Benefits Specialist

Visual Comfort & Co.; Skokie (IL); On-site; USD 41,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work–Life Balance

Training & Development

Paid Time Off

7 paid holidays + 2 floating holidays

Competitive compensation

Health benefits with premiums covered

Life insurance & short-term disability

401(k) with company match 4%

Job summary

Visual Comfort & Co. seeks a Benefits Specialist to partner with employees, leadership, and vendors to administer health, welfare, and retirement programs and leave management.

Responsibilities include FMLA/ADA/leave handling, regulatory compliance, and audits while ensuring accurate records; the ideal candidate has a bachelor's in HR, 2–4 years' benefits experience, bilingual English/Spanish, and Dayforce proficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field.
• 2-4 years of progressive experience in benefits and leave administration.
• Solid understanding of employee benefit programs, HR practices, and employment laws related to benefits administration and leaves of absence.
• Fluency in English and Spanish required, including ability to verbally communicate and translate benefits and leave-related information accurately and professionally.
• Familiarity with HRIS and other HR-related software, specifically Ceridian Dayforce.
• Ability to analyze benefits data, identify trends, and make data-driven recommendations to improve offerings.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the administration of employee health, welfare, retirement, and ancillary benefit programs, including annual open enrollment.
• Serve as the primary liaison between employees, managers, and external vendors to resolve complex benefits and leave-related issues.
• Administer and manage employee leave programs (FMLA, ADA, parental, military, and personal leave), handling complex and escalated cases with timely processing.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations including ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, and leave laws.
• Analyze benefits data to identify trends and support strategic decisions.
• Maintain and update benefits and leave policies and documentation.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Benefits administration

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Discretion / confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Business or related field

Tools

Ceridian Dayforce

Job description

Who we are

Visual Comfort & Co. is the premier resource for decorative and architectural lighting, ceiling fans, system controls and automated shading solutions from the most influential designers in the world. We are proud to offer a market‑leading range of premium products across categories, styles and price points, remaining committed to beautiful design and, above all, a world‑class customer experience.

Reporting directly to the Director Human Resources within the Human Resources department, the Benefits Specialist is responsible for collaborating with employees, leadership, and external vendors to ensure effective administration of benefits and leave programs. Duties include overseeing employee benefits and leave administration, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and organizational policies, supporting employees with benefits education and issue resolution, and supporting the organization with the management of FMLA, ADA, short‑term and long‑term disability, workers’ compensation, and health and welfare programs.

Visual Comfort Offers

• Work‑Life Balance: Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm
• Training & Development: A comprehensive and structured training program, complemented by ongoing education and opportunities for career advancement.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation accrual and paid time off policies.
• Holidays: 7 paid holidays per year, in addition to 2 floating holidays.
• Compensation: Competitive compensation plan
• Health Benefits: Visual Comfort covers the majority of employee medical premiums, and offers competitive vision and dental coverage available starting the first of the month following your start date.
• Insurance: Company‑provided life insurance and short‑term disability coverage.
• Retirement: 401(k) plan with company matching up to 4%, available beginning the first of the month following your hire date.

How success is defined

• Oversee the administration of employee health, welfare, retirement, and ancillary benefit programs, including planning and execution of the annual open enrollment process.
• Serve as the primary liaison between employees, managers, and external vendors to resolve complex benefits and leave‑related issues.
• Administer and manage employee leave programs (including FMLA, ADA, parental, military, and personal leave), handling complex and escalated cases while ensuring accurate tracking, documentation, and timely processing.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, and leave laws; monitor regulatory changes and implement updates as needed.
• Analyze benefits and leave data to identify trends, improve program effectiveness, and support strategic decision‑making.
• Maintain and update benefits and leave policies, procedures, and documentation to align with legal requirements and organizational needs.
• Provide guidance and training to HR team members, managers, and employees on benefits and leave programs, policies, and best practices.
• Support internal and external audits, including retirement plan audits, Form 5500 filings, and other required reporting.
• Works effectively with others in a team environment to accomplish organizational goals and to identify and resolve problems.
• Exhibits and adheres to the established Visual Comfort Company Values.
• Must demonstrate commitment, dependability, punctuality, and adherence to agreed‑upon schedule while being present in the workplace to effectively collaborate and communicate amongst co‑workers and teams.

What you will bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 2‑4 years of progressive experience in benefits and leave administration
• Solid understanding of employee benefit programs, HR practices, and employment laws related to benefits administration and leaves of absence
• Fluency in both English and Spanish required, including ability to verbally communicate and translate benefits and leave‑related information accurately and professionally
• Familiarity with HRIS and other HR‑related software, specifically Ceridian Dayforce
• Ability to analyze benefits data, identify trends, and make data‑driven recommendations to improve benefit offerings
• Strong organizational and time management skills to manage multiple priorities effectively
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to interact clearly and professionally with employees, managers, and vendors
• Keen attention to detail to ensure accurate recordkeeping and benefit administration
• Ability to handle sensitive information with a high level of confidentiality and discretion
• Professional certification (e.g., CEBS, PHR, or SHRM-CP) preferred
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with a strong attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and changing priorities
• Ability to achieve results both independently and through others by fostering a spirit of teamwork and cooperation
• Demonstrate exceptional communication across all contact channels, including email, chat and phone
• Available to work a flexible schedule including weekends, early mornings, late evenings

Compensation Range: $30 - $32 per hour

Qualified applicants are considered for employment, and employees are treated during employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity, or expression, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

To be eligible for this role, you must be authorized to work in the United States. We do not offer any type of employment‑based immigration sponsorship for this role. Likewise, Visual Comfort & Co., will not provide any assistance or sign any documentation in support of any other form of immigration sponsorship or benefit including optional practical training (OPT) or curricular practical training (CPT).