spending remains within allocated budgets.
Manage external benefits vendor relationships and collaborate with vendors on timely, accurate claims processing and issue resolution.
Evaluate vendor performance and recommend improvements or changes.
Assist with the design, review, and implementation of benefit programs and policies.