Benefits Specialist

Job ID: 007269Description:Executive Headquarters (117 West 124th St)Salary: $70,000 - $80,000Position Summary:Reporting to the Director of Benefits and Wellness, the Benefits Specialist is responsible for the administration of employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, workers' compensation, FMLA, retirement plans, and voluntary benefits. This role ensures the accurate and efficient management of benefits programs, assists employees with benefit-related inquiries, and ensures compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.Essential Duties:Understand and promote the organization's Mission, Vision, and Core Values to ensure alignment with organizational policies and procedures.Administer and manage the agency's benefits programs, including FMLA, PFL, disability, workers' compensation, medical, dental, and life insurance.Process all leave-of-absence requests and disability paperwork, including medical, disability, PFL, and FMLA.Track leave time and collaborate with employees and managers to ensure accurate timekeeping.Coordinate the enrollment, changes, and terminations of employee benefits.Interpret FMLA and ADA implications relating to leaves of absence and disabilities.Create and maintain accurate leave files.Communicate with employees and managers to coordinate the return-to-work process, including accommodation requests and leave expirations.Administer Workers' Compensation claims and processes.Ensure the accuracy of all benefits enrollments in the HRIS, providing vendors with precise eligibility information.Counsel and educate newly hired and existing employees on benefit and retirement plan options.Respond to 403(B) and 401(K) inquiries from managers and employees regarding enrollments, plan changes, and contribution amounts.Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations related to employee benefits, including COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and ERISA.Address benefits inquiries from managers and employees regarding plan provisions, enrollments, status changes, and other general questions.Assist with COBRA administration, ensuring timely transfer of termination data to the third-party vendor.Partner with Payroll to ensure appropriate benefit changes are processed.Perform other duties as assigned.Minimum Qualifications:Two plus years of experience in benefits administration.Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or a related field; in lieu of a degree, three additional years of benefits administration experience are required.Professional certification in benefits administration preferred (e.g., CEBS, PHR).Key Competencies:Strong knowledge of employee benefits laws and regulations.Proficiency in HRIS and benefits management software.Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.Ability to manage and maintain sensitive, confidential information.Attention to detail and organizational skills.The ability to manage multiple tasks with competing priorities.Ability to make sound decisions and work independently.Proficiency in Microsoft applications - particularly advanced Excel skills.Requirements:Job Type

Full Time

Location

Manhattan#J-18808-Ljbffr