HR Benefits Specialist

THE VILLAGE NETWORK • Wooster, OH

1d • $52,000 - $64,000 • Onsite

About The Position

This role provides compassionate, inclusive, and trauma-informed support to employees by managing benefits, HR systems, onboarding, wellness, and compliance programs. The HR Benefits Specialist plays a key role in promoting a workplace culture grounded in empathy, transparency, and employee well-being. This position also assists the HR Supervisor- Benefits and Leave Management in navigating this role by proactively identifying opportunities to streamline tasks, share responsibilities, and build sustainable systems.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field; or minimum of 2 years relevant HR experience.
• Demonstrates empathy, discretion, and cultural humility when working with confidential and sensitive matters.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, problem-solve collaboratively, and meet deadlines while remaining grounded in compassion and clarity.
• Strong communication skills—both oral and written—with an emphasis on inclusive, non-judgmental, and people-centered interactions.
• Familiarity with HRIS and ATS platforms, with ability to learn new systems and processes quickly.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and general technology platforms.
• Approachable, supportive, and highly service-oriented; committed to co-creating a safe and empowering employee experience.
• Able to take initiative, think critically, and work independently within defined procedures.
• Must maintain a valid Ohio driver’s license and be insurable per agency policy. Occasional travel to multiple sites is required.

Nice To Haves

• CEBS, PHR and/or SHRM-CP certification is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary point of contact for employee benefits enrollment and related inquiries. Ensure communication is clear, accessible, and delivered in a supportive manner that honors employee privacy and needs.
• Manage the end-to-end process of benefits enrollment and life event changes, maintain internal wellness programs, and process internal benefit requests outside of HRIS system (e.g. EAP, LSA, Teladoc, and others)
• Provide timely, empathetic, and solution-oriented responses to employees.
• Facilitate benefits-related portions of employee onboarding, including guidance on navigating the HRIS and vendor portals. Ensure employees feel welcomed, supported, and well-informed.
• Administer FMLA/ADA processes in a trauma-informed and compliant manner, recognizing the sensitivity and confidentiality of medical and personal leave circumstances.
• Maintain and update employee records and benefits data within HRIS and other databases, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and trust.
• Process vendor invoices monthly as well as other miscellaneous invoices ensuring accuracy and timeliness; generate reports; identify efficiencies that reduce administrative burden and support overall organizational effectiveness.
• Support administrative safety processes by collaborating with internal committees, coordinating workers’ compensation documentation, and identifying safety improvements in alignment with wellness and psychological safety standards.
• Assist with internal and external audits by gathering documentation in a timely, organized, and trauma-sensitive fashion.
• Support the HR Supervisor- Benefits and Leave Management in ensuring regulatory compliance (e.g., ADA, EEO, ERISA, FLSA, FMLA) and contribute to the review and revision of policies and procedures with a trauma-informed lens.
• Promote inclusion, equity, and belonging in all HR functions. Proactively listen to staff concerns and collaborate on solutions that reflect mutual respect and shared accountability.
• Provide day-to-day administrative support to the HR Supervisor- Benefits and Leave Management and HR team, including assisting with research, special projects, and operational improvements.
• Identify and implement administrative efficiencies that support the HR Supervisor- Benefits and Leave Management in managing workload effectively.
• Maintain thorough documentation, logs, forms, and internal HR records as needed with attention to detail and data integrity.
• Deliver exceptional internal and external customer service with a focus on building trust and maintaining supportive employee relationships.
• Perform general HR administrative functions including scanning, filing, data entry, correspondence, supply management, and mail distribution.
• Fulfill additional duties and support other team members and leadership as needed.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries and great benefits including a 403(b) plan with both a 5% company contribution and 50% match of the first 7% after 1 year of service.
• 232 hours (YES 29 DAYS!) of PTO offered in the first year in addition to 6 paid holidays for fulltime employees with potential for PTO buy back for unused time.
• TVN paid out a 6% annual salary bonus and over 80 hours of PTO buyback this fiscal year and has a 12-year history of providing annual bonus and PTO buybacks!
• TVN offers a generous retirement contribution and contributed nearly $1.5 million into employee 403(b) accounts this fiscal year!
• Advancement Opportunities: The Village Network is a growing organization and we aim to promote from within.

What This Job Offers

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