Company Overview
Payroll Professionals | Benefits Plus is a locally owned firm serving small and mid-size employers across the upper Midwest. We provide payroll management, HR support, and employee benefits services to more than 700 active clients. Customer service is a core value that differentiates us from other service providers. We strive to recruit and retain valued team members who fit well in our customer service-oriented culture.
Position Summary
The Benefits Administrative Specialist serves as the primary point of contact for day-to-day benefits administration across the Benefits Plus client base. This position is responsible for enrollment processing, carrier management, client service, and open enrollment support. The role works alongside the lead benefits producer and reports directly to the CEO.
This is an independent, client-facing role requiring strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing deadlines during peak open enrollment season. The employee is expected to perform their responsibilities with minimal day-to-day supervision while maintaining consistent communication with the CEO and lead producer.
Work Schedule
This position follows a seasonal schedule reflecting the annual rhythm of the employee benefits industry. The following schedule is a condition of employment and is not subject to modification without CEO approval:
September through May 40 hours Full-time. Open enrollment season and mid-year renewal waves. Full availability required. Time off requests subject to operational needs.
June through August 32 hours. Reduced summer schedule. Core days and hours established collaboratively with CEO. Flexible scheduling available subject to business needs.
Core office hours, specific days, and any remote work arrangements are established at hire and subject to change based on operational needs. The September through May schedule takes precedence over personal scheduling preferences during open enrollment periods.
Essential Responsibilities
Enrollment Administration
- Process new hire enrollments, qualifying life events, and terminations across all active carriers in a timely and accurate manner
- Update carriers with benefit elections following open enrollment completions and individual new hire enrollments
- Maintain accurate employee benefit records including elections, deductions, and coverage effective dates
- Manage company buildouts in Employee Navigator including adding employees, building plans, creating employee guides, benefit summaries, and carrier integrations
- Assist clients with enrollments throughout the year during qualified life events
Open Enrollment Support
- Create and distribute benefit guides and open enrollment materials including SBCs, benefit summaries, and master enrollment guides
- Assist benefit clients through the open enrollment process including logistics, scheduling, communication, and form collection
- Update carriers with all elections after open enrollment completion
- Build and maintain annual open enrollment timelines for all active clients
Client and Carrier Communication
- Respond to client and employee benefit questions by phone and email within one business day
- Communicate with insurance carriers regarding clients' general inquiries, coverage questions, and administrative matters
- Maintain cooperative working relationships with carrier representatives, clients, and internal team members
Data and Documentation
- Maintain confidentiality and security of all client and employee data at all times
- Database maintenance of employee information, benefit elections, benefit deductions, and all benefit-related information
- Build and maintain new hire onboarding documentation and benefit guide templates for each client
- Maintain organized and current records for all active benefit companies
Other
- Perform other duties as assigned by the CEO or lead producer
- Participate in team meetings and training as required
Minimum Qualifications
- 2 or more years of experience in employee benefits administration, health insurance, or human resources
- Familiarity with carrier portals and group benefits enrollment processes
- Strong computer skills and demonstrated ability to learn new platforms quickly
- High School Diploma or equivalent required; additional education in HR, business, or a related field is a plus
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Employee Navigator
- Familiarity with BCBSND, Medica, or other regional carriers
- Prior experience in a small office or independent agency setting
Required Skills and Attributes
- Ability to manage competing deadlines and prioritize effectively during peak open enrollment season
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in all enrollment and data entry work
- Ability to work independently with minimal day-to-day supervision
- Customer service oriented with the ability to build and maintain cooperative relationships with clients, carriers, and team members
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality in all matters
- Organized, proactive, and capable of managing multiple client relationships simultaneously
- Flexibility to meet demands during open enrollment season including extended hours when necessary
Performance Standards
- Respond to all client and carrier communications within one business day
- Maintain error-free enrollment processing with all corrections completed within 24 hours of identification
- Adhere to the seasonal schedule requirements including full-time availability September through May
- Complete open enrollment materials and carrier updates within agreed timelines for each client
- Maintain confidentiality of all client and employee information at all times
Pay: $41,600.00 - $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
