BENEFITS SPECIALIST

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, Inc.; Brattleboro (VT); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, Inc. is seeking a Benefits Specialist to support the Human Resources department in Brattleboro, VT. The role focuses on administering benefit plans, ensuring regulatory compliance, and coordinating with vendors and payroll to manage deductions and data accuracy.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and 2+ years of related benefits experience, with SHRM/CEBS credentials preferred. Onsite work in Brattleboro, VT is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• 3-5 years of related benefits administration experience.
• CEBP or CCP certification or similar strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical skills and knowledge of plan designs.
• Knowledge of benefit plan contract language.
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations affecting benefits programs including ACA, ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125, workers' comp, Medicare, OBRA, Social Security and DOL requirements.
• Excellent communication and organization skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in designing and recommend new benefits programs.
• Serve as primary contact for plan vendors and third‑party administrators.
• Coordinate transfer of data to external contacts for services, premiums and plan administration.
• Document and maintain administrative SOPs for assigned benefits processes.
• Compile data for Workers Compensation annual audit.
• Monitor compliance with applicable government regulations and ensure timely reporting.

Skills

Benefits administration

HRIS

Data analysis

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Excel

HRIS software

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Job Type: Full-time

Job Description: Benefits Specialist

Job Title: Benefits Specialist

Job Code: 854

Hours: Days

FTE: 1.0

FLSA Status: Exempt

Department Name: Human Resources

Location: Brattleboro, Vermont (Onsite)

DEPT. SCOPE OF SERVICE:

The Human Resource Department provides operational leadership in Human Resource management to all employees of Brattleboro Memorial Hospital and SVHSC. Human Resource policies and procedures and practices are in accord with the hospital’s mission and strategies, prevailing state and federal employment laws and Collective Bargaining Agreements. Human Resources provides the full spectrum of Human Resource services to managers and employees including employee and labor relations, compensation and benefits management, recruitment/selection/placement, performance management, development planning and organizational effectiveness, and education service support.

The department interfaces with department heads and employees across all departments, senior management, medical staff, community members, legal counsel and various staff/federal governmental agencies.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in designing and recommend new benefits programs. Examine possible plan designs and benefits cost changes.
• Serve as primary contact for plan vendors and third‑party administrators.
• Coordinate transfer of data to external contacts for services, premiums and plan administration.
• Document and maintain administrative standard operating procedures for assigned benefits processes.
• Compile requested data for Workers Compensation annual audit.
• Monitor compliance with applicable government regulations. Ensure timeliness and accuracy of required reporting and fees.
• Process daily benefits. Handle enrollments, COBRA, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, disability, accident and death claims, rollovers, QDROs, QMCSOs, distributions, hardships and compliance testing.
• Assist in overseeing maintenance of employee benefits files, maintain group benefits database and update employee payroll records.
• Gather employee data and oversee the processing of monthly billings and the preparation of vouchers for payment of administrative fees for all group plans.
• Analyze group health and dental claims weekly and review monthly.
• Assist and coordinate plan audits. Prepare, collect and organize data for audit and assessments.
• Design and distribute materials for benefits orientations, open enrollment wellbeing events and summary plan descriptions. Provide training and support to personnel.
• Produce and file annual compliance reports (e.g. OSHA, Worker’s Comp)
• Calculate employee eligibility for Vermont Sick Pay requirement on a quarterly basis.
• Provide support to the HR team with day‑to‑day Human Resources responsibilities and functions.
• Work in collaboration with Payroll to ensure accurate and a timely payroll deductions.
• Acts as the primary point of contact for Worker’s Comp, ADA, Leave of Absence and FMLA programs.
• Under the direction of the Chief HR Officer Broker, assist in the administration of employee pension plans to include distributions, discrimination testing, eligibility, plan design, and yearly compliance testing.
• Assist in the new employee onboarding processes, including maintenance and creation of personnel files.
• Back up as a payroll administrator as needed.
• Performs additional duties as assigned

Employee Engagement:

• Supports and drives initiatives that promote a positive, inclusive, and engaging work environment across all departments

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• 3-5 years of related benefits or employee benefits administration experience.
• CEBP or CCP certification or similar strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical skills and a thorough knowledge of plan designs.
• Knowledge of benefit plan contract language.
• Knowledge of all pertinent federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements, both adopted and pending, affecting employee benefits programs, including the ACA, ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125, workers' compensation, Medicare, OBRA, and Social Security and DOL requirements.
• Excellent communication and organization skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Standing
• Walking
• Sitting
• Talking or Hearing

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Up to 50 pounds

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• This position requires exposure to the following environmental conditions.
• The typical noise level for an office environment is:
• Quiet
• Moderate Noise

EEO/ADA STATEMENT:

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and strictly prohibits any type of harassment or discrimination in regard to race, religion, age, color, sex, disability status, national origin, genetics, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender expression, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, and/or local laws.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Brattleboro Memorial Hospital to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Human Resources.

Compensation Disclosure In Accordance With Vermont Act 155

In compliance with Vermont Act 155, Brattleboro Memorial Hospital provides the compensation range for this position in good faith. The listed range represents the pay scale reasonably expected for a successful candidate based on factors such as relevant experience, education, internal equity, and market competitiveness. Final compensation will be determined during the hiring process.

**This job description is intended to outline the general responsibilities of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Additional duties may be assigned as needed to support operations.**

Requirements

EDUCATION:

High School Diploma or equivalent required.

EXPERIENCE:

• 2+ years of related benefits or employee benefits administration experience.
• Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to use Microsoft products; experience with HRIS and benefits databases.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Effective planning and priority setting. Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills and a thorough knowledge of plan designs.
• Knowledge of benefit plan contract language.
• Knowledge of all pertinent federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements, both adopted and pending, affecting employee benefits programs, including the ACA, ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125, workers' compensation, Medicare, OBRA, and Social Security and DOL requirements.
• Excellent communication and organization skills.
• Knowledge of Windows-based software preferred.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION(S):

SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP designation preferred but not required.

CEBS professional designation preferred or ability to obtain within 12-months of hire.

Mental Efforts:

Ability to work within a limited space and in bright and low lighted examination rooms.

Ability to see objects closely, hear normal sounds with some background noise.

Environment & Working Conditions:

Potential for exposure to bloodborne pathogens as well as potentially infectious conditions.

Work and travel off site are required; some irregular hours may be required.

The use of personal protective devices and appropriate safety measures must be employed for all aspects of known or potential exposure.

Some work environments may be stressful.

OSHA CATEGORY:

• OSHA Category I - Tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues require use of techniques of Universal Precautions as evidenced with blood borne pathogens standards.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• On-the-job time is spent in the following physical activities.
• Standing - Up to 1/3
• Walking - Up to 1/3
• Sitting - 2/3 or more
• Talking or Hearing - 2/3 or more
• Use of hands to finger, handle or feel - Up to 1/3
• Pushing/Pulling - Up to 1/3
• Stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling - Up to 1/3
• Reaching with hands and arms - Up to 1/3
• Tasting or smelling - None

This position requires that weight be lifted or force be exerted.

• Up to 10 pounds - 2/3 or more
• Up to 25 pounds - 1/3 to 1/2
• Up to 50 pounds - Up to 1/3
• Up to 100 pounds - None
• More than 100 pounds - None

• Close Vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less)
• Color Vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)
• Ability to Adjust Focus (ability to adjust eye to bring an object into sharp focus)

WORK ENVIORNMENT

• This position requires exposure to the following environmental conditions.
• Wet, humid conditions (non-weather) - None
• Work near moving mechanical parts - Up to 1/3
• Fumes or airborne particles - Up to 1/3
• Toxic or caustic chemicals - Up to 1/3
• Outdoor weather conditions - None
• Extreme cold (non-weather) - None
• Extreme heat (non-weather) - None
• Risk of electrical shock - None
• Work with explosives - None
• Risk of radiation - None
• Vibration - None
• The typical noise level for the environment is:
• Very Quiet
• Quiet
• Moderate Noise
• Loud Noise
• Hearing
• Ability to hear calls
• Ability to hear instructions from physician/department staff/others

EEO/ADA STATEMENT:

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and strictly prohibits any type of harassment or discrimination in regards to race, religion, age, color, sex, disability status, national origin, genetics, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender expression, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, and/or local laws.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Brattleboro Memorial Hospital to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodations needed, please contact Human Resources.

Your employment with Brattleboro Memorial Hospital is on an at-will basis, meaning either you or the Company can terminate the employment relationship, at any time, for any or no reason, and with or without cause or notice. As an at-will employee, your employment with Brattleboro Memorial Hospital is not guaranteed for any length of time.

I understand the description of this job and the essential functions, as given above. I also understand that not all of the duties are described above, and that I will perform those above and other related duties as directed by my supervisor and management. I further understand that employment is at-will, and that either I or my employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time.