Benefits Specialist I

The Company

FirstService Residential leads the property management industry, with over 8,500 communities in the United States and Canada operating under our professional management services.

FirstService provides competitive salaries, top benefits, and career training, continually investing in our associates’ professional development, setting the bar for exceptional service. Our associates enjoy an inclusive work environment and a rich culture of collaboration and mutual respect.

Embark in a fulfilling career in property management with FirstService today.

Job Responsibilities

Under the direction of the benefits manager, the benefits specialist is responsible for the administration of the benefits programs, maintenance of all benefit records and files, providing superior customer service, addressing escalated requests, process documentation, payroll and benefit auditing, and managing file interfaces. This position will also provide support with plan implementation, open enrollment, and compliance filing.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• The job duties listed are typical examples of the work performed by positions in this job classification. Not all duties assigned to every position are included, nor is it expected that all positions will be assigned every duty.
• Analyze market trends and other data to investigate new programs and make recommendations on health and welfare strategic position for the company.
• Project manage initiatives requiring strategic change management and communication planning in collaboration with the Benefits Manager.
• Project manage annual compliance activities such as ACA reporting, 401(k) nondiscrimination testing, 401(k) audit and open enrollment in collaboration with the Benefits Manager.
• Conduct HR and associate surveys, gather requirements, form focus groups and present findings and recommendations to leadership in an organized manner to drive new initiatives and process improvements.
• Interact with beneficiaries to facilitate and file life/AD&D claims.
• Oversee the exception request process from employees or HR; provide support and leadership to front line team members.
• Handles QMCSO, QDRO, Medicare and Medicaid transactions, including communication with employees and government agencies or legal representatives.
• Conducts regular data audits and payroll (pre and post payroll) audits to ensure proper eligibility maintenance and payroll collections and identifies gaps or challenges in file interface exchanges.
• Provides administrative and troubleshooting support and follows through on projects initiated by the benefits manager.
• Manages new client on-boarding activities and client contract update workflows.
• Maintains contact in person, and by phone or email, with insurance companies, recordkeepers, employees, and beneficiaries to facilitate proper and complete utilization of benefits for all employees.
• Other duties as required.

Education & Experience

• Four (4) years of proven progressive experience administering benefits for a large employer or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience and two (2) years of file interface management.
• Experience with HRIS and benefit administration platforms.
• Strategic, influential, and hands-on work experience.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Proficiencies

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.
• Bilingual Spanish/English highly preferred.
• Requires a thorough understanding of the following employee benefits: life, AD&D, disability, medical, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, accident, hospital, critical illness, prepaid legal, identity theft, 401(k), nonqualified retirement plans, group umbrella.
• Requires a thorough understanding of payroll processes, the payroll cycle and file interfaces amongst vendors as well as system of record significance.
• Requires a thorough understanding of ACA, COBRA, ERISA, HIPAA, IRS §125.
• Must possess an understanding of pertinent federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements affecting employee benefit programs, including (but not limited to) ACA, COBRA, ERISA, HIPAA, IRS §125, 5500, and IRS/DOL requirements.
• Detail-oriented with strong customer service skills.
• Skilled in written, verbal, and interpersonal skills with all levels of employees.
• Competency in multiple software programs and self-sufficient with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Ability to perform and make decisions independent of supervision.
• A strong team player with the ability to enforce the Company’s policies and procedures.
• Ability to lift 10-15 lbs.