Benefits Specialist

St-Croix-Hospice-; Mendota Heights (MN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Croix Hospice is seeking a Benefits Specialist to administer and maintain employee benefit programs, ensuring regulatory compliance and excellent support.

You will serve as the primary contact for employees on benefits, coordinate open enrollment, and partner with vendors and payroll. This role requires a bachelor's in HR or related field and at least two years of benefits experience, with HIPAA/ERISA knowledge.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or equivalent.
• 2+ years’ experience in benefits administration or similar role.
• Certification in benefits or HR (CEBS, SHRM-CP, PHR) preferred.
• Ability to pass DHS background check.
• Knowledge of ADA, FMLA, ERISA, COBRA, and HIPAA.

Responsibilities

• Maintain employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, and retirement plans.
• Handle enrollment, changes, and terminations in benefits systems.
• Coordinate annual open enrollment and communicate updates to employees.
• Act as the primary point of contact for employee inquiries regarding benefits and coverage.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and related regulations.

Skills

Benefits administration

Regulatory compliance

HR systems

Attention to detail

Customer service

Multitasking

Communication

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR / Business Administration or equivalent

Tools

HRIS

Payroll systems

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

Work Where You Matter!At St. Croix Hospice we guide patients and families through the end-of-life journey. Through compassionate care, we focus on our patient’s quality of life, empowering them to make the most of their time with dignity, comfort and respect. If you are ready to be part of an extraordinary team of caregivers, then come work where you matter.Benefits SpecialistPosition OverviewThe Benefits Specialist is responsible for administering and maintaining employee benefit programs, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, and providing excellent support to employees regarding their benefits. This individual provides technical and administrative support to the Director of Benefits and Compensation and is the primary point of contact for employees and leaders with benefit or leave of absence related questionsEssential Functions and SkillsResponsibilitiesBenefits Administration:Maintain employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, other voluntary benefits and retirement plansHandle enrollment, changes, and terminations in benefits systemsCoordinate annual open enrollment and communicate updates to employeesEmployee Support:Act as the primary point of contact for employee inquiries regarding benefits, eligibility, claims, and coverageProvide guidance to employees on their benefits options and assist in resolving issuesConduct new hire Benefits orientations on bi-weekly basis.Compliance and Reporting:Ensure benefits programs align with federal, state, and local regulations, such as ERISA, ACA, COBRA, and HIPAAPrepare and submit required regulatory reports, including 5500 filingsResponsible for maintaining compliance with all HIPAA regulations and requirementsFMLA, Workers Compensation and ADA:Serve as the primary point of contact for employees, managers, insurance carriers, and regulatory agencies regarding leave of absence and workers' compensation mattersMonitor the status of claims and facilitate communication between employees, medical providers, and insurance carriersAssist employees in navigating the process, including medical evaluations and return-to-work programsVendor and Carrier Coordination:Work closely with insurance providers, brokers, and other benefits vendorsMonitor vendor performance and address any service issuesReview, audit, and process monthly group invoices - working closely with Finance and vendors on any discrepanciesData Maintenance and Integrity:Keep accurate benefits records and ensure timely updates in HRIS and payroll systemsGenerate benefits-related reports and provide data insights to support decision-makingPolicy Support:Assist in developing and updating benefits policies and proceduresProvide suggestions for improving benefits offerings to enhance employee satisfactionPerforms other duties as assigned.Requirements/QualificationsBachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or equivalent experience in human resources fieldMinimum of 2 years’ experience in benefits administration or similar roleCertification in benefits or human resources (CEBS, SHRM-CP, PHR) (preferred)Ability to pass DHS background study.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesFamiliarity with benefits regulations, including but not limited to ADA, FMLA, ERISA, COBRA, and HIPAAAbility to prioritize multiple assignments simultaneously in a fast-paced environment with competing deadlines and short lead times, while maintaining a high level of customer serviceStrong analytical and problem-solving skills, exercising extreme attention to detail in all matters.Proficiency using HR and payroll systemsProficiency in English with excellent interpersonal, communication and customer service skillsAbility to work with highly confidential information with discretionTechnical proficiency in all Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)Physical RequirementsThe physical requirements described are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made.Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.Pushing/Pulling and Lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds.The salary range for this role is $80,000 - $90,000/annually. An employee’s actual annual salary will be based on but not limited to: geographic location, relevant education, applicable certifications, depth of experience, and special skillsets. The total compensation package for this position may also include the opportunity to participate in employee benefits including our medical/dental/vision/pet insurance, disability and life insurance, paid time off, and 401(k) retirement plans, subject to applicable plan terms, and/or eligibility for other compensation.