BENEFITS SPECIALIST

CalvertHealth; Prince Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

CalvertHealth is seeking a Benefits Specialist to administer and optimize employee benefits and leave programs. You will manage enrollments, respond to inquiries, and collaborate with Payroll, HR, and vendors to ensure compliant benefits administration.

The role requires experience in benefits administration, knowledge of key laws (FMLA, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA), and strong data management skills, with attention to detail and customer service focus.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years in HR, benefits or leave administration.
• Healthcare industry experience preferred.
• Knowledge of FMLA, COBRA, HIPAA and ERISA.

Responsibilities

• Administer employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life and disability.
• Process enrollments, life events, and terminations accurately and timely.
• Coordinate data exchanges between HRIS, payroll, and benefit vendors.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding eligibility and coverage.
• Maintain accurate benefit and leave records in HR systems.

Skills

Benefits administration

Regulatory compliance

Data analysis

HRIS

Customer service

Excel

Attention to detail

Education

Associate degree in Human Resources or related field

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field

Tools

HRIS systems

Benefits administration platforms

Payroll processes

Job description

The Benefits Specialist analyzes benefits-related data, identifies trends and opportunities for process improvement, and helps ensure CalvertHealth's benefit offerings remain competitive, cost-effective, and supportive of employee well-being and retention. This role acts as a subject matter expert in benefits administration and serves as the primary administrator for benefits systems and enrollment platforms.

Essential Functions:

• JOB DESCRIPTION DETAILS
• Job Summary:
• The Benefits Specialist is responsible for the administration, coordination, and continuous improvement of CalvertHealth's employee benefits and leave programs. This position serves as a key resource for employees and leaders regarding benefit plans, retirement programs, leave administration, and regulatory compliance. The Benefits Specialist manages benefit enrollments, maintains accurate employee benefit records, supports open enrollment activities, administers leave-of-absence programs, and collaborates closely with Payroll, HR, benefit vendors, and external partners to ensure efficient and compliant benefits administration.
• Administer employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, and related offerings
• Process benefit enrollments, life event changes, annual open enrollment elections, and benefit terminations accurately and timely
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding benefit eligibility, coverage, claims escalation, and plan interpretation
• Coordinate data exchanges between HRIS, payroll, and benefit vendors to ensure accuracy and consistency
• Review, reconcile, and resolve discrepancies in benefit invoices and payroll deductions
• Administer statutory and company-sponsored leave programs, including eligibility determination, tracking, and documentation management
• Ensure timely and compliant communication to employees and managers regarding leave status, rights, and required actions
• Maintain accurate leave and benefit records in HR systems in accordance with retention and confidentiality requirements
• Partner with third-party administrators and insurance carriers to manage cases, resolve issues, and ensure service standards are met
• Monitor compliance with federal, state, and local laws related to benefits, leave, and workers’ compensation administration with Employee Health Nurse
• Prepare and support required audits, reports, filings, and compliance documentation as assigned
• Identify process inefficiencies, compliance risks, or data integrity issues and recommend improvements
• Collaborate with HR, payroll, finance, EHS, and management to ensure accurate administration and alignment with organizational policies
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive employee information
• Support HR initiatives and special projects related to benefits, leave, workers’ compensation, or compliance as assigned
• Other duties as assigned.

Preferred

• Education:
• Required
• • Associate degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or a related field; equivalent combination of education, certification, and relevant experience may be considered.
  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or a related field.

Certifications:

• Registration/Certification/Licensure:
• SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), CEBS, or related certification preferred.
• CEBS (preferred) CBP (preferred)

Experience

• Required
• • Minimum of two (2) years of experience in human resources, benefits administration, leave administration, payroll support, or a related field.
  • Three to five (3-5) years of progressively responsible benefits administration experience.
  • Healthcare industry experience.

Special Skills

• Other Requirements:
• Maintains unit-specific and hospital competencies, mandatory learning, and any clinical certifications required in accordance with the Staff Education and Training policy GA-057 and/or any other department requirements.
• Requires excellent customer service and time management.
• Must be very organized and attention to detail is critical.
• Comprehensive knowledge of employee benefits administration and applicable employment laws and regulations
• Strong understanding of FMLA, ADA, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, retirement plans, disability programs, and Section 125 plans.
• Knowledge of HRIS systems, benefits administration platforms, and payroll processes.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail with demonstrated accuracy in data management and reporting.
• Ability to interpret regulations, policies, and plan documents and effectively communicate information to employees and management.
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong customer service orientation and commitment to confidentiality.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and related software applications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex benefit and leave information clearly
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel (data review, reconciliation, reporting) and Word
• Working knowledge of HRIS and benefits administration platforms
• Knowledge of employment laws and regulations related to benefits, leave, and workers’ compensation
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy in data and documentation management
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Demonstrated ability to analyze information, identify issues, and implement practical solutions
• Strong interpersonal skills with a high degree of professionalism and emotional intelligence
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive employee information