Benefits Specialist

Cleveland Headquarters Office•Highland Heights, OH

About The Position

Benefits Specialist The Benefits Specialist is responsible for the strategic administration and continuous improvement of benefit programs. This includes overseeing the design, implementation, compliance, and process optimization of benefit offerings including, but not limited to, 401(k), medical, dental, disability, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, leaves of absence, workers’ compensation, unemployment, and COBRA. Reporting to the Manager, Benefits, this role requires a high level of discretion and independent judgement to ensure that benefits programs align with organizational objectives and legal requirements. This Benefits Specialist will also play a key role in advising management, collaborating on wellness initiatives, ensuring a high level of employee customer service through accurate and timely program administration, and providing education and training to both internal and external business partners.

Requirements

Minimum 3+ years of experience in benefits administration, with a strong understanding of compliance, employee engagement, and process optimization.
Ability to interact with employees across all levels and functions within the organization.
High attention to detail and the ability to accurately deliver in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to operate autonomously and exercise discretion and confidentiality in decision-making.
Must be team-oriented self-starter with good problem-solving skills
Creative thinker with ability to anticipate employee demands for wellness initiatives.
Excellent project management, organization, communication, interpersonal, collaboration, and relationship skills.
Strong knowledge of health and welfare benefits, retirement plans, and compliance regulations (ERISA, COBRA, ACA, HIPPA, FMLA, ADA).

Nice To Haves

Responsibilities

Lead the design, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of the organization's benefits programs, including health and welfare benefits and retirement plans.
Analyze program effectiveness and make strategic recommendations to optimize offerings.
Collaborate with the wellness team and management to plan and execute companywide wellness events that align with organizational goals.
Ensure that all benefit programs meet legal compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including ERISA, COBRA, ACA, HIPAA, ADA, FMLA, OSHA, and Workers’ Compensation.
Exercise independent judgement in managing compliance risks and coordinating necessary audits and filings.
Develop and deliver benefit-related training programs, including open enrollment sessions and wellness initiatives, to internal stakeholders.
Provide strategic guidance on employee engagement in health and wellness programs, promoting a culture of well-being.
Encourage communication and collaboration to ensure HRIS database reflects current and accurate benefit information.
Review and maintain all leave-related forms, employee balances, audits, files, including PTO, short and long-term disability forms, FMLA, etc.
Participate in the annual budgeting process, tracking benefit-related expenses, and making strategic recommendations to ensure cost-effectiveness and alignment with company objectives.
Provide high-level support and customer service to employees regarding benefits programs, leveraging discretion to resolve complex issues related to enrollment, compliance, and claims.
Administer and mitigate risks related to workers' compensation, leave of absence processes, and ADA compliance, collaborating with external partners to ensure timely return-to-work processes and compliance with relevant regulations.
Manage OSHA reporting and any related customer compliance asks.
Assist with M&A benefits activity
Other duties and projects assigned.