HR Specialist (Benefits)

Job Summary:

The Human Resources Specialist serves as a front-line HR generalist supporting a broad range of HR functions. While this role primarily focuses on employee benefits administration, it also provides support in employee relations, employee lifecycle administration, and the coordination of HR programs and initiatives. This position delivers day-to-day guidance to employees and managers, ensures accurate and compliant HR processes, and fosters a positive workplace culture through consistent, high-quality service and meaningful engagement.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Administers and supports a comprehensive portfolio of employee benefits programs, ensuring efficient delivery and a positive employee experience.
• Leads thorough benefits orientations during new hire onboarding, educating employees on plan options, eligibility, enrollment processes, and key deadlines to support informed decision-making.
• Serves as a trusted resource for employee inquiries related to health, retirement, wellness, and total rewards programs, providing timely, accurate responses and ensuring issues are fully resolved.
• Acts as a primary liaison with healthcare providers, insurance carriers, and brokers to address plan administration, resolve issues, and maintain strong vendor relationships.
• Administers group medical, dental, vision, life, disability, voluntary, and wellness plans in alignment with plan provisions and company policies.
• Processes benefit enrollments, status changes, and terminations, ensuring accurate system updates and proper coordination with payroll.
• Reviews, reconciles, and processes monthly benefits invoices, identifying discrepancies and ensuring financial accuracy and alignment with enrollments.
• Communicates benefits updates, plan changes, and critical deadlines clearly and proactively to employees, promoting awareness and compliance.
• Ensures timely administration and reconciliation of COBRA notifications and participant records in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Supports leave of absence administration, including FMLA, ADA, STD, and LTD, ensuring compliance and effective coordination across stakeholders.
• Maintains and reconciles carrier data feeds, proactively identifying and resolving discrepancies to ensure data integrity.
• Supports 401(k) plan administration, including compliance notices, audits, Form 5500 preparation, nondiscrimination testing, true-ups, loan processing, and hardship withdrawal coordination.
• Assists with annual Open Enrollment execution and ACA reporting, including preparation and review of Forms 1094-C and 1095-C.
• Plans and coordinates wellness initiatives, health fairs, and benefits-related events to promote employee engagement and well-being.
• Evaluates benefits programs and policies, leveraging data and trends to recommend enhancements that improve cost efficiency and employee value.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable benefits regulations, policies, and reporting deadlines.
• Provides support for broader HR initiatives, including employee relations, onboarding, and wellness programs, contributing to a well-rounded HR function.
• Manages the Service Awards Program, ensuring accurate tracking, communication, and recognition of employee milestones.
• Maintains HRIS functionality through system configuration, testing, ongoing maintenance, and end-user support.
• Collaborates with the HCM Administrator to enhance system capabilities, ensure data integrity, strengthen access controls, and develop dashboards and reporting.
• Stays current with industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices through ongoing professional development and continuous learning.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred, enabling effective communication with a diverse workforce.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to provide clear guidance and user-friendly technical support.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, dynamic, and occasionally high-pressure environments.
• Proven time management skills with a strong track record of meeting deadlines and managing competing priorities.
• Solid knowledge of human resources principles, practices, and procedures.
• In-depth understanding of employee benefits programs and applicable compliance requirements.
• Analytical and solution-oriented mindset with strong problem-solving capabilities.
• Working knowledge of HR policies and procedures to ensure effective alignment within HRIS systems and organizational goals.
• Demonstrated commitment to maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information with the highest level of discretion.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other business software applications.
• Advanced HRIS expertise, particularly in systems supporting benefits, leave, and total rewards, with deep proficiency in at least one major HR platform.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelors degree in human resources or related field, or 6+ years equivalent experience in lieu of degree
• 3+ years of related experience required

Certifications:

• SHRM or HRCI credential preferred
• Benefits-related certification or credential preferred (CEBS, CBP, etc.)

Physical Demands and Hazards for Office Employees:

This position requires prolonged periods of sitting, frequent computer use, occasional lifting of office supplies, and may involve travel.

Howard Energy Partners is an equal opportunity employer. If you need additional information, have questions, or need accommodations, please reach out to the Human Resources department at hr.team@howardep.com.