BENEFITS SPECIALIST

100% REMOTE

3-4 MONTH CONTRACT W/POTENTIAL TO CONVERT

$34.00 TO $39.00 PER HOUR

About the Company - Imprimis is seeking a Benefits Specialist for our client, an international professional organization. The ideal candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day operations and support of group benefit programs and leaves of absence for associates located domestically and internationally. This individual will be the primary owner of new hire and annual enrollments, related system(s) maintenance, vendor management, audits, and invoice reconciliation and processing. Administers leaves of absence in accordance with policies and country-specific regulations. Provides excellent customer service to associates and HR business partners. Provides backup support for other total rewards functions such as compensation, recognition, and wellness.

Responsibilities

• Benefits Administration (up to 70%):
• Administer benefit plans and programs including group medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, life/AD&D, FSA, HSA, 401(k), Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), etc.
• Provide front-line support to associates for benefits and act as an advocate in resolving claims issues with insurance carriers.
• Handle enrollments, COBRA, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, disability, accident and death claims, rollovers, QDROs, QMCSOs, distributions, loans, and hardships.
• Conduct benefit onboarding sessions with new associates and assist them with self-enrollment.
• Assist with open enrollment including benefit communications (written, live, or recorded).
• Ensure timely and accurate data entry and maintenance of associate enrollments and information for benefit coverage, payroll deductions, and data integrity within various benefit systems.
• Serve as primary contact for plan vendors and third-party administrators.
• Document and maintain the development of comprehensive benefits-related processes, procedures, reporting, billing, and systems maintenance documentation and materials.
• Coordinate workers’ compensation claims with third-party administrator and follow up on claims, as required.
• Collaborate with finance partner to process, audit, and reconcile monthly payments.
• Leaves of Absence (up to 25%):
• Manage all leaves of absence across the US, Canada, South Africa, and IC countries.
• Communicate with associates regarding their needs for leave and/or modified work schedules. Ensure that associates are aware of their responsibilities and of any documentation and notice required to qualify for and to take leave.
• Handle the FMLA leave administration process to include gathering and completing all required paperwork, determining leave eligibility, designating leave as FMLA-qualifying, requesting medical certification as needed, and accounting for intermittent and reduced schedule leave use.
• Maintain reasonable communication with associates on leave to facilitate smooth and timely return-to-work, relay communication between associates and their managers and HR business partner during leave within reason.
• Advise managers and associates on the interaction of leave laws with paid time off, workers compensation, and short-term and long-term disability benefits.
• Facilitate other leave requests, which may include accommodation requests under the ADA.
• Maintain complete and accurate records of leave and accommodation requests in accordance with specified legal requirements and documentation of best practices.
• Preserve confidentiality of associate medical documentation and files.
• Maintain knowledge of all applicable leave and accommodation laws including the FMLA, ADA, and state and local laws.
• Administer COBRA according to regulatory requirements.
• Ensure timeliness and accuracy of required reporting, fees, and compliance testing.
• Maintain and audit associate benefit files and leave documentation in compliance with various laws, i.e. HIPAA, and COMPANY policies.
• Partner with benefits brokers and providers for ongoing maintenance of all benefit plan documents, insurance policies, summary plan descriptions, 5500s, PCORI filing/fee, and other tax and legal filing requirements and audits.
• Administer and maintain data for Affordable Care Act reporting requirements.
• Audit current processes and procedures to uncover business risks and propose more efficient and compliant solutions.

Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. Preferred certification(s): Professional in Human Resources (PHR/PHR), Certified Benefits Professional (CBP); Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS)

Required Skills

• Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-cultural organization with international members,
• Excellent interpersonal skills,
• Adaptable, insightful, empathetic, and reliable.
• Able to maintain discretion and integrity of confidential information.
• Resourceful and able to work independently with initiative and good judgement.
• Strong organizational skills; excellent with calculations
• Computer proficient: MS Word, Excel (intermediate to advanced), Outlook PowerPoint
• Possesses a distinct global mindset, sensitive to local and international customs and protocols.
• Able to identify problems, research alternatives, provide solutions and / or resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Anticipates internal client needs and delivers with clarity.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including proofreading, with a meticulous attention to detail. Adjusts communication style appropriately to the audience.
• Professional presence, appearance, and stature to interact easily with COMPANY members, C-level executives and peers at all levels within the organization.

Preferred Skills - HR Generalist experience preferred.

Pay range and compensation package - $34.00 - $39.00 per hour