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Senior Benefits Administrator
Career Insights for Compensation / Benefits Specialist
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Based on Maryland 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.
$72,161 / year median in Maryland
+1% projected growth
Job Description
We are currently seeking a Senior Benefits Administrator to support our customer at the Patuxent River, MD Program Office.
Reports to: Senior Director of Human ResourcesPosition SummaryThe Senior Benefits Administrator is a senior-level role requires a hands-on professional who not only understands the compliance and regulatory landscape of benefits administration but also has the technical expertise to execute the work, process submissions, interpret and manage plan documents, and serve as a subject matter expert across the organization. The Practitioner/Benefits Administrator will be responsible for administering Precise Systems' employee benefits programs, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, and serving as a trusted resource for employees. This individual will also manage wellness initiatives, assist with workers' compensation, and support HR leadership with benefits-related strategy and execution
- -Key Responsibilities
- Administer and oversee daily benefits processes including new hire enrollments, COBRA, terminations, changes, claims, distributions, QDROs, QMCSOs, loans, hardships, and compliance testing.
- Ensure benefits compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125, Workers' Compensation, Medicare, and other applicable federal and state laws.
- Review, interpret, and manage benefit plan documents, act as a liaison with carriers and brokers for renewals, escalations, audits, and compliance matters.
- Partner with Payroll to ensure accurate and timely processing of benefit deductions and reconciliations; manage monthly billing and prepare vouchers for payment of plan administrative fees.
- Lead annual Open Enrollment, including vendor coordination, employee communications, system setup, enrollment monitoring, and compliance notices.
- Conduct benefits orientations for new hires and provide ongoing training and communication to employees.
- Develop and administer Precise Systems' Wellness Program, safety rewards, and benefit-related outreach.
- Coordinate and submit Workers' Compensation claims and assist with safety walk-throughs and reporting.
- Maintain accurate benefit records, databases, and employee files, ensuring data integrity and audit readiness.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for employees regarding benefits inquiries, escalations, and resolution of complex issues.
- Support HR leadership in benefits strategy, vendor evaluations, benchmarking, and continuous process improvement.
- Perform other related duties or special projects as assigned
- -Education & Experience
Required:
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field and a minimum of 5+ years of progressive experience in benefits administration.
- OR in lieu of a degree, 10+ years of direct experience in benefits administration, compliance, and wellness program management.
- Demonstrated experience working in a government contracting environment, with knowledge of administering benefits across multiple workforces, including professional staff, Service Contract Act (SCA) employees, and employees covered under Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).
- Experience interpreting and applying benefits contract language and regulatory requirements.
- Strong background in compliance and regulatory reporting, including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, and SCA compliance.
- Proficiency with HRIS and payroll systems (ADP and CostPoint strongly preferred) and Microsoft Office Suite; experience with Smartsheet a plus. Qualifications & Skills
- In-depth knowledge of employee benefits compliance requirements and plan administration.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret plan documents and regulations.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and customer service skills.
- Ability to handle confidential information with integrity and professionalism.
- Strong attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects under deadlines.
- Demonstrated experience handling escalated employee issues and complex benefits questions.
- Ability to build effective relationships across HR, Payroll, Finance, and external vendors.
- Must possess a valid driver's license and proof of insurance; up to 5% travel may be required.