Strategic Benefits Specialist

Rush University Medical Center; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 84,129,000 - 122,095,000; Full time

Job summary

Rush University Medical Center in Chicago seeks a Senior Benefit Specialist to administer comprehensive employee benefit programs, manage enrollments, qualifying life events, and open enrollment to support health and financial security for staff.

They ensure compliance, maintain accurate HRIS records, provide Leave of Absence guidance, COBRA administration, and collaborate with vendors to resolve benefit issues, while upholding Rush's mission and values.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, human resources or related field.
• 5 years of progressive related work experience in Benefits, human resources or related field.
• Experience in benefits administration.
• Working knowledge of 403(b) or retirement plans
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills are required to interact with and influence a wide range of internal and external constituencies.
• Excellent independent judgment and the ability to maintain a high level of integrity and confidentiality.
• Must be approachable, dependable and a self-starter.

Responsibilities

• Handle day-to-day administration of benefits programs, including health, welfare, and retirement plans.
• Process daily benefit transactions including new enrollments, life-event changes, evidence of insurability, and terminations in HRIS system.
• Verify employee dependent documentation.
• Maintain accurate enrollment, dependent and beneficiary records in HRIS system.
• Distribute Affordable Care Act (ACA) required employee eligibility notifications.
• Assist in the processing of the Education Assistance Benefits.
• Respond to escalated employee questions/issues.
• Collaborate with teams and vendors to resolve enrollment and claim issues.
• Ensure the COBRA administration for terminated employees is within the guidelines of their severance package.
• Oversee the direct bill process for employees on unpaid leave of absence.
• Process employee and dependent death claims.
• Maintain accurate employee benefits information on internal and external websites, including knowledge articles.
• Support the Open Enrollment process, including responding to employee questions and conducting audit reviews.
• Provide guidance and support to managers and employees to address escalated issues related to all leave programs to include, but not limited to, Short Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Family Medical Leaves and Paid Parental Leave.
• Facilitate benefit orientations and other ongoing employee education events.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for inquiries from Benefit Specialists.
• Raise issues to Benefits COE or vendors as needed.
• Other relevant duties as required.

Skills

Benefits knowledge

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, human resources or related field

Job description

Rush University Medical Center in Chicago seeks a Senior Benefit Specialist to administer comprehensive employee benefit programs, manage enrollments, qualifying life events, and open enrollment to support health and financial security for staff.

They ensure compliance, maintain accurate HRIS records, provide Leave of Absence guidance, COBRA administration, and collaborate with vendors to resolve benefit issues, while upholding Rush's mission and values.