Benefits Specialist

Job Description The Benefits Analyst is responsible for administering and optimizing all aspects of employee benefit programs, leave of absence policies, and workers compensation. This position is responsible for the end-to-end coordination of benefit enrollments, claims processing, vendor liaison, and employee support. In addition, the role supports HR systems (HRIS) and develops reporting to provide actionable insights on benefit utilization, leave trends, and compliance metrics. This role contributes to continuous improvement efforts and requires a high level of autonomy, customer service focus, and attention to detail, with the ability to manage competing priorities and support compliance across federal and state laws. Essential Job Functions: Benefits Administration Assist in the administration of group health, dental, vision, life, disability, and 401(k) benefit plans. Lead new hire onboarding, life events, and annual open enrollment campaigns. Partner with vendors and brokers to resolve coverage, claims, and eligibility issues. Prepare employee communications, guides, and training materials. Audit and reconcile benefits invoices and ensure timely, accurate payments. Support plan compliance, including ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, and IRS filings. HRIS & Data Reporting Maintain benefit and leave data in the HRIS (Dayforce preferred), ensuring integrity and compliance. Develop and run reports to support audits, compliance filings (EEO-1, 5500, NDT), and internal decision-making. Collaborate on system configuration and testing related to benefits and payroll integration. Identify opportunities for process automation and improved employee experience, and assist in implementing integrations with vendors and carriers. Compliance & Special Projects Support annual filings such as 5500s and compliance audits (SOX, ACA, NDT). Assist with benefit plan design changes and post-acquisition harmonization projects. Monitor and interpret legislation affecting 401(k), benefits, and leave policies. Leave of Absence & Workers Compensation Assist in managing all leave cases (FMLA, ADA, CFRA, pregnancy, personal), ensuring documentation, tracking, and compliance. Partner with Payroll, Legal, and department managers to support return-to-work and accommodations. Administer and track workers compensation claims from intake to closure. Analyze leave and WC data to identify trends and recommend improvements. Interface with carriers, third-party administrators, and legal counsel as needed. Experience/ Training/ Education Bachelors Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field. 3 to 5+ years of progressive experience in HR, with a focus on benefits, leaves, and compliance. Strong understanding of ERISA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, COBRA, ACA, CFRA, and California leave laws. Demonstrated experience with 5500 filings, NDT, and other compliance reports. Knowledge, Skills, and Ability Proficient in HRIS platforms (Dayforce highly preferred) and reporting tools. Advanced Excel and comfortable working with data (e.g., VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, charts). Familiarity with audit processes, system implementations, and process optimization. Exceptional communication, customer service, and collaboration skills. Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Working Conditions: The Benefits Analyst will work a minimum of 40 hours per week; however, they will require flexibility during periods that may call for overtime. Most of the work will be performed while sitting at a desk, involving typing and reading on a computer. They will engage people directly, through video conferencing, or over the phone, which may result in obtaining confidential information; it is expected that any information disclosed remains confidential. Due to the nature of work, you may be required to be on-call on an irregular work schedule, including weekends, early mornings, evenings, and holidays. Occasional travel may be involved. Benefits*: We offer competitive benefits, which include: Health Insurance Vision Insurance Dental Insurance Life & accident insurance Pet Insurance 401(k) with company matching 19 days of paid time off Wellness program and EAP assistance and much more!