Benefits Specialist

Job DetailsJob Location: Mendota Heights, MN 55120Position Type: Full TimeJob Category: Human ResourcesWork Where You Matter! At St. Croix Hospice we guide patients and families through the end-of-life journey. Through compassionate care, we focus on our patient’s quality of life, empowering them to make the most of their time with dignity, comfort and respect. If you are ready to be part of an extraordinary team of caregivers, then come work where you matter. Benefits Specialist Position Overview The Benefits Specialist is responsible for administering and maintaining employee benefit programs, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, and providing excellent support to employees regarding their benefits. This individual provides technical and administrative support to the Director of Benefits and Compensation and is the primary point of contact for employees and leaders with benefit or leave of absence related questions Essential Functions and Skills Responsibilities  Benefits Administration: Maintain employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, other voluntary benefits and retirement plans Handle enrollment, changes, and terminations in benefits systems Coordinate annual open enrollment and communicate updates to employees Employee Support: Act as the primary point of contact for employee inquiries regarding benefits, eligibility, claims, and coverage Provide guidance to employees on their benefits options and assist in resolving issues Conduct new hire Benefits orientations on bi-weekly basis. Compliance and Reporting: Ensure benefits programs align with federal, state, and local regulations, such as ERISA, ACA, COBRA, and HIPAA Prepare and submit required regulatory reports, including 5500 filings Responsible for maintaining compliance with all HIPAA regulations and requirements FMLA, Workers Compensation and ADA: Serve as the primary point of contact for employees, managers, insurance carriers, and regulatory agencies regarding leave of absence and workers' compensation matters Monitor the status of claims and facilitate communication between employees, medical providers, and insurance carriers Assist employees in navigating the process, including medical evaluations and return-to-work programs Vendor and Carrier Coordination: Work closely with insurance providers, brokers, and other benefits vendors Monitor vendor performance and address any service issues Review, audit, and process monthly group invoices - working closely with Finance and vendors on any discrepancies Data Maintenance and Integrity: Keep accurate benefits records and ensure timely updates in HRIS and payroll systems Generate benefits-related reports and provide data insights to support decision-making Policy Support: Assist in developing and updating benefits policies and procedures Provide suggestions for improving benefits offerings to enhance employee satisfaction Performs other duties as assigned.   QualificationsRequirements/Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or equivalent experience in human resources field Minimum of 2 years’ experience in benefits administration or similar role Certification in benefits or human resources (CEBS, SHRM-CP, PHR) (preferred) Ability to pass DHS background study. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities  Familiarity with benefits regulations, including but not limited to ADA, FMLA, ERISA, COBRA, and HIPAA Ability to prioritize multiple assignments simultaneously in a fast-paced environment with competing deadlines and short lead times, while maintaining a high level of customer service Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, exercising extreme attention to detail in all matters. Proficiency using HR and payroll systems Proficiency in English with excellent interpersonal, communication and customer service skills  Ability to work with highly confidential information with discretion Technical proficiency in all Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Physical Requirements The physical requirements described are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made. Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Pushing/Pulling and Lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds. The salary range for this role is $80,000 - $90,000/annually.  An employee’s actual annual salary will be based on but not limited to: geographic location, relevant education, applicable certifications, depth of experience, and special skillsets. The total compensation package for this position may also include the opportunity to participate in employee benefits including our medical/dental/vision/pet insurance, disability and life insurance, paid time off, and 401(k) retirement plans, subject to applicable plan terms, and/or eligibility for other compensation.