Benefits Specialist

Ernest is currently in search of a Benefits Specialist for our corporate office located in Commerce, CA. This is a full-time position that offers a competitive pay rate, benefits, and a wonderful company culture.

Summary/Objective
This position is responsible for collecting, compiling, and analyzing HR data, metrics, and statistics related to employee benefits and leave, applying this data to make recommendations for employee benefits and leave entitlements. The Benefits Specialist is also responsible for directing and planning the day-to-day operations of group benefits programs (group health, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, accident plan, retirement plans, etc.) and is the Chair for the Corporate Wellness Program. The Benefits Specialist continually investigates new benefits programs, improves existing programs, and supervises and monitors benefits administration, to enhance the employee benefit experience.

Essential Functions

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Researches employee benefit plans and vendors to identify those that present best value.
• Works with Benefits Broker to design, recommend and implement new benefits programs.
• Examines possible plan designs and benefit cost changes.
• Negotiates with Broker for best plans, options, and rates before presenting to HR Manager and VP of Finance.
• Serves as primary contact for plan vendors, third-party administrators, and brokers.
• Coordinates transfer of data to external contacts for services, premiums, and plan administration.
• Evaluates and revises internal processes to reduce cost and increase efficiencies.
• Ensures compliance with applicable government regulations. Ensures timeliness and accuracy of required reporting and fees.
• Coordinates daily benefit processing. Handles enrollments, COBRA, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, disability, accident and death claims, rollovers, distributions, 401k hardships and compliance testing.
• Oversees maintenance of employee benefits files, maintain group benefits database.
• Gathers employee data and oversees the processing of monthly billings and the preparation of vouchers for payment of all group plans.
• Analyzes current benefits, evaluating the use, services, coverage, effectiveness, cost, plan experience and competitive trends in benefits programs, and identifies the Company's stance.
• Performs plan audits. Prepares, collects and organizes data for actuarial assessments.
• Surveys industry trends. Completes benefits surveys and reviews and shares information obtained from results with HR Management and VP of Finance. Develops specific recommendations for review.
• Develops communication tools to enhance understanding of the Company's benefits package.
• Designs and distributes materials for benefits orientations and open enrollments.
• Plans and designs quarterly Wellness program for employees throughout all divisions.
• Heads quarterly Wellness Committee meetings.

Competencies
Computer proficiency and technical aptitude; experience with HRIS and benefits databases
Project management/leadership skills
Effective planning and priority setting. Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines.
Strong analytical skills and thorough knowledge of plan designs.
Ability to understand, evaluate, and make judgements on proposals (RFP's)
Knowledge of benefits contract language
Knowledge of all pertinent federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements, both adopted and pending, affecting employee benefits programs, including, but not limited to, ACA, ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125, Medicare, and Social Security.
Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Required Education and Experience
High School or equivalent; 3 - 5 years minimum experience in a progressive benefits/HR role capacity.
Thorough knowledge of federal and state regulations governing benefits plans.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Preferred Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in HR or related field.
5 - 7 years in a progressive benefits/HR role capacity.
CEBS professional designation.

Classification: Non-Exempt on-site and full-time
Reports To: HR Manager