Benefits Specialist II

Initial Therapeutics, Inc.; Frederick (MD); Hybrid; USD 63,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a Benefits Specialist II to join their Human Resources team. This role involves managing and communicating the company's benefits programs, ensuring compliance with federal and state laws, and providing exceptional support to employees. You will collaborate closely with HR team members to enhance employee engagement through effective benefits administration. If you are analytical, organized, and passionate about supporting workforce well-being, this opportunity is perfect for you. Join a dynamic environment where your contributions will make a significant impact on employee satisfaction and organizational success.

Benefits

Health and Wellness programs

Income Protection

Paid Leave

Retirement benefits

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR or related field required.
• Minimum of 2 years of related experience required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in administering employee benefits programs and ensuring compliance.
• Provide excellent customer service and support to employees regarding benefits.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Organizational Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Communication Skills

Customer Service Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

SharePoint

Job description

Benefits Specialist II

Job ID: req4231
Employee Type: exempt full-time
Division: Human Resources
Facility: Frederick: ATRF
Location: 8560 Progress Dr, Frederick, MD 21701 USA

The Frederick National Laboratory is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and operated by Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. The lab addresses some of the most urgent and intractable problems in the biomedical sciences in cancer and AIDS, drug development and first-in-human clinical trials, applications of nanotechnology in medicine, and rapid response to emerging threats of infectious diseases.

Accountability, Compassion, Collaboration, Dedication, Integrity and Versatility; it's the FNL way.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Human Resources Department provides support to the workforce in the areas of recruitment and staffing, employee relations and counseling, training and development, wage and salary administration, Affirmative Action, in addition to employee benefits.

Within Human Resources, the Benefits functional area manages the administration of health insurance, retirement accounts, state required paid leave, and employee health and wellness program critical to attracting and retaining talent and creating engaged employees.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

The Benefits Specialist II is responsible for assisting with the administration and communication of the company's benefits program regarding plan options, policy features, enrollment and other program requirements in addition ensuring company benefit plans are compliant with federal and state laws. The position is responsible for providing excellent customer service and first level support to employees via various communication channels, which includes, and not limited to phone, email, and in-person meetings. The individual in the role will partner closely with the Human Resources team members and other departments within the organization, when required, on benefit issues, keeping the Human Resources Business Partners informed of employee issues within their aligned directorates. Responsibilities for the position include:

• Assists with the development and/or administration of the company's employee benefits programs, which may include all or part of the following: vacation, holidays, sick leave, medical/dental/vision coverage, disability, group life, supplemental benefits programs, savings programs, 401(k), pension program (Defined Benefit), and leaves of absence
• Assists with online benefits administration and employee self-service sites; assuming primary responsibility for ongoing utilization of the site’s features and procedures including eligibility management, enrollment management, billing, reporting, and maintenance
• Supports the evaluation of present benefits programs through research, surveys, and analysis of benefit trends and/or vendor management to ensure plans are competitive and current
• Maintain the Benefits Team’s internal SharePoint site accessed by managers and employees for information and reference documentation
• Assists with communications for all benefits activities and annual events
• Supports Open Enrollment process which may include, and is not limited to, meeting with company-appointed Broker to determine benefit plans for coming year, creating communications to employees, reviewing and providing feedback to Broker on updates to benefit guide, and updating Benefits system with new rates when appropriate
• Monitors government regulations, legislation, and benefits trends and ensures plan compliance. This includes establishing and maintaining familiarity with provisions of existing as well as new federal and state laws to help determine impact on benefit plans and ensure compliance with Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), Section 125 insurance plan, and other benefits regulations
• Supports routine retirement plan operational activities, including review, adjustment and submitting for approval contribution reports and distribution requests
• Perform audits to verify integrity of data in Benefits system to match data stored in the Human Resources Information System
• Communicate with internal team members, trustees, employees, and others as required, to immediately resolve processing issues
• Audit and process monthly vendor billing
• Coordinate general financial education and well-being seminars with external vendors and employees
• Provide support as other duties as assigned

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

To be considered for this position, you must minimally meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below:

• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Accounting or related field from an accredited college or university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education
• In addition to the education requirement, a minimum of two (2) years of related experience is required
• This is a hybrid position requiring onsite work in the office in Frederick, MD and at least one day a week or more as needed
• Analytical, organized, detail-oriented, and ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner
• Intermediate Skills with Microsoft Excel
• Professional, empathetic demeanor with clients with commitment to resolve issues and respond quickly
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, managing changing priorities with interruptions
• Ability to maintain professional and approachable demeanor to effectively handle employee inquiries and maintain good employee relations
• Excellent time management and follow through of completion of tasks in efficient manner and by the deadlines communicated
• Ability to understand, navigate, and adhere to administrative policies and procedures
• Strong communication skills; verbal, phone, written, and active listening
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and employee privacy
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Experience working in both self-funded and fully insured benefit environments
• Experience working with benefit vendors
• Current Affordable Care Act (ACA) knowledge, how to maintain company compliance and accurate reporting
• Prior experience working with Insurance Companies directly and with Benefits Broker
• Prior experience in 401(k) administration, working with outside audit team and knowledge about 5500 filing/ experience with quarterly 401(k) investment review a plus
• Working knowledge of federal and state benefit laws and regulations
• Working knowledge of common Human Resources concepts, practices and procedures, and experience with Human Resources systems, and/or online benefits enrollment systems
• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) or Certified Benefits Professional (CBP)
• Project Management experience

Commitment to Diversity
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

63,800.00 - 109,625.00

The posted pay range for this job is a general guideline and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include, but are not limited to, responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as internal equity, and alignment with market data.

#readytowork

The salary range posted is a full-time equivalent salary and will vary depending on scheduled hours for part time positions.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available here.