JOB TITLE: Benefits Specialist

JOB LOCATION: Seattle, WA

STATUS: Full-Time / Exempt

REPORTS TO: Corporate HR Manager

SUMMARY:

The benefits specialist is responsible for the administration of all benefits and retirement programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and 401(k) plan. Provides professional expertise and high-level customer service to oversee benefit enrollment, benefit terminations, COBRA administration, and responds in a timely manner to general benefit questions. Responsible for reconciling benefit bills and processing for payment with accounting.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Initiate new-hire benefits and changes in a timely manner with insurance companies by obtaining, verifying, and accurately recording employee information.
• Perform regular audits to ensure and maintain accuracy of data, investigate discrepancies, and resolve issues.
• Partner with benefit brokers and providers to ensure benefits renewal process is successful. Provide census information, oversee the implementation of plan changes, and follow through on broker and provider objectives.
• Assists employees regarding explaining benefits to new and current employees including benefits claim issues and plan changes.
• Manage accurate and timely completion of the benefits billing process. Collaborate with other departments within the organization to provide departments with necessary information, including the running of reports, reconciling of bills/claims, and ensuring that payments are made promptly and in accordance with company and carrier requirements.
• Distributes all benefits enrollment materials and determines eligibility.
• Enrolls employees with carriers and process life status changes.
• Responds to benefits inquiries from managers and employees on plan provisions, benefits enrollments, status changes and other general inquiries.
• Responds to 401(k) inquiries from managers and employees relating to enrollments, plan changes and contribution amounts.
• Coordinate employee benefit meetings, benefit and wellness communication materials, and oversee all aspects of ongoing employee benefit education.
• Administration of open enrollment process.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SKILLS:

• Extensive knowledge of employee benefits and applicable laws.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.
• Must create and keep all deadlines while managing changing priorities.
• Consistent and accurate attention to detail is critical to minimize errors resulting in organization fees, fines, and/or overpayments.
• Maintain composure during busy and stressful situations.
• Be able to effectively interact and communicate positively and professionally in person, on the phone and in writing.
• Respond to change productively and handles other duties as required.
• Qualified candidates must be willing and available to work extended hours as needed.
• Demonstrate full understanding of HIPAA compliance, confidentiality, and responsibilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field, but experience may be substituted for the education.
• 2-4 years’ experience in benefits administration- required.
• Human Resources certification (i.e., SHRM-CP, HRCI-PHR, etc.) is preferred.
• Prior HRIS system experience required. UltiPro experience aka Ultimate Software/UKG) a plus.

OTHER:

Work Schedule:

This position is a Hybrid based position with 3 days in the corporate office which located in Seattle, Washington and 2 days working remotely. Core hours are Monday-Friday, 8a-5p. Prompt and reliable attendance is required to ensure that critical deadlines are met as well as being predictably available for employees and managers. During key production deadlines throughout the year, this position will also require extended hours at times to meet business needs.

Physical Requirements:

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time.

Financial Responsibility:

Highest level of confidentiality required for access to and maintenance of personnel records.

Disclaimer:

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

OBI Seafoods is an equal opportunity employer and provides for the recruitment, hiring, and promotion of women, handicapped persons, Disabled, Veterans, and members of all ethnic minority groups in all areas of work.