Benefits Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Pet insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Paid time off

401(k)

Job summary

St. Croix Hospice in Mendota Heights, MN is seeking a Benefits Specialist to manage employee benefits programs, ensure regulatory compliance, and support employees with benefits questions.

You will handle enrollment, open enrollment, FMLA/ADA/COBRA related matters, and coordinate with vendors. A Bachelor's in HR or related field and 2+ years in benefits administration are required; DHS background check is necessary.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or equivalent experience in human resources field.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in benefits administration or similar role.
• Certification in benefits or human resources (CEBS, SHRM-CP, PHR) (preferred)
• Ability to pass DHS background study.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and administer employee benefits programs (health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement).
• Handle enrollment, changes, terminations in benefits systems and coordinate open enrollment.
• Serve as primary contact for benefit inquiries, eligibility, claims and coverage; provide guidance to employees.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA; prepare regulatory reports including 5500 filings.
• Manage FMLA, workers' compensation and ADA processes; liaise with carriers and regulators.
• Coordinate with vendors and carriers; review invoices and ensure accuracy.
• Maintain data integrity in HRIS and payroll systems; generate benefits reports.
• Assist in developing/updating benefits policies and improve offerings.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Problem solving

Discretion

Customer service

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field

HR certifications (preferred)

Tools

HRIS

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: Mendota Heights, MN 55120Position Type: Full TimeJob Category: Human ResourcesWork 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 Specialist

Position Overview TheBenefits 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 questions

Essential Functions and Skills

Benefits Administration

• Maintain employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, other voluntary benefits and retirement plans
• Handle enrollment, changes, and terminations in benefits systems
• Coordinate annual open enrollment and communicate updates to employees

Employee Support

• Act as the primary point of contact for employee inquiries regarding benefits, eligibility, claims, and coverage
• Provide guidance to employees on their benefits options and assist in resolving issues
• Conduct 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 HIPAA
• Prepare and submit required regulatory reports, including 5500 filings
• Responsible for maintaining compliance with all HIPAA regulations and requirements

FMLA, 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 matters
• Monitor the status of claims and facilitate communication between employees, medical providers, and insurance carriers
• Assist employees in navigating the process, including medical evaluations and return-to-work programs

Vendor and Carrier Coordination

• Work closely with insurance providers, brokers, and other benefits vendors
• Monitor vendor performance and address any service issues
• Review, audit, and process monthly group invoices - working closely with Finance and vendors on any discrepancies

Data Maintenance and Integrity

• Keep accurate benefits records and ensure timely updates in HRIS and payroll systems
• Generate benefits-related reports and provide data insights to support decision-making

Policy Support

• Assist in developing and updating benefits policies and procedures
• Provide suggestions for improving benefits offerings to enhance employee satisfaction

Performs other duties as assigned.

QualificationsRequirements/Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or equivalent experience in human resources field
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in benefits administration or similar role
• Certification in benefits or human resources (CEBS, SHRM-CP, PHR) (preferred)
• Ability to pass DHS background study.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Familiarity with benefits regulations, including but not limited to ADA, FMLA, ERISA, COBRA, and HIPAA
• Ability to prioritize multiple assignments simultaneously in a fast-paced environment with competing deadlines and short lead times, while maintaining a high level of customer service
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, exercising extreme attention to detail in all matters.
• Proficiency using HR and payroll systems
• Proficiency in English with excellent interpersonal, communication and customer service skills
• Ability to work with highly confidential information with discretion
• Technical proficiency in all Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Physical Requirements

• 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.