Benefits Administrator

Brief Description

The Benefits Administrator is responsible for the management and administration of the company's employee benefits programs. This includes overseeing health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other employee perks. The Benefits Administrator ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, manages vendor relationships, and provides ongoing support to employees regarding their benefits choices. This position works closely with the HR and payroll teams.

Position Summary  

The Benefits Administrator is responsible for the management and administration of the company's employee benefits programs. This includes overseeing health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other employee perks. The role requires strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to interpret and communicate complex benefits-related information to employees. The Benefits Administrator ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, manages vendor relationships, and provides ongoing support to employees regarding their benefits choices. This position works closely with HR and payroll teams to ensure seamless integration of benefits into the company's overall compensation structure.

Essential Job Functions

• Administer and manage employee benefits programs, including health insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plans (401k), and wellness programs.
• Ensure benefits offerings are competitive and align with organizational goals.
• Oversee employee enrollment in benefit programs, including new hire enrollment, open enrollment periods, and qualifying life events.
• Communicate benefit options clearly to employees and provide guidance on making informed choices.
• Maintain up-to-date benefits documentation, including plan summaries and enrollment materials.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Prepare and submit required reports to government agencies and insurance providers.
• Manage relationships with external vendors and insurance carriers to ensure efficient plan administration.
• Administer COBRA benefits and oversee the administration of leave policies.
• Educate employees on benefits options, eligibility, and changes, ensuring they understand their choices.
• Assist employees with claims, troubleshooting issues with carriers or providers.
• Maintain accurate employee benefits records, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality.
• Ensure the proper documentation of all benefits transactions.
• Update and maintain benefits-related databases and HRIS systems.
• Assist in the budgeting and forecasting of benefits costs, including plan design and cost analysis.
• Monitor and report on benefits usage, cost trends, and opportunities for cost savings.
• Plan, organize, and manage the annual open enrollment process, ensuring smooth transitions and accurate employee elections.
• Provide assistance to employees in resolving benefits-related claims issues or discrepancies.
• Work closely with providers and insurance companies to ensure claims are processed accurately and timely.
• Stay updated on changes to benefit laws, trends in employee benefits, and best practices.
• Recommend improvements to current benefits programs and processes to enhance employee satisfaction and program efficiency.
• Manage the random drug testing program
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Minimum Qualifications  

• Bachelor’s degreein human resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field OR equivalent work experience
• 2-3 years of experiencein benefits administration or human resources, with a strong understanding of employee benefits programs.

Preferred Qualifications  

• CEBS, PHR or SHRM-CP

Post Job Offer Requirements

• Take and pass a pre-employment drug test

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required 

• Strong knowledge of benefits programs (health, dental, vision, retirement plans, disability, etc.) and the ability to manage them effectively.
• Familiarity with benefits regulations and compliance (such as ACA, FMLA, HIPAA, ERISA, COBRA).
• Knowledge of insurance providers, vendors, and claims processing.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, for interacting with employees, vendors, and management.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Analytical skills to review benefits costs, trends, and make recommendations for improvements.
• Customer service skills, providing support to employees regarding benefits-related inquiries.
• Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to use Microsoft products, including PowerPoint; experience with HRIS and benefits databases.
• Familiar with Spanish language, preferred.

Physical Demand/Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to type, talk and hear.   
• The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, or crouch.   
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.   
• Visual Acuity: must be adequate to perform all required tasks in a safe manner.     

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate but may be loud on occasion.
• Work is usually done in an office setting and sometimes at a client facility or job site. 
• Work may require occasional weekend and/or evening work.
• The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, vehicles and equipment.

Disclaimer

The above job description covers the principal duties and responsibilities of the job.  The description shall not however, be construed as a complete job listing of all duties, which may be required from day-to-day.