Benefits Specialist

Job Title: People Services Benefits Specialist

Reports to: Employee Relations & Benefits Manager

Location: Heritage Behavioral Health Center, 2965 N. Main, Decatur, IL 62526

Schedule: 8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday - Friday

Work Setting: In-Person

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Type: Full-Time

Position Overview:

The Benefits Specialist serves as Heritage Behavioral Health Center’s subject matter expert for employee benefits while ensuring the administrative side of People Services runs efficiently. Reporting to the Employee Relations & Benefits Manager, this role administers benefits programs and supports core HR administration.

This position manages benefits enrollment, billing, and communications; supports leave and compliance documentation; and maintains accurate HR records and HRIS data, providing responsive support to employees across the organization.

Primary Goal: Become Heritage’s subject matter expert for employee benefits while ensuring the administrative side of People Services runs efficiently.

Leadership & Team Expectations:

• Model Heritage’s mission, values, and ethical standards in all interactions.
• Provide responsive, accurate, and compassionate support to employees.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism with sensitive information.
• Collaborate effectively with People Services colleagues and benefit vendors.
• Communicate clearly and follow through reliably.

Core Responsibilities:

Benefits Administration

• Administer health, dental/vision, and life insurance programs.
• Manage Open Enrollment and benefit communications.
• Administer COBRA.
• Determine benefit eligibility and reconcile benefit billing.
• Coordinate wellness incentives.

Leave & Compliance Support

• Assist with leave benefit coordination.
• Maintain benefit records.
• Assist with Workers’ Compensation paperwork.
• Track FMLA and leave documentation.

HR Administration

• Maintain personnel files, and status changes.
• Prepare HR reporting and organizational charts.
• Track compliance and credentials and support employee communications.
• Provide general People Services support and perform other duties as assigned consistent with this role.

Performance Expectations / What Success Looks Like:

The Benefits Specialist will be successful in this role when:

• Benefits are administered accurately, timely, and in compliance.
• Employees receive clear, helpful answers to benefits questions.
• Records, HRIS data, and personnel files are accurate and confidential.
• Open enrollment runs smoothly.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of employee benefits administration and related regulations (COBRA, FMLA, ACA).
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Proficiency with HRIS (ADP) and Microsoft Office.

Education and Experience:

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent; 
• Minimum 1 year of HR, benefits, or administrative experience.

Preferred:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, or a related field.
• Benefits administration and HRIS (ADP) experience.
• Experience in healthcare or a nonprofit setting.
• Relevant certification (e.g., CEBS, SHRM-CP).

Note: Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Ability to sit, stand, and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry office materials or supplies (up to approximately 20 lbs).
• Ability to travel occasionally between Heritage sites as needed.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of current auto insurance may be required.
• Ability to respond calmly and effectively in sensitive or high-pressure situations.