Remote Benefits Specialist: Leave & Retiree Programs

Ashland Inc.; Oregon; Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Ashland Inc. is seeking a Benefits Specialist to join the Human Resources team in a remote role. This position reports to the US Benefits Manager and focuses on administering and coordinating U.S. benefit programs, leaves, enrollments, and related reporting.

The role involves supporting annual open enrollment, reviewing plan documents, and assisting with special projects within a collaborative benefits team. A strong, customer-facing HR background and knowledge of ERISA are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, organizational development, business, finance or related experience is required.
• Five years of experience working with U.S. Benefits including absence administration; retiree benefits experience is a plus.
• Knowledge of ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, COBRA, FMLA, DOL and IRS regulations and state laws.
• Strong knowledge in U.S. Benefits and benefits administration.
• Excellent communication with diverse audiences.
• Word, PowerPoint and Excel skills including pivot tables and VLOOKUP.

Responsibilities

• Administers/Coordinates absence programs including STD/LTD, FMLA and related benefits.
• Answers complex retiree health, welfare and savings plan questions.
• Assists with Annual Enrollment including retirees and COBRA.
• Prepares, generates and analyzes reports related to benefits and leaves.
• Processes life insurance claims in coordination with carriers.
• Tracks retiree medical and life insurance eligibility for selected populations.
• Assists with review of SPDs and benefit communications.
• Participates in audits of DB and DC plans.
• Performs Savings Plan and HSA funding and quarterly matches.
• Processes benefit invoices and supports projects.
• Processes Mexico medical reimbursements.
• Answers HRconnect cases.

Skills

Communication skills

Customer facing

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Results oriented

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Excel

AI tools (Copilot)

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/OD/Business/Finance

Tools

Microsoft Copilot

Job description

Ashland Inc. is seeking a Benefits Specialist to join the Human Resources team in a remote role. This position reports to the US Benefits Manager and focuses on administering and coordinating U.S. benefit programs, leaves, enrollments, and related reporting.

The role involves supporting annual open enrollment, reviewing plan documents, and assisting with special projects within a collaborative benefits team. A strong, customer-facing HR background and knowledge of ERISA are required.