Virtual Employee Benefits Specialist

Location: Remote
Annual Salary: $74,524

Overview:

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Virtual Employee Benefits Specialist to join our dynamic and growing team. This remote role offers flexibility to work from anywhere while ensuring employees receive comprehensive benefits support. The successful candidate will manage and administer employee benefits programs, provide expert guidance to employees and management, and ensure all benefit offerings comply with regulations and company policies.

As an integral part of the HR team, you will focus on delivering an outstanding employee experience, ensuring that our team members are well-supported in understanding and utilizing their benefits packages. This role requires someone with excellent communication skills, strong analytical abilities, and a deep knowledge of benefits administration and compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Benefits Program Administration:

• Oversee and administer employee benefits programs, including health insurance, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, retirement plans, and wellness initiatives.
• Ensure accurate enrollment, termination, and modifications of employee benefit plans.
• Act as a liaison between employees and benefits providers to address and resolve benefit-related issues or inquiries.
• Conduct annual open enrollment processes, ensuring all employees can access up-to-date information and resources to make informed decisions.
• Coordinate with vendors to ensure the accurate and timely distribution of benefits information, including plan documents and summary plan descriptions.

2. Employee Support and Education:

• Provide expert guidance and assistance to employees regarding their benefits options, helping them navigate various plans and make decisions that best meet their needs.
• Conduct benefits orientations for new hires and ongoing training sessions for existing employees.
• Develop educational materials, presentations, and resources to effectively communicate benefits information to employees.
• Answer employee questions regarding coverage, claims, and eligibility, providing timely and thorough responses.

3. Compliance and Reporting:

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations related to benefits administration, including ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, and FMLA.
• Maintain and regularly audit benefits data for accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with legal standards.
• Prepare and file all required reports and documents, including Form 5500, IRS disclosures, and nondiscrimination testing.
• Stay up-to-date on changes in laws and regulations related to employee benefits, ensuring that the company complies with all applicable requirements.

4. Benefits Plan Design and Optimization:

• Collaborate with the HR and leadership teams to evaluate and design benefits programs that meet the needs of a diverse and growing workforce.
• Analyze benefits trends, costs, and usage to recommend modifications to existing plans or the introduction of new benefits offerings.
• Partner with external vendors to negotiate competitive rates and secure the best employee benefits packages.
• Monitor the financial impact of benefit programs, identifying opportunities to control costs while maintaining high levels of employee satisfaction.

5. Wellness Initiatives:

• Lead wellness initiatives that promote employee well-being, including mental health programs, fitness challenges, and wellness reimbursements.
• Work with third-party wellness providers to introduce programs that align with company values and contribute to a healthier, more productive workforce.
• Track participation in wellness programs and measure their impact on employee engagement, satisfaction, and health outcomes.

6. Technology and Data Management:

• Use HRIS and benefits administration software to track employee enrollments, changes, and terminations.
• Generate reports and analyze data to identify trends, utilization, and areas for improvement.
• Ensure seamless integration between benefits systems and payroll to avoid discrepancies and ensure accurate benefits deductions.
• Stay current with advancements in benefits technology and recommend improvements to streamline processes and enhance employee experience.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• At least 3-5 years of experience in benefits administration, with a strong understanding of health and welfare plans, retirement plans, and compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations, including ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, and FMLA.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts to employees at all levels.
• Proficiency in HRIS and benefits administration software.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to simultaneously manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment, demonstrating self-motivation, time management, and discipline.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) designation or other relevant certification.
• Experience with wellness program design and implementation.
• Previous experience working in a remote or virtual role.

Why Join Our Team?

As a Virtual Employee Benefits Specialist, you will have the opportunity to meaningfully impact the employee experience by ensuring that our workforce can access top-tier benefits that support their health, well-being, and financial security. You will work in a collaborative and supportive environment where your expertise will be valued and your contributions recognized.

We offer a competitive annual salary of $74,524 and a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs. If you are passionate about helping employees navigate their benefits and have a strong background in benefits administration, we encourage you to apply for this exciting and rewarding remote opportunity.