Benefits Specialist

Default Brand; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 39,950 - 49,593; Full time

Job summary

Default Brand in Buffalo, NY is seeking a Benefits Specialist responsible for the administration of employee benefits including health, dental, and retirement programs. This role serves as a primary point of contact for employees, ensuring a positive experience and compliance with regulatory requirements.

With a focus on accuracy, the specialist will manage benefits processing and respond to employee inquiries while developing resources for effective benefits communication.

The ideal candidate has 1-2 years of experience and strong analytical and communication skills.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of experience in an administrative role required; 2+ years in benefits administration preferred.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Administer employee benefits programs.
• Manage daily benefits processing using HRIS.
• Respond to employee inquiries related to benefits issues.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Confidentiality

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Job description

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for the day‑to‑day administration of employee benefits, including health, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts (FSAs), health savings accounts (HSAs), disability, life insurance, and retirement programs. This role serves as a primary point of contact for employees regarding their benefits, ensuring positive employee experience and compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Administer employee benefits programs, such as group health, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, dental, vision, disability, life insurance and retirement.
• Manage daily benefits processing using the HRIS and benefits system, including enrollments, changes, and terminations.
• Process benefits‑related data changes that impact HR, payroll, and organization records.
• Respond to employee inquiries related to eligibility, elections, and benefits issues, ensuring timely and accurate resolutions.
• Partner with payroll to ensure accurate processing of employer contributions and payroll deductions.
• Reconcile benefits invoices with payroll records to maintain accuracy.
• Conduct regular internal audits of benefits data and processes.
• Assist with Annual Open Enrollment, including communication development, system configuration, and employee meetings.
• Support the ongoing benefits communication strategy by creating employee‑friendly resources.
• Coordinate wellness events and programs, including scheduling, vendor partnerships, communications, and tracking participation.
• Ensure compliance with all federal and state requirements, including ERISA, HIPPA, ACA, IRS, and DOL regulations.
• Partner with HR to resolve employee benefit concerns effectively and constructively.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with benefit vendors.
• Provide support with Leave of Absence (LOA) administration and related tasks.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of experience in an administrative role required; 2+ years in benefits administration preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment and meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with professionalism.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) at an intermediate level.
• Self‑motivated with the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in the team environment.

Physical Requirements

• Normal dexterity required in an office environment including sitting at desk for extended periods of time, occasional walking, standing, stooping, kneeling, and crouching.
• Computer use, frequent finger dexterity to operate keyboards, mouse, and office equipment.
• Close vision and ability to adjust focus to review documents.
• Regular talking and hearing for phone and in‑person communication.
• Lifting up to 25 lbs.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Benderson Development is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business need.

Pay Range: $29.00 - $36.00 Hourly

Hours 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM Mon‑Fri. (Hours may vary based on needs of the department)

Travel Required

No.

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.