Benefits Support Specialist

Workstream; Sartell (MN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Birthday Off

Company Paid Holidays

Health Savings Account

Flexible Spending Account

Short Term Disability

Long-Term Disability

Life Insurance

401K

Dependent Care Account

Cancer Plan

Employee Discount Program

Job summary

Workstream is seeking a Benefits Support Specialist to assist employees with benefits plans, ensuring understanding and proper use of health, retirement, and other programs. You will support enrollment, claims resolution, and inquiries in a professional office setting.

Responsibilities include maintaining records in HRIS, communicating with providers, ensuring ACA/HIPAA/ERISA compliance, and delivering benefits information during open enrollment.

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in HR, business, or related field preferred.
• 1–3 years of benefits or HR experience preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with benefits programs and compliance regulations (HIPAA, ERISA) preferred but not required.
• Customer service orientation with ability to work in a team.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel and Outlook.

Responsibilities

• Assist in enrollment, changes, and cancellations of employee benefits (health, dental, vision, life, retirement, etc.).
• Maintain accurate employee benefits records in the HRIS.
• Process benefits data and assist with ACA reporting and compliance.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding benefits and assist with claims resolution.
• Provide guidance on benefits options and navigate open enrollment.
• Communicate with external benefits providers to resolve issues and track claims.
• Ensure benefits programs comply with ACA, HIPAA, and ERISA.
• Assist in development and distribution of benefits communications and open enrollment materials.
• Organize benefits-related training sessions and workshops.
• Support open enrollment periods and ensure forms/changes are processed.
• Prepare reports on benefits usage, enrollment, and costs.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Verbal and written communication

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

MS Word, Excel and Outlook

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in HR/Business or related field

Job description

Benefits Support Specialist Position Summary

Benefits Support Specialist is responsible for assisting employees with their benefits plans, ensuring that they understand and utilize their benefits packages effectively. They provide support related to health insurance, retirement plans, disability benefits, and other employee programs. This role will support the administration and communication of employee benefits programs, ensuring smooth enrollment, claims processing, and issue resolution.

Key Responsibilities:

Benefits Administration:

• Assist in the enrollment, changes, and cancellations of employee benefits (health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, etc.).
• Maintain accurate employee benefits records in the HRIS (Human Resource Information System).
• Process benefits data and assist with compliance requirements such as ACA reporting.

Employee Support:

• Respond to employee inquiries regarding benefits programs, ensuring clear and accurate communication.
• Assist employees with claims resolution, benefits issues, and eligibility questions.
• Provide guidance on benefits options, assisting employees in making informed decisions.
• Communicate with external benefits providers (health insurers, retirement plan administrators, etc.) to resolve issues.
• Track and follow up on claims or service-related issues with providers.

Compliance and Documentation:

• Ensure benefits programs comply with federal, state, and local regulations, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA), HIPAA, and ERISA.
• Assist in the preparation of benefit-related reports and documentation for audits or regulatory purposes.

Education and Communication:

• Assist in the development and distribution of benefits communications, such as open enrollment materials, benefit summaries, and policy updates.
• Organize benefits-related training sessions and workshops for employees.
• Provide support during open enrollment periods, including answering employee questions and helping them navigate the benefits selection process.
• Ensure all necessary forms and changes are processed during the open enrollment window.

General Administrative Tasks:

• Prepare and maintain reports related to benefits usage, enrollment, and costs.
• Track and process leaves of absence related to benefits, including Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or short-term disability.

Qualifications:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field (preferred).
• 1-3 years of experience in benefit or HR-related role is preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with benefits programs (health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement), compliance regulations (e.g., HIPAA, ERISA), and basic HR is preferred but not required.
• Customer/client service driven with a proven track record of working well in a team environment with minimal supervision.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with employees and external vendors.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Problem-solving skills to address employee concerns and resolve issues.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a professional demeanor in a setting clients and situations.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency in Word, Excel and Outlook.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, working on a computer, and driving in a vehicle.
• Must be able to lift 20 pounds or more, at times.
• Ability to travel; both local during the business day.

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment.

Psychological Factors:

The psychological demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Ability to interact with customers calmly and respectfully, even in high pressure situations
• Ability to maintain pleasant working relationships
• Ability to function effectively under pressure to meet deadlines
• Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously

Additional Considerations:

Reasonable accommodations may be made in order to perform the essential functions. In addition to or in lieu of those described above, any duties are subject to change at any time or duties may be added.

Our Benefits Package Includes:

• Paid Time Off, including Paid Birthday Off
• Company Paid Holidays
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• Short Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• 401K
• Dependent Care Account
• Cancer Plan
• Employee Discount Program

We also have corporate passes to the Detroit Lakes Community and Cultural Center (DLCCC), Detroit Mountain Recreation Area, and Lake View Golf Course. Our on-site gym and standing desks provide the perfect way to stretch your legs during the workday. Our Lunch-Extension Program delivers an easy way to get your workout in during the day if you choose.