Benefits Specialist

The Benefits Specialist manages the day-to-day administration & compliance of Duffy Health Center's employee benefits programs. This position serves as a key resource for employees & managers, ensuring accurate benefit enrollment, eligibility tracking, payroll deductions, vendor coordination, billing reconciliation, retirement plan administration, & regulatory compliance. The role works closely with Finance, Payroll, benefits vendors, & external partners to maintain accurate records, resolve discrepancies, support audits, & provide exceptional employee support throughout the employee lifecycle. Key Responsibilities Benefits Administration Administer employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, & voluntary benefits. Manage benefit enrollments, eligibility changes, qualifying life events, & termination-related benefit processes. Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefit inquiries, providing timely, accurate, & confidential support. Coordinate annual Open Enrollment, including employee communications, education, system setup, vendor coordination, & reconciliation of elections. Maintain accurate benefit records in HRIS (Paycom) & vendor systems. Partner with payroll to ensure accurate employee benefit deductions & elections. Review, reconcile, & resolve discrepancies in benefit invoices & billing statements. Coordinate with brokers, carriers, & vendors to resolve eligibility, enrollment, & billing issues. Administer COBRA processes, including qualifying events, notices, & vendor coordination. Support administration of the organization's 403(b) retirement plan, including employee enrollment, payroll coordination, vendor communication, compliance activities, & audits. Assist with ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, 403(b), & other benefits-related compliance requirements. Prepare reports, audits, reconciliations, & analyses related to benefit plans & participation. Identify opportunities to improve benefit processes, employee communications, & operational efficiency. Maintain the confidentiality & security of employee information. Onboarding & Employee Experience Coordinate & facilitate new hire onboarding & benefits orientation. Ensure completion of required employment documentation & compliance requirements. Educate new employees on benefit eligibility, enrollment deadlines, & available programs. Maintain onboarding records, checklists, & documentation. Support employee engagement, wellness, recognition, & retention initiatives. Assist with employee communications regarding benefits, policies, & organizational programs. Provide professional, customer-focused support throughout the employee lifecycle. Education & Experience Required Associate degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or a related field; or equivalent HR certification (SHRM-CP, PHR, or similar). Minimum two (2) years of experience in Human Resources, benefits administration, or a related field. Experience administering employee benefits & supporting HR processes. Preferred Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) certification. Experience in healthcare, community health centers, nonprofit organizations, or FQHC environments. Experience with Paycom or other HRIS & applicant tracking systems. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge of employee benefits administration & related compliance requirements. Understanding of federal & Massachusetts employment laws & HR best practices. Strong customer service & relationship-building skills. Excellent organizational & time management abilities with the capacity to manage multiple priorities. Strong written & verbal communication skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality & exercise sound judgment with sensitive information. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite & HR technology systems. Strong analytical, problem-solving, & attention-to-detail skills.