Benefits Specialist

American Veterinary Group (AVG); Tampa (FL); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Flexible work schedules

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Savings Plan with employer

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

AVG in Tampa, FL seeks a Benefits Specialist to administer employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, HSA/FSA, and retirement plans. You will handle enrollments, life events, COBRA, and compliance, partnering with HR, payroll, and vendors to ensure accurate records and timely processing.

The role requires 2+ years in benefits, familiarity with ERISA and related laws, and proficiency with HRIS and Microsoft Office.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in employee benefits or benefits administration
• Familiarity with ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, FMLA, HSA, and FSA requirements
• Experience with HRIS, payroll, and benefits administration systems
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook
• High School Diploma (Required)

Responsibilities

• Administer employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, HSA, FSA, 401(k), COBRA, and other benefit programs
• Serve as a primary point of contact for employee benefit questions and provide clear explanations regarding eligibility, coverage, enrollment, deductions, claims, and benefit plan provisions
• Oversee new hire benefit enrollments, qualifying life events, terminations, dependent changes, and other benefit-related transactions
• Monitor EDI file exchanges with each vendor and resolve discrepancies as needed
• Review benefit elections and supporting documentation to ensure changes comply with plan provisions and applicable Section 125 requirements
• Monitor benefit enrollment deadlines and follow up with employees regarding incomplete or outstanding elections and documentation
• Coordinate benefit coverage changes with insurance carriers, third-party administrators, payroll, and HRIS/benefits administration systems
• Research and resolve complex eligibility, enrollment, coverage, and payroll deduction discrepancies
• Assist employees with benefit claim and carrier issues and coordinate escalated matters with vendors as appropriate
• Support COBRA administration, including reviewing qualifying events and ensuring required information is transmitted accurately and timely to the COBRA administrator
• Assist with administration of employee benefits during FMLA and other approved leaves of absence, including employee premium collection and benefit status changes
• Support Leave administration with employee leave programs, including FMLA, state and local leave laws, personal leaves of absence, and company leave policies
• Coordinate STD/LTD claims administration
• Assist with paid parental leave process
• Review payroll benefit deductions and identify discrepancies requiring correction
• Maintain accurate employee benefit records and documentation
• Assist with annual Open Enrollment activities, including employee communications, system testing, enrollment support, and post-enrollment audits
• Support new-hire orientation and benefit education programs
• Coordinate with benefit vendors regarding eligibility files, enrollment issues, employee questions, and administrative concerns
• Assist with preparation and distribution of required benefit notices and employee communications
• Maintain confidentiality of employee and protected health information and comply with HIPAA privacy requirements
• Support benefit audits and compliance activities
• Assist with 401(k) enrollment, eligibility, contribution, and participant administration issues
• Identify opportunities to improve benefit administration processes and employee service
• Perform other benefit-related duties and special projects as assigned

Skills

Benefits administration

ERISA/COBRA/HIPAA

HRIS/Payroll systems

Microsoft Office

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

HRIS software

Payroll software

Benefits administration systems

Job description

Department: Human Resources - Payroll & Benefits

Location: Team Member - American Veterinary Group

Compensation: $65,000 - $75,000 / year

Description

Join Our Team as a Benefits Specialist – Tampa, FL (Hybrid)

At American Veterinary Group (AVG), we are committed to Nurturing Relationships, Acting with Integrity, Communicating Transparently, and Pursuing Excellence. The Benefits Specialist is responsible for day-to-day administration of the organization’s employee benefit programs and serves as a primary resource for employees regarding benefit eligibility, enrollment, coverage, and plan administration. This position works closely with Benefits leadership, employees, HR partners, payroll, benefit vendors, carriers, and third-party administrators to ensure accurate and timely administration of health and welfare and retirement programs.

The Benefits Specialist provides responsive employee support while maintaining benefit records, processing enrollment changes, administering qualifying life events, assisting with leave‑related benefit matters, and ensuring benefit programs are administered consistently with plan documents and applicable regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Administer employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, HSA, FSA, 401(k), COBRA, and other benefit programs.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for employee benefit questions and provide clear explanations regarding eligibility, coverage, enrollment, deductions, claims, and benefit plan provisions.
• Oversee new hire benefit enrollments, qualifying life events, terminations, dependent changes, and other benefit‑related transactions.
• Monitor EDI file exchanges with each vendor and resolve discrepancies as needed.
• Review benefit elections and supporting documentation to ensure changes comply with plan provisions and applicable Section 125 requirements.
• Monitor benefit enrollment deadlines and follow up with employees regarding incomplete or outstanding elections and documentation.
• Coordinate benefit coverage changes with insurance carriers, third‑party administrators, payroll, and HRIS/benefits administration systems.
• Research and resolve complex eligibility, enrollment, coverage, and payroll deduction discrepancies.
• Assist employees with benefit claim and carrier issues and coordinate escalated matters with vendors as appropriate.
• Support COBRA administration, including reviewing qualifying events and ensuring required information is transmitted accurately and timely to the COBRA administrator.
• Assist with administration of employee benefits during FMLA and other approved leaves of absence, including employee premium collection and benefit status changes.
• Support Leave administration with employee leave programs, including FMLA, state and local leave laws, personal leaves of absence, and company leave policies.
• Coordinate STD/LTD claims administration.
• Assist with paid parental leave process.
• Review payroll benefit deductions and identify discrepancies requiring correction.
• Maintain accurate employee benefit records and documentation.
• Assist with annual Open Enrollment activities, including employee communications, system testing, enrollment support, and post‑enrollment audits.
• Support new‑hire orientation and benefit education programs.
• Coordinate with benefit vendors regarding eligibility files, enrollment issues, employee questions, and administrative concerns.
• Assist with preparation and distribution of required benefit notices and employee communications.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee and protected health information and comply with HIPAA privacy requirements.
• Support benefit audits and compliance activities.
• Assist with 401(k) enrollment, eligibility, contribution, and participant administration issues.
• Identify opportunities to improve benefit administration processes and employee service.
• Perform other benefit‑related duties and special projects as assigned

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• High School Diploma (Required)
• 2+ years of experience in employee benefits, Human Resources, benefits administration, or a related field preferred.
• 2+ years working knowledge of employee health and welfare benefit programs.
• Familiarity with ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, Section 125, FMLA, HSA, and FSA requirements preferred.
• Experience working with HRIS, payroll, and/or benefits administration systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and other Microsoft Office applications.

Benefits

Here’s what you can expect at AVG

• Competitive salary
• Flexible work schedules to support work‑life balance
• Comprehensive group insurance including medical, dental, and vision
• Paid Family Leave and Paid Parental Leave (including maternity & paternity)
• Paid Time Off
• One Life Balance Day for added flexibility
• Pet Discounts to keep your furry family members covered
• Retirement Savings Plan with employer match to help build your future
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health and wellbeing support
• Career development resources may include:
  • Learning and development programs
  • Tuition reimbursement
• A vibrant, inclusive culture

At AVG, you’re more than an employee, you are part of a community that values your whole self. We’re here to help you grow, thrive, and feel supported every step of the way.

If you’re passionate about payroll, thrive in a collaborative environment, and are ready to make a difference - we’d love to hear from you.