Benefits Specialist

at  Banfield The Pet Hospital

SUMMARY AND QUALIFICATIONS:

The primary purpose and function of the Benefits Specialist is to ensure the practice’s LOA/ADA and benefits programs are accurately and efficiently administered in compliance with applicable laws and practice policies and to support associates regarding their LOA/ADA & benefits.
This position will conduct LOA training, acting as a resource for key stakeholders and interact with associates to ensure adequate knowledge of and notification of LOA/ADA and benefits plan and coverage available to them.
This position will coordinate with outside vendors to ensure efficient and quality service provided to Banfield and our associates.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND/OR TRAINING:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or Business Administration is preferred, or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• CPDM, CEBS, CBP, PHR or SPHR certification is preferred.
• Three years of experience administering LOA/ADA and employee benefit plans are required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of employee benefits administration (HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, LOA, Disability, COBRA and ERISA) is required.
• Relevant professional experience administering LOA/ADA and employee benefit plans is required.
• Experience with Oracle Cloud and/or WorkDay is preferred.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:

• Live and exemplify the Five Principles of Mars, Inc. within self and team.
• Maintain confidentiality of associate and practice data at all times; ensure HIPAA and data security policies are upheld.
• Respond to associates’ questions regarding LOA/ADA and benefits programs and policies. Ensure benefit inquiries are responded to promptly with quality customer service and detailed follow-through, recommending corrective or alternative actions to resolve problems.
• Administer leave of absence programs, associate leaves of absences (Federal and State FMLA, Personal Medical, Personal LOA, Parental Leave, Military and ADA, etc.) and medical accommodation requests in partnership with our external vendors and internal stakeholders in accordance with federal and state regulations and practice policies.
• Maintain awareness of federal and state laws pertaining to benefits and their potential impact on the practice’s LOA/ADA and benefit programs. Review, research and recommend modifications and/or enhancement to the leave of absence programs.
• Coordinate, develop and/or modify training materials; conduct training sessions as needed.
• Retrieve, compile and enter benefit information into HRIS and Payroll systems.
• Coordinate, develop and modify benefit processes and procedures as needed.
• Retrieve, compile and prepare benefit reports in a timely manner.
• Audit internal reports to ensure accuracy and consistency of participant accounts, information and premium deductions at regular intervals.
• Extrapolate data from multiple sources to create necessary reports for program administration.
• Prepare written communications for various benefits purposes (associate education, letters, emails, etc.)
• Assist with Open Enrollment, which may include: coordinate, develop and modify annual Open Enrollment guides, communication, project plan and other related materials; participate in ongoing user acceptance system testing; develop test cases; execute testing, provide feedback and recommendations.
• Work with the Manger of Benefits Operations on escalated benefits issues, and assist other Benefits Team associates with questions and customer service issues.
• Other job duties as assigned.