Benefits Specialist

gmh; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Grady Health System seeking a Benefits Specialist to administer and support employee benefit programs across medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and retirement plans. This role partners with HR, payroll, and carriers to ensure accurate eligibility, enrollment, and compliant administration.

The position emphasizes employee education, open enrollment coordination, data integrity in HRIS, and timely benefits reporting. Excellent communication and discretion are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred in a related field.
• 2–5 years of experience in benefits administration, HR, or healthcare-related employee services.
• Experience with HRIS, benefits administration, and payroll systems.

Responsibilities

• Administer and support employee benefit programs (medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement).
• Process enrollments, changes, and terminations; manage eligibility and coverage status.
• Ensure ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, FMLA compliance and maintain records.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Discretion

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

HRIS

Payroll systems

Benefits administration software

Job description

Whatever the role, everyone at Grady is part of something bigger. Choosing a career at Grady is choosing to be part of a legacy of service and commitment to our communities. If you want to make a difference, we want to hear from you.

Job Summary

The Benefits Specialist will administer and support employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement, and wellness plans. This role will serve as a key resource for employees, ensuring they understand their benefits, enrollment options, eligibility requirements, and available resources. The Benefits Specialist works closely with Human Resources, payroll, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators to ensure accurate benefit administration, compliance with federal and state regulations, and provide positive employee experience.

RESPONSIBILITES:

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, and retirement plans.
• Process benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations.
• Manage employee eligibility and coverage status.
• Coordinate annual open enrollment activities.

Employee Support & Education

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefit inquiries.
• Explain benefit options, plan features, and eligibility requirements.
• Assist employees with claims issues and coverage questions.
• Conduct benefits orientation sessions for new hires.

Compliance & Regulatory Management

• Ensure compliance with ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, FMLA, and other applicable regulations.
• Maintain required benefits documentation and records.
• Support internal and external audits.
• Monitor legislative changes affecting employee benefit programs.

Vendor & Carrier Relations

• Liaise with insurance carriers, brokers, and third-party administrators.
• Resolve benefit-related issues and escalations.
• Coordinate implementation of benefit plan changes.
• Review service performance and vendor compliance.

HRIS & Data Management

• Maintain accurate employee benefits data in HRIS and payroll systems.
• Process qualifying life events and dependent changes.
• Audit employee records for accuracy and completeness.
• Generate benefits reports and analytics.

Leave of Absence Administration

• Support administration of FMLA, disability, and other leave programs.
• Coordinate leave benefits with insurance providers.
• Monitor leave eligibility and documentation requirements.
• Communicate leave-related benefits information to employees.

Benefits Communication

• Promote awareness of available benefit programs.
• Communicate policy updates and benefit changes.

Wellness & Employee Engagement

• Support employee wellness and health promotion initiatives.
• Coordinate wellness events and incentive programs.
• Encourage participation in health and wellbeing programs.
• Measure and report employee engagement with benefits offerings.

Additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field of study preferred.
• 2-5 years of experience in benefits administration, HR, or healthcare-related employee services required.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and accuracy required.
• Experience with HRIS, benefits administration, and payroll systems required.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills required.
• Knowledge of healthcare benefits, insurance plans, and applicable regulations required.

Core Competencies

1. Patient-Centered Care - Demonstrates a commitment to delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality care that prioritizes the well-being and satisfaction of patients and their families.
2. Integrity & Accountability - Acts ethically, maintains confidentiality, and accepts responsibility for actions, decisions, and outcomes.
3. Collaboration & Teamwork - Builds positive relationships, works effectively across departments, and supports colleagues to achieve shared goals.
4. Communication - Communicates clearly, respectfully, and effectively with patients, families, colleagues, and leadership.
5. Respect & Inclusion - Creates an inclusive environment by valuing diversity, treating others with dignity, and ensuring equitable care and opportunities for all.
6. Quality & Safety - Adheres to best practices, regulatory standards, and policies to ensure safe, reliable, and high-quality outcomes.
7. Adaptability & Resilience - Responds effectively to change, remains flexible in dynamic situations, and demonstrates resilience under pressure.
8. Continuous Improvement - Seeks opportunities to improve processes, skills, and outcomes through innovation, learning, and feedback.
9. Leadership & Professionalism - Inspires, guides, and develops individuals and teams while modeling professionalism, fairness, and transparen