Benefits Specialist / Senior Benefits Specialist
Human Resources | WoodmenLife
Location: Omaha, NE (Tower Office)
Reports To: Benefits Manager
Why You'll Love This Role
WoodmenLife is seeking a Benefits Specialist or Senior Benefits Specialist to join our Human Resources team. This role is ideal for a benefits professional who enjoys helping people, solving complex benefit questions, and serving as a trusted resource for associates throughout their employment and retirement journey.
Whether you bring foundational benefits experience or advanced expertise in benefits administration, retirement plans, and compliance, this position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while supporting associates across the organization.
As part of a highly collaborative Benefits team, you'll have broad exposure to all aspects of benefits administration, including health and welfare plans, retirement programs, disability benefits, billing, compliance, associate education, and vendor management.
This role is perfect for someone who enjoys a combination of customer service, operational administration, problem-solving, retirement planning support, and associate education.
About the Team
The Benefits Team resides within Human Resources and is responsible for administering and supporting all associate benefit programs across WoodmenLife.
As part of a two-person team, you will play an important role in managing the day-to-day benefits needs of WoodmenLife associates and retirees. The team works closely with Payroll, Human Resources, Sales, Member Customer Service, external vendors, and benefit carriers to deliver an exceptional benefits experience.
Current team initiatives include:
Benefits education and communication
Annual Enrollment
Pension administration
401(k) administration
Benefits process improvements
Compliance and audit support
Role Summary
The Benefits Specialist / Senior Benefits Specialist serves as a key resource for associate benefits administration and retirement support.
This role administers associate benefit programs, manages benefit enrollments and changes, supports retirement processes, oversees billing activities, responds to associate and retiree inquiries, coordinates with vendors, and supports compliance initiatives. Depending on experience and level, the individual may also mentor others, lead projects, support audits, and serve as a subject matter expert on complex benefits issues.
What You'll Do
Benefits Administration & Customer Support
Serve as a primary point of contact for associates, retirees, and sales representatives regarding benefit programs.
Respond to benefit-related phone calls, emails, and inquiries.
Research and resolve routine complex benefit issues and discrepancies.
Educate associates on available health, welfare, disability, life insurance, wellness, pension, and 401(k) benefits.
Process benefit enrollments, qualifying life events, and coverage changes.
Administer COBRA benefits for terminated associates and sales representatives.
Coordinate disability benefit administration and return-to-work activities.
Process wellness reimbursements and incentive programs.
Coordinate collection of missed premium payments when necessary.
Retirement Administration
Support administration of pension and 401(k) plans.
Ensure retirement processes are completed accurately and timely.
Prepare pension estimates, valuations, and calculations using vendor tools.
Coordinate retirement distributions and participant communications.
Support retirement-related audits and reporting activities.
Billing, Auditing & Vendor Management
Manage monthly benefits billing activities.
Audit enrollment, payroll, vendor, and billing data to ensure accuracy.
Research and resolve enrollment discrepancies and vendor issues.
Process vendor payments accurately and on schedule.
Maintain strong relationships with insurance carriers, benefit vendors, brokers, and consultants.
Compile and analyze benefit data to support reporting and decision-making.
Life Insurance & Survivor Benefits
Administer Group Term Life benefits.
Process beneficiary claims and payments.
Monitor associate and retiree death notifications.
Coordinate survivor and beneficiary benefit administration.
Communication & Employee Education
Assist with and/or lead new associate benefits orientation.
Support Annual Enrollment activities and communications.
Develop benefits communications, presentations, employee guides, SharePoint content, and educational materials.
Help associates understand benefit offerings and retirement options.
Compliance & Process Improvement
Stay current on benefit compliance regulations and industry trends.
Support compliance initiatives related to:
ERISA
COBRA
FMLA
ADA
Medicare
Section 125
PPACA
Secure Act 2.0
Social Security
Department of Labor requirements
Maintain accurate records within Dayforce and other systems.
Ensure confidential information is handled appropriately.
Identify opportunities to improve benefit administration processes and participant experiences.
Leadership & Team Support (Senior-Level Expectations)
Serve as a subject matter expert for benefits administration.
Train and mentor team members on benefit processes and procedures.
Support escalated and complex benefit matters.
Assist with compliance audits and strategic HR initiatives.
Recommend process improvements and operational efficiencies.
Tools & Technology
You'll regularly utilize:
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft 365
Microsoft Teams
Dayforce HRIS
SharePoint
PowerPoint
What You Bring
Benefits Specialist Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent experience.
1-3 years of customer service, benefits, HR, or related experience.
Strong customer service and relationship-building skills.
Strong organizational and communication skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Senior Benefits Specialist Qualifications
High school diploma plus significant related experience and/or PHR/SHRM certification.
5+ years of benefits administration experience.
5+ years of customer service or related professional experience.
Experience supporting retirement plans, benefits administration, and vendor management.
Ability to lead projects and provide guidance to others.
Technical Skills
Microsoft Excel proficiency including:
Formulas
PivotTables
VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP
Data analysis and reporting
Microsoft Word and PowerPoint proficiency
HRIS experience
Dayforce experience preferred
Preferred Qualifications
Experience administering:
Medical
Dental
Vision
Disability
Life Insurance
Pension Plans
401(k) Plans
Annual Enrollment administration experience
Experience working with insurance carriers and benefits vendors
Dayforce HRIS experience
PHR or SHRM certification
Top Reasons to Join WoodmenLife
Meaningful Impact on Associates
Help employees and retirees navigate important healthcare, retirement, and financial decisions.
Great Exposure and Variety
Gain broad experience across benefits administration, retirement plans, compliance, associate education, and vendor management.
Mission-Driven Culture
Join an organization focused on serving others while supporting associates and communities.
Leadership Insight
"I would describe my leadership style as supportive, collaborative, and accountable. I believe in empowering my team, providing clear direction, maintaining open communication, and creating an environment where people can grow professionally while delivering strong results."
WoodmenLife offers a competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits package. Learn more at:
https://www.woodmenlife.org/careers/home-office/benefits/
As part of WoodmenLife's employment process, candidates will be required to complete applicable background screening, credit checks (where required), drug screening, and reference checks.
Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society (WoodmenLife) is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
