<p>Job Description</p> <p>This team member must be located within 40 miles of the Blue River PetCare Chicago corporate office in order to work a hybrid schedule.</p> <p>The Benefits Specialist is responsible for supporting and administering employee benefit programs, including health and welfare plans, retirement plans, supporting the leave of absence process, and other employee reward programs. The successful candidate will be an independent self-starter with exceptional communication and organization skills, superb multi-tasking abilities and outstanding client service skills. This position reports to the Total Rewards Manager.</p> <p>Essential Duties & Responsibilities</p> <p>Benefit Administration</p> <ul> <li>Administer employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement plans, COBRA, and wellness. </li><li>Maintain confidential and accurate benefit records in compliance with plan rules and regulatory requirements. </li><li>Support annual Open Enrollment activities, including testing, vendor coordination, reporting, and communications. </li><li>Partner in development of benefits communication, education, and program development. </li><li>Support administration of leaves of absence, including FMLA, state leave programs, disability benefits, and company leave policies. </li></ul> <p>Employee Support</p> <ul> <li>Serve as a primary resource for employees, HR partners, and managers on benefit eligibility, enrollment, qualifying life events, plan details, and general inquiries. </li><li>Resolve employee benefit issues by partnering with vendors, payroll, and HR teams. </li><li>Assist with New Hire Benefits Orientation meetings with possibility of periodic domestic travel to company clinics (travel 5-10%). Fully knowledgeable of benefits and demonstrates strong engagement when educating, responding to inquiries, and dealing with escalated issues. </li></ul> <p>Vendor and Carrier Coordination</p> <ul> <li>Collaborate with benefit vendors and insurance carriers to research and resolve discrepancies and eligibility concerns. </li><li>Assist with invoice review and reconciliation to ensure accurate and timely payments. </li></ul> <p>Compliance, Reporting & Process Improvement</p> <ul> <li>Assist with benefit-related audits, reconciliations, and regulatory reporting. </li><li>Improve processes enhancing benefit delivery, employee experience, and compliance. </li><li>Support Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliance activities, including eligibility tracking, reporting, and coordinating with internal teams and vendors to ensure accurate and timely filings. </li><li>Perform other duties as assigned, including benefit administration and special projects. </li></ul>