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Benefits Specialist
Career Insights for Compensation / Benefits Specialist
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Scorecard
Based on Illinois data
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What they do
A Compensation or Benefits Specialist evaluates and works to maintain the pay structure and benefits program at an organization. Analyzes wage and salary data and trends, monitors market conditions; works with benefits vendors, processes benefit claims for employees; monitors government employment regulations. May focus specifically on job classifications and compensation or on benefits programs such as pensions.
$65,625 / year median in Illinois
-1% projected decline
Job Description
- Serve as primary contact for plan vendors and third-party administrators.
- Evaluate, document, revise and maintain internal benefit administrative procedures to reduce costs and/or increase efficiency.
- Ensure compliance with applicable government regulations (i.e. ACA, HIPAA, ERISA, COBRA, etc…).
- Analyze employee data, ensure accuracy of data and process all group plan billings timely manner.
- Ensure timeliness and accuracy of required reporting and fees.
- Develop and maintain knowledge of all plan designs and functions and respond to employee requests for conflict resolution.
- Maintain confidentiality and privacy of any personal or sensitive data. Benefit Administration
- Consult and advise employees on eligibility, coverage and other matters related to Encore's benefits and 401(k) plan.
- Oversee monthly benefits eligibility in accordance to Encore, state and/or federal plan guidelines to identify newly eligible employees and employees who no longer qualify for benefits coverage.
- Distribute and maintain health insurance enrollment materials for monthly eligibility changes, open enrollment periods, employee orientations, summary plan descriptions or for packages requested by field employees.
- Ensure all health and welfare enrollment elections and specialized claims are processed in accordance with plan specifications and that they are submitted to insurance vendors on a weekly basis.
- Compiles and maintains benefit records and documents in HRIS in accordance with plan specifications and ensure data accuracy.
- Follow-up on any incomplete enrollment elections and/or documentation.
- Audit enrollment elections and deductions within HRIS each pay period. Team Support
- Cross-train with the Benefits Specialist (Leave of Absence Administration) on the functions performed in managing leaves of absences as this role will be that person's primary back-up
- Cross-train the Benefits Specialist who manages leaves on the functions performed in this role as the Specialist will be this job's primary back-up
- Assist HR Shared Services Team with any other duties as assigned Reporting
- Provide system reporting by running standard weekly and monthly HRIS reports.
- Create and run benefit reports from Encore's HR system for function users and HR customers, which will include monthly and quarterly filings. Job Qualifications
- Bachelors degree or equivalent experience required
- At least 3 years benefits administration experience
- Extensive knowledge and understanding of HR, Benefits and Payroll processes
- Knowledge of all employment laws, including FMLA and ADA
- Excellent verbal/written communications and customer service skills
- Excellent attention to detail
- Persistent follow through on assignments
- Ability to consistently deliver high quality customer service in a professional manner
- Excellent time management and organizational skills (ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously)
- Ability to work independently
- Comfortable working in a fast paced environment
- Ability to work as a team member including the ability to be flexible with changing priorities based on the business need
- Ability to accurately enter and manage sensitive employee data and manual records.
- Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office products and HRIS software (preferably Ultimate Software) Competencies
- Concern for Quality
- Exceeds Customer Expectations
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Integrity Work Environment Work is generally performed at an office that is moderately quiet.