Benefits Specialist

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is seeking a Benefits Specialist based in Hartford, Connecticut. The role involves administering employee benefits programs and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.

Key responsibilities include managing enrollments, serving as a resource for employees on benefits issues, and leading audits of benefit data. Candidates should hold a Bachelor's Degree, have 3-5 years of experience, and exhibit strong analytical and communication skills.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in benefits administration.
• Strong understanding of benefits policies and regulations.
• Proficiency in MS Office and knowledge of HRIS.

Responsibilities

• Administer employee benefits programs including health and retirement savings.
• Serve as advocate and educator for employees regarding benefits.
• Lead audits of HRIS benefit data ensuring accuracy.

Skills

Benefits programs knowledge

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Detail orientation

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

MS Office

HRIS

Job description

Job Description

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for administering employee benefits programs and managing all leave of absence (LOA) processes with accuracy, ensuring compliance, and providing exceptional customer service. This role ensures employees receive timely support and clear guidance on benefits, disability, and all state and federal leave programs.

Reporting to the Director of Benefits Administration/Operations, the Benefits Specialist is highly motivated, detail oriented, project management minded, supporting an inclusive, collaborative, engaged, and diverse workforce.

Responsibilities

• Benefits Administration: Administer employee benefit programs, including health, retirement savings and wellness initiatives. Ensure accurate processing of enrolments, changes and terminations.
• Employee Communication: Serve as advocate, educator and guide for employees regarding benefits onboarding, inquiries, and challenges. Provide accurate, clear information and assistance.
• Data Management: Lead weekly audits of HRIS benefit data and vendor integration reports ensuring timely resolution of data challenges found. Lead billing and invoice reconciliation progress for all benefit programs.
• Compliance: Ensure all benefits comply with federal and state regulations including ERISA, COBRA, ACA, FMLA and HIPAA. Maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Cross Functional and Vendor Engagement: Work within internal and external benefit partners on a daily basis including payroll, finance, ITS and benefit vendors and brokers.
• Open Enrollment: Key player in the annual open enrollment process, including preparing communication, educating employees, and assisting with data management and reporting.
• Leave of Absence Management: Administer employee leaves including disability, FMLA, CTPL, parental leave, and personal leaves. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local leave regulations as well as internal policies. Track leave usage, eligibility, and return to work dates, maintaining accurate records in HR systems.
• Perform other related duties as assigned and based on departmental need.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree
• 3-5 years of experience
• 5-8 years of experience, preferred
• Technical knowledge: Strong understanding of benefits programs, policies, and legal regulations. Proficiency in MS Office; knowledge of HRIS is a plus.
• Analytical skills: Ability to evaluate benefits plans, analyze data, and provide accurate, meaningful reporting.
• Detail orientation: Outstanding organizational and multi-tasking abilities. Manage multiple tasks, maintain accurate records, and ensure compliance. Strong attention to detail.
• Communication: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Trinity is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Applicants with disabilities should request, in advance, any needed accommodation to participate in the application process.