The **Benefits Specialist** is responsible for the day-to-day administration of all benefit plans including health, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, and life insurance, disability and retirement benefits. This position will provide customer service support, assisting with data reporting, and resolution of benefits issues. This role is also responsible for assisting the Human Resources Shared Services on other Human Resources related initiatives. **Principal Duties and Responsibilities:** + Provide customer service support to Associates and benefits vendors investigating and responding to issues regarding health and welfare and retirement plans. + Coordinate daily benefits processing. Handle enrollments, COBRA, terminations, changes, beneficiary updates, disability, medical and life insurance claims. + Ensures the accuracy of all benefits enrollments to provide vendors with precise eligibility information. + Assists Associates regarding benefits claim issues and plan changes. + Enrolls Associates with carriers and process life status changes as needed. + Responds to benefits inquiries from managers and Associates regarding plan provisions, 401(k), benefits enrollments, status changes and other general inquiries. + Responsible for allocation/billing charges for processing of monthly invoices for group plans. + Administer the maintenance of employee benefits and payroll records, related to benefit deductions. + Ensure fulfillment of IRS, DOL, and ERISA reporting and disclosure requirements. **Minimum Requirement/Qualifications:** + High school diploma or its equivalent + Proficiency in Microsoft Office with emphasis on Excel + Knowledgeable in benefit plan compliance and administration + Must possess solid time management skills + Strong customer service experience + Ability to communicate well + Must work well in a team-oriented environment **Desired Qualifications:** + 2 Year Associates degree or Bachelor’s degree + HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP) is a plus + Experience with Lawson HRIS/Payroll system + Experience with Benefit Focus system + Work experience in HR or benefits is preferred.