HR Generalist & Benefits Administrator

OVERVIEW:

The HR Generalist & Benefits Administrator is a key member of the Human Resources team responsible for managing and administering employee benefits programs while providing comprehensive HR support across various functions.  The ideal candidate will have a well-rounded HR background and expertise in benefits management, ensuring a positive employee experience and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Benefits Administration and Compliance:

• Administer and manage all employee benefits programs, including health insurance, disability insurance, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, voluntary benefits and wellness initiatives.
• Administer 401k retirement plan, by working with brokers and other vendors.  Coordinate with internal 401k plan trustees to ensure proper adherence to plan stewardship.
• Serve as the administration for Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) which includes overseeing plan census, payout processes and audits in partnership with third party administrator and other vendors.  Coordinate with internal plan trustees to ensure proper adherence to plan stewardship.  This position will work closely with the finance team for funding and projections.
• Organize and conduct all benefit educational meetings throughout the year to ensure employees have access to information about their benefits.
• Coordinate the annual open enrollment process, including communication, education, and support for employees.
• Coordinate new hire/newly eligible meetings so employees have all the information needed to elect benefits.  These meetings must be conducted within all compliance timeframes.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee inquiries regarding benefits, providing guidance and resolving issues.
• Ensure accurate benefits data management and processing in HRIS, including enrollments, changes, and terminations.
• Collaborate with benefits providers to report on plan costs, service issues and any other information that is relevant to renewal decisions.
• Stay updated on benefits trends, legislation, and best practices, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, such as FMLA, PFL, ACA, COBRA, and HIPAA.
• Administer leave programs, tracking and communication with affected employees and the management team. This includes leaves protected by FMLA and other state programs.
• Ensure time of calculators and other information is accurate in HRIS, including completion of required year end procedures.
• Manage pay review process by ensuring all managers have the right tools and information.
• Conduct market studies, as necessary, for compensation and benefits benchmarking.
• Conduct internal benefit audits to ensure data accuracy and compliance.
• Conduct fit for duty processes and administration, as it relates to disclosed short and long-term disabilities to properly assess reasonable accommodations.
• Maintain working knowledge of state/federal programs for Medicare and other programs to provide direction to employees to obtain assistance with alternative benefit solutions as necessary.
• Serve as HIPPA Compliance Officer
• Administer necessary reporting from the HRIS system (and other systems) to ensure HR data is readily available for internal and external partners.  This includes reporting for EEO, Department of Labor and other agencies.

HR Generalist Responsibilities:

• Support the recruitment and onboarding processes as needed.
• Assist in developing and implementing HR policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations.
• Maintain accurate employee records in the HRIS, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality.
• Participate in HR projects, events and initiatives aimed at improving employee engagement, retention, and overall HR effectiveness.
• Maintain the ability to advise and attend performance management initiatives as an HR representative
• Serve as a back-up for payroll processing. Conduct bi-weekly proofing process for payroll before submittals.
• Maintain working knowledge of basic payroll taxation as it pertains to benefits and compensation

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in business, human resources, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 3-5 years of experience in HR generalist roles with a focus on benefits administration.
• Strong knowledge of employee benefits programs and related regulations (e.g., ACA, COBRA, ERISA).
• Proficiency in HRIS and benefits management systems.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships across the organization.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to handle sensitive employee matters with discretion.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR) is a plus.