Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Senior Benefits Specialist – Health & Welfare Compliance
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Maryland, United States, 20724
Senior Benefits Specialist – Health & Welfare Compliance
Do you love health and welfare compliance? Are you searching for important work in human resources with a focus on benefits? If so, we’re looking for someone like you to join our team at APL. We are seeking a Senior Benefits Specialist who serves as the subject matter expert on health and welfare plan compliance and administration. This role ensures the organization’s benefit programs remain compliant with federal and state regulations while supporting day‑to‑day plan operations, vendor management, and employee experience. The incumbent partners closely with HR, Legal, Payroll and external vendors to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the company’s benefits programs.
Responsibilities
Ensure compliance with ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, COBRA, Section 125, FMLA, State Leaves and other federal and state regulations affecting group health and welfare plans.
Prepare, review and maintain compliance documentation including Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs), Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBCs), 5500 filings and required employee notices.
Support nondiscrimination testing, ACA reporting and audit preparation.
Monitor regulatory changes and partner with legal counsel to interpret and implement new requirements.
Oversee vendor and plan compliance with Business Associate Agreements and data privacy standards.
Provide support to day‑to‑day administration of health, dental, vision, life, disability and wellness programs.
Serve as an escalation point for complex employee benefit inquiries and issue resolution.
Collaborate with brokers, carriers and third‑party administrators to ensure accurate eligibility, billing and claims management.
Participate in annual open enrollment activities, including system setup, employee communications and vendor coordination.
Audit benefit enrollment data and payroll deductions for accuracy and timeliness.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field (or equivalent experience).
5+ years of progressive benefits experience, with emphasis on health and welfare plan compliance and administration.
Strong knowledge of applicable federal and state benefit regulations.
Experience managing relationships with carriers, brokers and third‑party administrators.
High attention to detail and strong analytical, organizational and communication skills.
Hold U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status, as required to access APL facilities and networks, subject to applicable laws.
Desired Beyond Minimum Requirements
Proficiency with HRIS/benefits systems and Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel).
Hold CEBS, CBP or related certification preferred.
About Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world‑class expertise to a range of defense, security, space and science challenges. APL’s culture encourages creativity, bold new ideas and inclusion. Employees enjoy generous benefits, a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions and a healthy work/life balance. APL is located in the Baltimore‑Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities.
Equal Employment Opportunity All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities.
Compensation and Benefits Base pay range: $62,900.00 – $180,300.00 per year. Actual compensation may vary on experience and location. APL offers a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Additional compensation may include bonuses, sign‑on bonuses, relocation benefits and discretionary payments.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Human Resources
Industries Defense and Space Manufacturing
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Responsibilities
Ensure compliance with ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, COBRA, Section 125, FMLA, State Leaves and other federal and state regulations affecting group health and welfare plans.
Prepare, review and maintain compliance documentation including Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs), Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBCs), 5500 filings and required employee notices.
Support nondiscrimination testing, ACA reporting and audit preparation.
Monitor regulatory changes and partner with legal counsel to interpret and implement new requirements.
Oversee vendor and plan compliance with Business Associate Agreements and data privacy standards.
Provide support to day‑to‑day administration of health, dental, vision, life, disability and wellness programs.
Serve as an escalation point for complex employee benefit inquiries and issue resolution.
Collaborate with brokers, carriers and third‑party administrators to ensure accurate eligibility, billing and claims management.
Participate in annual open enrollment activities, including system setup, employee communications and vendor coordination.
Audit benefit enrollment data and payroll deductions for accuracy and timeliness.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field (or equivalent experience).
5+ years of progressive benefits experience, with emphasis on health and welfare plan compliance and administration.
Strong knowledge of applicable federal and state benefit regulations.
Experience managing relationships with carriers, brokers and third‑party administrators.
High attention to detail and strong analytical, organizational and communication skills.
Hold U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status, as required to access APL facilities and networks, subject to applicable laws.
Desired Beyond Minimum Requirements
Proficiency with HRIS/benefits systems and Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel).
Hold CEBS, CBP or related certification preferred.
About Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world‑class expertise to a range of defense, security, space and science challenges. APL’s culture encourages creativity, bold new ideas and inclusion. Employees enjoy generous benefits, a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions and a healthy work/life balance. APL is located in the Baltimore‑Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities.
Equal Employment Opportunity All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities.
Compensation and Benefits Base pay range: $62,900.00 – $180,300.00 per year. Actual compensation may vary on experience and location. APL offers a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Additional compensation may include bonuses, sign‑on bonuses, relocation benefits and discretionary payments.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Human Resources
Industries Defense and Space Manufacturing
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