Human Resources Benefits Specialist

Orange Grove Center; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 24,796 - 27,552; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) Safe Harbor retirement plan with 4% match

Paid time off including vacation and holidays

Job summary

Orange Grove Center in Chattanooga, TN is seeking a Benefits Specialist to manage employee benefits and serve as the primary contact for benefit inquiries. This role includes administrative management of health and retirement programs, compliance with regulations, and employee support regarding benefits.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree and 3+ years of experience in benefits administration. The position offers competitive wages, health insurance, and professional development support.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of progressive experience in employee benefits and insurance administration.
• Strong knowledge of employee benefits, insurance programs, and regulatory requirements.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Orange Grove Center.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day administration of all employee benefit programs.
• Oversee open enrollment processes and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Serve as a resource for employees regarding benefit inquiries.

Skills

Employee benefits knowledge

Insurance programs knowledge

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Negotiation skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

HRIS systems

Benefits administration platforms

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Details

Location: Head Quarters - Chattanooga, TN 37404. Position Type: Full Time. Education Level: 4 Year Degree. Salary Range: $18.00 - $20.00 Hourly. Travel Percentage: None. Job Shift: Morning. Job Category: Human Resources. Job Title: Benefits Specialist. Reports To: Director of Human Resources. FLSA Status: Hourly, non-exempt, full-time, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Position Summary

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for facilitating employee benefits and serves as the primary point of contact for employees regarding benefit inquiries and works closely with vendors, brokers, and HR leadership to deliver high-quality benefit services.

Working Conditions

Standard office environment with occasional travel to meetings, vendor sites, or benefits fairs. May require extended hours during open enrollment or special projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day administration of health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, and other voluntary benefit programs.
• Oversee open enrollment processes, including communication, system setup, employee education, and vendor coordination.
• Process and verify enrollments, changes, and terminations in HRIS and with benefit providers.
• Ensure timely and accurate billing, reconciliation, and payment of premiums.

Insurance Oversight

• Coordinate with insurance carriers, brokers, and third-party administrators to ensure smooth delivery of services.
• Analyze claims and utilization data to recommend plan design improvements and cost-containment strategies.
• Investigate and resolve escalated employee insurance or benefit-related issues.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, and other federal and state regulations.
• Maintain required reporting and documentation, including annual filings.
• Stay current on legislative changes affecting benefits and insurance programs.
• Assist with audits and provide reports to HR leadership as needed.
• Prode ongoing employee support & communication.
• Serve as a resource for employees by providing guidance on benefit plans, claims, and enrollment procedures.
• Develop and deliver employee education materials, FAQs, and presentations regarding benefit options.
• Always maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee information.

Strategic Planning

• Collaborate with HR leadership to evaluate benefit offerings for competitiveness and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Participate in renewal negotiations and vendor selection.
• Monitor trends in employee benefits and recommend enhancements to support recruitment and retention.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• 3+ years of progressive experience in employee benefits and insurance administration.
• Strong knowledge of employee benefits, insurance programs, and regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency in HRIS, benefits administration platforms, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with attention to detail.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Orange Grove Center.
• Good overall physical health and personal stamina. A physical examination, including TB skin test or chest x-ray is required prior to employment.
• Compliance with Drug Free Workplace policy.

Preferred

• Professional certification, such as CEBS, PHR, SPHR, or SHRM-CP/SCP.
• Experience working in or with nonprofit or mission-driven organizations.
• Familiarity with HRIS systems and analytics tools.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive wages commensurate with experience.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance available.
• 401(k) Safe Harbor retirement plan with 4% match.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Professional development support.