Human Resources, Benefits Specialist

The Jewish Federation Of Metropolitan Detroit (jfmd); Michigan; On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Jewish Federation of Detroit is seeking a proactive Human Resources Benefits Specialist to join our HR team. You will manage day-to-day benefits administration for about 100 employees, serve as the primary resource for benefits questions, and support Open Enrollment and onboarding.

This role emphasizes accuracy, vendor coordination, and payroll data alignment across systems. You will also help lead wellness initiatives and respond to employee inquiries with clear, compliant guidance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 3–5 years of progressive experience in benefits administration, HR operations, or a related field.
• Experience supporting benefits renewals, Open Enrollment, vendor coordination, and employee benefits communications.
• Working knowledge of benefits compliance requirements, including COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, and related regulations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, HRIS/payroll systems, and benefits-related data, with strong accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to explain benefits information clearly and professionally to employees, candidates, vendors, and internal partners.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day administration of employee benefit programs (health, dental, vision, life, disability, COBRA, retirement, wellness).
• Serve as primary liaison to benefits vendors and brokers for questions, issue resolution, renewal planning, and Open Enrollment.
• Oversee review, reconciliation, and submission of monthly benefits invoices across multiple plans.
• Maintain benefits census data and employee records ensuring alignment across vendor, HRIS, and payroll systems.
• Lead annual Open Enrollment meetings, provide enrollment support, and administer retiree benefits.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Job description

About Us:

The Jewish Federation of Detroit is the cornerstone of Jewish philanthropy and community engagement in Southeast Michigan. We are a community-driven organization committed to meeting the needs of the Jewish people and strengthening Jewish life—locally, in Israel, and around the world.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Human Resources, Benefits Specialist to join our HR team. Reporting to the Senior Director, Human Resources, this individual will manage the organization’s day-to-day benefits administration for approximately 100 employees, serve as a primary resource for employee benefits questions, support annual renewal and Open Enrollment processes, and contribute to new hire onboarding, recruitment support, and employee wellness initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Benefits Administration:

• Manage the day-to-day administration of employee benefit programs, including health, dental, vision, life, disability, COBRA, retirement, and wellness-related programs, as applicable.
• Serve as the primary liaison to benefits vendors and brokers for routine questions, issue resolution, annual renewal planning, and Open Enrollment implementation.
• Oversee the review, reconciliation, and timely submission of monthly benefits invoices for JFD and JCSI across multiple benefit plans.
• Maintain accurate benefits census data and employee records for new hires, terminations, and employee changes, ensuring alignment across vendor, HRIS, and payroll systems.
• Manage COBRA administration for employee terminations, ensuring timely and accurate processing.
• Lead the annual Open Enrollment process, including renewal meetings with brokers, employee communications, enrollment support, plan implementation, and administration of the retiree dental and vision benefits program.
• Serve as an internal resource for employee benefits questions, providing clear guidance on plan options, enrollment, qualifying life events, and related processes.
• Provide benefits information to prospective candidates as part of the recruitment process.

Recruitment & Onboarding:

• Support recruitment activities, including resume review, interview coordination, candidate interviews, and reference checks.
• Manage HRIS setup for new employees upon hire, ensuring accurate employee and benefits-related information.
• Lead new hire benefits meetings and support employees through the enrollment process.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Prepare and manage biweekly change reports to support Finance and payroll accuracy.
• Manage payroll-related changes in Paycom, ensuring timely and accurate updates.
• Monitor PTO deductions and approval processes to ensure accurate tracking and supervisor approval.
• Oversee the workers’ compensation claims process and coordinate with appropriate internal and external partners.
• Help plan and implement internal staff events and employee wellness initiatives that support employee engagement.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Director, Human Resources.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and three to five years of progressive experience in benefits administration, HR operations, or a related field.
• Experience supporting benefits renewals, Open Enrollment, vendor coordination, and employee benefits communications preferred.
• Working knowledge of benefits compliance requirements, including COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, and related regulations, with the ability to apply requirements appropriately and escape complex issues as needed.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, HRIS/payroll systems, and benefits-related data, with strong accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to explain benefits information clearly and professionally to employees, candidates, vendors, and internal partners.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a collaborative and service-oriented approach.
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and follow through on details.
• Proactive problem solver with sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to manage sensitive employee information confidentially.