Benefits Specialist II

Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc.; Frederick (MD); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization as a Benefits Specialist II, where you'll play a key role in managing employee benefits programs that are vital for attracting and retaining top talent. This hybrid role combines administrative responsibilities with strategic initiatives, ensuring compliance with federal and state laws while enhancing employee engagement through competitive benefits offerings. You'll collaborate with various stakeholders, conduct research on benefit trends, and streamline processes to improve the overall employee experience. If you're passionate about HR and eager to make a difference in the lives of employees, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Health and Wellness programs

Income Protection

Paid Leave

Retirement plans

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR or Accounting required; 2 years of related experience.
• Strong analytical and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist in administering the company's benefits program, ensuring compliance.
• Support Open Enrollment and maintain internal SharePoint site.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Organizational Skills

Detail-oriented

Problem-solving

Communication Skills

Time Management

Empathy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Human Resources Information System

Online benefits enrollment systems

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.

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 programs 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 to ensuring company benefit plans are compliant with federal and state laws. Responsibilities for the position include:

• Assists with the development and/or administration of the company's employee benefits programs, which may include 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 meeting with company-appointed Broker to determine benefit plans for the coming year, creating communications to employees, reviewing and providing feedback to Broker on updates to the benefit guide, and updating Benefits system with new rates when appropriate.
• Monitors government regulations, legislation, and benefits trends and ensures plan compliance, including establishing and maintaining familiarity with provisions of existing as well as new federal and state laws.
• 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. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education.
• 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.

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.

Pay and Benefits
Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available here.