Benefits Specialist

Position: Benefits Specialist
Term: Full-time, salaried
Pay: $90,000-$95,000/annual + health insurance, paid time off, and other benefits
Location: San Francisco, CA
Reports To: Human Resources Manager
Direct Reports: None
Updated: October 16, 2023

Organization Description:
Urban Alchemy is a nonprofit organization with the mission of transforming people and places through respect,
compassion, and love to heal communities challenged by the intersection of extreme poverty, mental illness,
addiction, and homelessness. The name Urban Alchemy references the process of spiritual and social
transformation that our staff engage in – both internally and in practice with all members of the public. Since our
founding in 2018, Urban Alchemy has grown into a thriving social enterprise with over 1,100 employees. We
provide community outreach and engagement, temporary housing for people experiencing homelessness, mobile
bathrooms and showers, and street cleaning services. Urban Alchemy currently operates in the San Francisco Bay
Area, Los Angeles County, Austin, Texas, and Portland, Oregon. Over 95% of Urban Alchemy employees, including
leadership, experienced incarceration and/or homelessness. For more information visit our website.

Position Summary:
The Benefits Specialist is responsible for managing and administering the company's employee benefits program
as well as administer leave of absences and workers’ compensation claims. This includes researching,
recommending, implementing, and maintaining employee benefits, as well as ensuring compliance with all federal
and state regulations. The Benefits Specialist will be the main point of contact for employees with questions or
concerns related to benefits, leaves, and workers’ compensation claims. The position formulates partnerships
across all departments to deliver value-added service to management and employees that reflects the business
objectives of the organization. They will partner with human resources, training, and payroll colleagues to deliver
solutions to problems encountered by employees. They will guide and partner with Operations Supervisors and
Directors related to benefits management. They will maintain an effective level of business and operational

literacy about the organization’s plan, its culture, and its competition. They will have flexibility in handling day-to-
day routines as well as surprises. In partnership with other business unit leaders, they are essential to nurturing a

positive, inclusive work environment.

Position Duties and Responsibilities:

Position Specific:
• Manage the company's employee benefits program, including health, dental, vision, life, retirement, and
other company benefits
• Research and recommend new benefits programs and vendors, and negotiate contracts and rates with
vendors
• Ensure compliance with all federal and state regulations related to employee benefits, including HIPAA,
COBRA, and ERISA
• Develop and implement communication plans to educate employees about benefits programs, including

open enrollment and changes to benefits plans
• Provide excellent customer service to employees with questions or concerns related to benefits, leaves,
and workers’ compensation claims and resolve any issues that arise
• Work closely with the HR team to ensure accurate and timely processing of employee benefits, including
enrollment, changes, and terminations
• Develop and maintain relationships with benefits vendors, brokers, and other external partners
• Analyze benefits data and trends to identify opportunities for improvement and cost savings
• Prepare and distribute reports related to employee benefits, including monthly and annual reports for
senior management
• Maintains in-depth knowledge of legal local, state, and federal requirements related to day-to-day
management of benefits programs, reducing legal risks and ensuring regulatory compliance
• Has knowledge of San Francisco, CA ordinances such as HCSO and PPLO and has experience administering
these programs
• Provides benefit policy guidance and interpretation to HR management team
• Maintains compliance for yearly reporting requirements
• Maintains knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in benefit
administration
• Ability to run reports from HRIS system and analyze them for trends
• Become immersed in Urban Alchemy’s culture to assist in developing cultural moments and events that
reinforce our organization’s values

General:
• Will treat all Urban Alchemy guests, staff and stakeholders with compassion and respect
• Use emotional intelligence to effectively engage and connect with others
• Adhere to established procedures to provide a safe working environment including complying with OSHA,
state, and local regulations as well as Urban Alchemy’s policies
• Attend orientation and any additional training required by Urban Alchemy or our funders
• Follow all Urban Alchemy’s policies and procedures
• Perform other duties as assigned by direct supervisor

Position Requirements:

Position Specific:
• 5+ years of benefits experience for a company with 500 or more employees
• Has broad knowledge of HR benefits administration and best practices
• Experience with benefits administration software and systems
• Has exceptional people skills and excellent judgement that allows you to remain neutral in the face of
confidential, challenging, and sensitive information
• Has the ability to juggle multiple demands throughout the day and manage competing priorities
• Has excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Has outstanding follow-through skills, are self-directed and highly motivated with a strong sense of
urgency
• Has strong knowledge of multistate federal labor law (FMLA, HIPAA, COBRA, EEO, ADA, ERISA, etc.)
• Has excellent computer skills and knowledge of how to use office software programs, including HRIS
systems and Google Suite
• Ability to be resourceful with strong analytical skills with the ability to think creatively to solve problems
• Ability to be a genuine team player with an interest in building community and authentic relationships
• Ability to be comfortable in startup environment with high ambiguity
• Enjoys paying attention to detail and being meticulous
• Values being kind to teammates, employees, guests, and others
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred

General:
• You have genuine and demonstrated interest in Urban Alchemy’s mission, values, and model

• You like to be a team player
• You like working in a dynamic environment and can adapt easily to change
• Must be able to work compassionately and respectfully with people from all backgrounds
• Must be prepared to deal with challenging circumstances related to serving people struggling with
poverty, mental health, addiction, and/or homelessness
• Must be able to obtain and maintain background clearance based on Urban Alchemy’s policies

Physical Requirements:
• Expected to work in all weather conditions
• Walking: 1+ hours
• Standing: 1+ hours
• Sitting: 7+ hours
• Bending at Waist: Less than 1 hour per day

Statement of Non-discrimination:
Urban Alchemy shares a special bond with society’s most vulnerable because we see ourselves in their struggle.
When doing our work, we recognize the humanity in those who are struggling and treat them how we once
wished others had treated us. People who have been incarcerated, experienced homelessness and/or come from
marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply because we believe they have unique skills and
abilities to engage with people who are struggling. Urban Alchemy provides equal employment opportunities to
all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin,
disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other
characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Urban Alchemy prohibits discrimination and harassment of
any type.

How to Apply:
If you have questions, please email hr@urban-alchemy.us and indicate the position you are interested in. You can
apply for this position by visiting: https://www.paycomonline.net.