Benefits Administrator

The Benefits Administrator is responsible for day-to-day management, compliance, and administration of employee benefit programs. This role ensures accurate and timely processing of benefits, maintains compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and provides exceptional support to employees. Key areas of responsibility include health and welfare benefits, retirement plans, Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting (including 1095-C administration), and HIPAA privacy and security compliance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Ensures the accuracy of all benefits enrollments in the HRIS to provide vendors with accurate eligibility information.
• Engages in communication with benefit carriers and vendors, fostering collaborative relationships that improve benefit services.
• Oversees and administers employee short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance programs, coordinating any disability benefits with other leave programs.
• Coordinates with payroll to ensure that employee benefit premium deductions are processed accurately and that employees receive appropriate pay while on leave or upon termination of employment.
• Support annual open enrollment, including communications, system updates, and employee education.
• Manage benefits billing and perform payroll/benefit-related reconciliations to ensure accuracy in reporting.
• Works closely with Payroll/Benefits Manager to complete projects, including but not limited to Non-Discrimination testing and HSA funding.
• Assists with information gathering for annual filings, measurement period, eligibility determination, compliance testing, government filings, and other duties related to the health and welfare plan administration.
• Assist employees with benefits-related inquiries, resolving issues, and providing guidance on benefits matters regarding eligibility, coverage, and provisions.
• Develop and distribute benefit communication materials (guide, FAQs, coverage updates) to support employee understanding.
• Oversee ACA reporting, including accurate preparation and distribution of 1095-C forms and coordination with third-party vendors.
• Serve as a designated HIPAA benefits privacy and security contact for employee benefit programs.
• Maintains accurate records of plan participants and transactions while ensuring secure handling of employee benefit-related data in HRIS and other systems.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and other applicable federal and state regulations.
• Support wellness and employee engagement initiatives tied to benefit offerings.
• Participate in annual plan renewals, RFP processes, and vendor meetings to ensure cost-effective, high-quality benefits.
• Performs payroll/benefit-related reconciliations to the General Ledger and other accounts.
• Uses technology (including HRIS) efficiently and effectively for the completion of specified job duties.
• Supports HR leadership in benefits strategy, vendor evaluation, and cost analysis.
• Identify opportunities to improve benefit processes, technology use, and employee experience through system enhancements or streamlined workflows.
• Other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Analytical and compliance-driven mindset
• Integrity and confidentiality
• Ability to work collaboratively
• Commitment to fostering a positive employee experience

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:   

• Associate's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience in benefits administration, including health and welfare plans.
• Strong knowledge of ACA reporting requirements, including 1095-C form preparation and filing.
• Proficiency with HRIS/benefits administration system (UKG preferred).
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• A combination of education and experience will be considered to meet the minimum requirements.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

• Hiring Range - $64,490 to $80,610
• Medical (PPO & 2 HDHP with HSA), Dental & Vision
• 401(k) Plan
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Short & Long-term Disability
• Basic Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Time Off (PTO) & Holiday Pay
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health & Wellness Program