Benefits Specialist

The Benefits Specialist plays a key role in the administration, compliance, and continuous improvement of the organization’s employee benefits and leave programs. Working with a high degree of independence, this position manages day-to-day operations, interprets plan documents and regulatory requirements, advises employees and managers, and partners with vendors to ensure effective service delivery. The Benefits Specialist contributes to process optimization, data integrity, and program enhancements that support the organization’s overall total rewards strategy. This position will be fully onsite in the Lake Oswego, OR office.

Salary Range: $65,000 - $80,000 DOE

Essential Responsibilities:

Benefits Administration Support

• Administer employee benefits programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement, and voluntary plans.
• Review and interpret plan documents to ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
• Manage qualifying life events, enrollments, terminations, and benefit changes accurately and on time.
• Reconcile benefit invoices, validate payroll deductions, and resolve discrepancies.
• Serve as primary liaison with benefits carriers, brokers, and vendors; escalate complex issues as necessary.
• Lead preparation and execution of annual open enrollment, including communication materials, employee education, and enrollment system updates.
• Conduct audits of benefits records to ensure data integrity in HRIS and other systems.

Leave and Accommodation Administration Support

• Administer statutory and company leave programs, including:
• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations
• State paid leave programs
• Company-specific leaves (medical, parental, personal, military)
• Determine leave eligibility, communicate required documentation, and issue notices in accordance with legal requirements.
• Track leave usage to ensure timely return-to-work processing, and coordinate with payroll for wage replacement and benefits continuation.
• Manage escalated employee cases and complex accommodation requests, consulting with legal or HR leadership as needed.

Compliance and Reporting

• Prepare reports and dashboards on benefit utilization, leave trends, and cost analysis for HR leadership.
• Maintain plan documentation, employee records, and required notices in accordance with legal and company requirements.
• Support internal and external audits and compliance reviews.

Employee and Leadership Support

• Advise employees and managers on benefits and leave programs, policies, and procedures.
• Conduct ongoing benefits education sessions.
• Assist HR leadership in analyzing benefit trends, evaluating plan effectiveness, and recommending improvements.

Process Improvement & Professional Development

• Identify opportunities to streamline benefits and leave administration processes.
• Stay current on benefits, leave laws, and industry best practices.
• Participate in HR initiatives related to total rewards, employee experience, or system enhancements.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.

Professional Experience:

• 3-5 years of experience in benefits and leave administration, ideally including FMLA, ADA, and state paid leave programs
• Experience with HRIS systems, payroll interfaces, and vendor management.
• Prior experience conducting benefits audits and supporting compliance initiatives preferred.

Skills:

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Customer service mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with HRIS system preferred.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position in an office environment more than 85% of the time.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, computers or printer.
• The worker is required to have the ability to perform duties such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; reading printed and digital documents.
• Constantly required to communicate with customers and coworkers in and office setting, on the phone and in digital meetings.
• Constantly required to coach, train, lead and talk to individuals and groups in-person, and remotely.
• The majority of work is performed in an office setting, with minimal time spent outdoors in all types of weather conditions and exposure.
• Constant mental alertness, accuracy, and attention to detail required.
• Must be able to work independently, make decisions, and follow through on all assignments.
• Must use creativity, independent judgment, discernment, and organizational and problem-solving skills to determine best method to accomplish desired results.