Benefits and Compensation Specialist – North Haven, Connecticut

A well established beverage distributor is looking for a Benefit and Compensation Specialist to join their team. This person is responsible for the administration of various employee benefits programs and compensation strategies, driving corporate wellness initiatives and supporting organizational HR projects. The Benefits and Compensation Specialist maintains accurate and timely administration of benefits and serves as a point of contact for employees, managers, and external vendors regarding benefits-related inquiries and processes. This reports directly to the Human Resources Director.

Core Responsibilities

Administer and support benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, employee/dependent eligibility, life and supplemental insurance, short-term and long-term disability.
Administering and planning effective benefit program activities, such as open enrollment, wellness initiatives and retiree medical programs across the company.
Assist HR Director with development, implementation, and maintenance of employee benefits

programs in accordance with company policies, legal requirements, and industry best practices.

Assist in developing and implementing compensation strategies that support organizational goals and drive business performance.
Conduct regular market research to analyze compensation trends, salary benchmarks, and competitive practices.
Analyze data and identify patterns and trends to recommend strategies and programs that would improve organizational wellness.
Address employee questions regarding benefits, eligibility, and enrollment
Monitors transmission of enrollment to third party vendors and reconciles eligibility on a regular basis to ensure accuracy of enrollment records for employees and retirees across the organization.
Provide guidance and assistance to employees regarding benefit options, eligibility criteria, and claims procedures.
Manage the enrollment, termination, and modification processes for employee benefit plans, and ensure accurate and timely processing in the Paycom HRIS system.
Conducting regular audits to ensure compliance with benefit plan regulations, including ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, and other applicable laws.
Responsible for developing annual communication strategy related to benefit plan details, updates, and/or changes to employees through various channels such as emails, BB Intranet newsletter, and informational sessions.
Conduct benefits orientation sessions for new hires and coordinate open enrollment activities to ensure employees make informed decisions about their benefits.
Maintain accurate employee records and benefit plan information in the HRIS system, Paycom or other relevant benefits providers systems.
Collaborate on benefits plan set-ups during annual health renewals in the HRIS system, Paycom.
Assist employees with claims processing, benefits-related disputes, and appeals, coordinating with insurance providers and third-party administrators as needed.
Administer HR Benefits and Compliance annual calendar to ensure benefit plans adhere to legal requirements, including discrimination testing, plan documentation, and employee notifications.

Additional Responsibilities

Assist in workers compensation administration and support employee leave process
Develop and implement compensation proposals; Assist with compensation strategy including pay grids development, maintenance and administration.
Participate in industry market surveys and conduct compensation analyses to determine annual merit increases, bonus plans, and long-term incentive programs.
Responsible for maintaining employee Leave of Absence files in compliance with applicable federal and state laws.
Determine eligibility for various leave programs, interpreting and administering FMLA, CT Paid Leave and ADA implications as they relate to leaves of absences/disabilities.
Counsel with employees and supervisors concerning leave benefits and provide employees with accurate information on deductions relating to absences, medical certification requirements, return-to-work dates, retirement, disability claims etc.
Work collaboratively with the HR Team and internal departments to process and coordinate all employee leaves of absences, including those relating to workers' compensation claims.
Stay up to date with federal, state, and local regulations related to employee benefits, including healthcare reform, and other legislative changes.
Responsible for COBRA administration.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field.
3-5+ years of experience in benefits and compensation administration or a similar HR role.
Certification in HR or benefits administration (e.g., Certified Employee Benefits Specialist) a plus
In-depth knowledge of employee benefits programs, regulations, and compliance requirements.
Experience with HRIS or other HR software systems for benefits management.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain confidentiality.
Motivated, with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Required seating or standing for extended periods of time. Must be able to remain in a stationary position 80% of the time.
Required use of hands. Constantly operates a computer and other office equipment (calculator, copy machine, printers).
Required verbal and written communication with employees and other external vendors.

Mount Kemble Search Group

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