Employee Benefits Specialist at Association of Washington Cities

Olympia, Washington, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

19 May, 26

Salary

92852.0

Posted On

18 Feb, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Customer Service, Benefits Administration, Data Entry, Reconciliation, Vendor Management, Communication, Proofreading, Grammar, Listening Skills, Decision Making, Independent Action, Organizational Skills, Prioritization, Microsoft 365, HIPAA Compliance, Benefits Structures Knowledge

Industry

Government Relations

Description

Description The Association of Washington Cities (AWC) is seeking a detail-oriented, customer-focused Employee Benefits Specialist to support the administration of the contracted Employee Benefit Trust. In this role, you’ll handle member and service provider inquires by phone and email, maintain and entering data, reconciling discrepancies, and coordinating closely with carrier representatives, employers, and the billing administrator. Consistently delivering excellent customer service is a key aspect of this role. Founded in 1933, AWC is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, which provides a wide array of services to Washington’s cities and towns. AWC builds connections between our state’s diverse cities and towns, while providing our members with the support needed to thrive through delivery of data-driven education, nationally recognized pooling programs, and nonpartisan advocacy. AWC is a vibrant, fast-paced organization supported by 70 employees who are passionate about serving our members. We have a diverse team with subject matter expertise in various areas. The AWC Employee Benefit Trust (AWC Trust) is a member service of the Association of Washington Cities and is Washington’s premier local government benefit pool for cities, towns, and other local governments. The AWC Trust provides a broad selection of benefit insurance options and health management programs for members. AWC welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. We value the unique views, backgrounds, experiences, expertise, and potential of all our employees. We are committed to following our core values of collaboration, equity, innovation, integrity, and respect. Compensation and benefits: Salary The full salary range for this position is $61,901- $92,852 annually. The top candidate’s placement within the range will typically fall between the minimum and 25th percentile of the range, depending on education, training, experience, and other conditions consistent with AWC policy. A compensation market analysis is completed every other year. As outlined in policy, AWC employees generally receive an annual adjustment based on market and economic changes, and an increase based on meeting full performance expectations. Health insurance AWC pays 100% of the medical premium for employees and 90% of the medical premium for spouse/domestic partner and child(ren) up to age 26. Dental and vision insurance are fully paid by AWC for employees and eligible dependents. Retirement benefits For every $1 an employee contributes toward their 401(k), AWC matches the contribution with $1.20, up to 10% of the employee’s base salary (IRS limits apply). Employer match can also be applied towards eligible student loan payments. Paid leave Employees accrue four hours of paid vacation leave in the first year of employment for every semi-monthly pay period, with vacation accrual increasing over time; four hours of paid sick leave for every semi-monthly pay period; 11 paid holidays and two floating holidays each year. Additional benefits Basic life insurance and disability insurance; employer-funded Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) ranging from $770 to $1,980 based upon enrollment in the medical insurance plans; access to outstanding performance awards and tuition assistance; and staff appreciation events. This position is eligible for full telework in the state of Washington. Recruitment closes on March 10, 2026, at 5:00 pm. What you’ll be doing: Respond to member inquiries regarding eligibility, claims, appeals, and benefit-related issues. Provide education and guidance to COBRA and retiree participants on benefits and options available. Review and audit active and retiree enrollment forms for completeness and compliance with underwriting rules. Perform data entry and maintenance of the online enrollment, reporting, and billing system. Assist with vendor management of the online billing and eligibility system. Build and maintain strong relationships with carrier partners and vendors to resolve eligibility discrepancies. Assist in writing, reviewing, and proofreading program communications. Staff various events of the organization as needed. Requirements: Minimum of 4 years' experience in the health care field, including customer service, benefits administration, and work with a multi-employer association or non-profit organization. Associate degree in a related field. Experience may be substituted year-for-year for academic achievement. HIPAA privacy training preferred What you bring to the team: Knowledge of benefits structures, including deductibles, coinsurance, copays, and formularies. Understanding of health-related federal and state regulations and HIPAA requirements. Excellent communication skills—written and verbal—with strong proofreading and grammar abilities. Strong listening skills and customer service orientation. Accurate typing and data entry skills. Ability to make decisions, act independently, and manage confidential and time sensitive information. Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks. Knowledge of human resources and labor relations. Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and ability to learn new software systems. Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Working conditions: This role is primarily office-based, with extended desk and computer work. Duties may include lifting and carrying up to 15 pounds, standing for long periods of time, repetitive hand motions, and stooping. Hours may be irregular and may begin or end beyond the normal workday when necessary to perform duties. To request reasonable accommodations in the application process, please email recruiting@awcnet.org. AWC is looking for people who can help us achieve our mission and vision, not just check the boxes. If you’re excited about this role and interested in supporting local government, we encourage you to apply. You might just be the right candidate for this role or other roles at AWC! All offers of employment are contingent to authorization for employment in the United States, criminal background check, reference checks, and required education/credential verification. Information obtained from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but may be considered. All AWC employees must work in Washington state, unless explicitly preapproved by the CEO to work in Oregon or Idaho. AWC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity on our team. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, as required by federal, state, and local laws.

Responsibilities

The specialist will respond to member inquiries regarding eligibility, claims, and benefit issues, while also providing education to COBRA and retiree participants. Duties include reviewing enrollment forms, performing data entry and maintenance on the online system, and building relationships with carrier partners to resolve discrepancies.