Benefits Specialist I/II

Excellus BCBS · Remote, United States

The Benefits Specialist supports the design, administration, and delivery of employee benefits programs. This role partners with Human Resources, employees, and external vendors to ensure accurate program execution, a positive employee experience, and compliance with relevant regulations.
Supports the day-to-day administration of employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, voluntary benefits, retirement, and post-retirement plans.
Monitors completion and collection of benefit-related documentation (paper and electronic), ensuring proper processing and secure record retention for active employees and retirees.
Maintains and updates employee benefit records in Workday (HRIS system), ensuring accuracy, completeness, and confidentiality.
Participates in new hire onboarding, including delivery of benefits orientation.
Ensures adherence to corporate policies, privacy standards, and documentation requirements.
Maintains confidentiality of employee information in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.
Maintains strict confidentiality and safeguards sensitive information in accordance with the corporate privacy policies and procedures
Maintains high regard for member privacy in accordance with the corporate privacy policies and procedures.
Administers post-retirement benefits and COBRA processes, including documentation, notifications, and form processing.
Maintains retiree cost-share data and oversees monthly retiree billing processes, including life insurance billing, approvals, and payment tracking.
Performs and validates system data maintenance related to retiree benefit enrollments and on-going post-retirement benefit changes.
Manages end-to-end Medicare aging-in activities, including eligibility reporting, employee communications, application tracking, auditing forms for completeness, system updates, and cost share communication.
Conducts audit and data reviews to validate accuracy, identify discrepancies, and recommend corrective actions.
Assists in the development and delivery of employee benefit communications, educational materials, and information sessions.
Plans and coordinates the annual benefits fair and supports broader employee engagement initiatives.
Identifies opportunities to improve processes, enhance operations efficiency, and elevate the employee experience.
Stays current on industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging developments in employee benefits.
In addition to using this differentiated approach to place new hires, it also provides guideposts for employee development and promotional opportunities.
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or relevant field with three or more years of experience in the Benefits field of Human Resources. Familiarity with HRIS/Payroll integrated systems, Workday a plus.
Exceptional customer service skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
Demonstrated in-depth aptitude and understanding of the internal benefit processes as well as the legal environment that regulates all benefit plans.
Demonstrated compliance-related aptitude and experience with drafting and submitting plan-related documentation including annual disclosures / notifications, 5500 Reporting / Summary Annual Reports, 401(k) Non-Discrimination Testing.
Ability to work while sitting and/or standing at a workstation viewing a computer and using a keyboard, mouse and/or phone for three (3) or more hours at a time.
Ability to hear, understand, and speak clearly while using a phone, with or without a headset.
Ability to travel across the Health Plan service region for meetings and/or trainings as needed.

In support of the Americans with Disabilities Act, this job description lists only those responsibilities and qualifications deemed essential to the position.
Actual salary will vary depending on factors including, but not limited to, budget available, prior experience, knowledge, skill and education as they relate to the position’s minimum qualifications, in addition to internal equity. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, wellness program, paid time away from work, and paid holidays.
There may be opportunity for remote work within all jobs posted by the Excellus Talent Acquisition team. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.