Benefits Specialist

Blue River PetCare; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Disability and Life Insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Gym memberships discount

Childcare discounts

Job summary

A veterinary hospital operating group seeks a Benefits Specialist to manage employee benefit programs, including health, welfare, and retirement plans. The role entails supporting Open Enrollment activities, resolving employee inquiries, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations. Candidates should have over 3 years of benefits administration experience and strong communication skills. This position offers a hybrid work model and a salary ranging from $65,000 to $85,000 annually, along with various employee benefits.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of previous benefit administration experience.
• Advanced knowledge of federal and state benefits laws.
• Strong knowledge of retirement plans and leave programs.

Responsibilities

• Administer employee benefit programs like medical and retirement.
• Serve as a resource for employees on benefit inquiries.
• Support compliance and regulatory reporting for benefits.

Skills

Knowledge of health and welfare benefits

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Collaborative mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

HRIS system (Workday)

Microsoft Office suite

Job description

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for supporting and administering employee benefit programs, including health and welfare plans, retirement plans, supporting the leave of absence process, and other employee reward programs. The successful candidate will be an independent self-starter with exceptional communication and organization skills, superb multi-tasking abilities and outstanding client service skills. This position reports to the Total Rewards Manager.

• Administer employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement plans, COBRA, and wellness.
• Maintain confidential and accurate benefit records in compliance with plan rules and regulatory requirements.
• Support annual Open Enrollment activities, including testing, vendor coordination, reporting, and communications.
• Partner in development of benefits communication, education, and program development.
• Support administration of leaves of absence, including FMLA, state leave programs, disability benefits, and company leave policies.

Employee Support

• Serve as a primary resource for employees, HR partners, and managers on benefit eligibility, enrollment, qualifying life events, plan details, and general inquiries.
• Resolve employee benefit issues by partnering with vendors, payroll, and HR teams.
• Assist with New Hire Benefits Orientation meetings with possibility of periodic domestic travel to company clinics (travel 5-10%). Fully knowledgeable of benefits and demonstrates strong engagement when educating, responding to inquiries, and dealing with escalated issues.

Vendor and Carrier Coordination

• Collaborate with benefit vendors and insurance carriers to research and resolve discrepancies and eligibility concerns.
• Assist with invoice review and reconciliation to ensure accurate and timely payments.

Compliance, Reporting & Process Improvement

• Assist with benefit-related audits, reconciliations, and regulatory reporting.
• Improve processes enhancing benefit delivery, employee experience, and compliance.
• Support Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliance activities, including eligibility tracking, reporting, and coordinating with internal teams and vendors to ensure accurate and timely filings.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including benefit administration and special projects.

Requirements

Experience

• 3+ years of previous benefit administration experience with demonstrated knowledge of health and welfare plans, life and disability insurance, retirement plans, and leave programs.
• 3+ years working with an HRIS system, preferably Workday.

Education

Skills

• Advanced knowledge of federal and state laws regarding benefits (i.e. COBRA, ERISA, Section 125, ACA), working knowledge of FMLA, ADA, Worker’s Compensation, strong knowledge of health and welfare benefits.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with ability to research issues, interpret plan rules, and provide clear guidance.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to explain complex benefit concepts in a clear, employee-friendly manner.
• High attention to detail with strong organizational and time management skills to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Collaborative mindset with ability to work effectively across HR, payroll, vendors, and employee groups.
• Ability to write and generate reports, create data visualizations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Physical Requirements

• Remain in seated position at least 75% of the time.
• Ability to communicate with others via in-person verbal communication, as well as frequent emails and phone/video calls. Must be able to exchange clear, accurate information in these situations.
• Ability to utilize a computer, keyboard and mouse when working.

Work Location

• Hybrid: Two-three days per week in the Chicago corporate office (1 S. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606).

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range: $65,000-85,000 per year

Blue River PetCare team members are eligible to participate in the discretionary annual bonus program.

Blue River PetCare offers the following benefits:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Flexible & Health Spending Accounts
• Disability, Life Insurance, and Critical Illness Coverage
• Retirement plans with company match
• Paid Time Off (PTO), Holidays, and Bereavement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Pet Perks with industry vendor partners, including deals on insurance, preventatives, food, and supplies
• Chicago CTA Transit Program Benefits
• Discounted gym memberships for local Chicago team members
• Childcare discounts with KinderCare
• Exclusive travel, entertainment, and retail discounts
• Hybrid and remote opportunities

We’re proud to announce that Blue River PetCare is a certified Great Place To Work!

Blue River PetCare is a multi-state owner and operator of high-quality veterinary hospitals, with our corporate office located in downtown Chicago. We provide an exit strategy for owners of veterinary hospitals who are looking to reduce the headaches of business and diversify their asset base while continuing to practice or who are seeking to transition their practice as they consider retirement. We believe strongly in the local franchise and work with our hospitals to strengthen their existing hospital brands and carry on the legacies which have been established.

Diversity is embraced at Blue River PetCare and the uniqueness of all individuals is supported. All qualified applicants will be considered for all positions regardless of race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status or ancestry.