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Benefits Specialist

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HKS, Inc.

1mo ago

  • Job
    Full-time
    Mid Level
  • Customer Relations
    People, HR & Administration
  • Dallas
  • Quick Apply

AI generated summary

  • You should have a relevant degree, 3+ years in HR, HRIS knowledge, MS Office skills, employee benefits expertise, strong interpersonal skills, confidentiality, problem-solving ability, and teamwork skills.
  • You will administer benefits, resolve claims, conduct orientations, counsel employees, assist with open enrollment, maintain communications, and support wellness initiatives while fostering collaboration.

Requirements

  • Professional degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Psychology or an equivalent combination of education and experience preferred
  • Typically with 3+ years of experience
  • Experience in the use of HRIS systems preferred
  • Experience in MS Office Suite
  • Knowledge of employee benefits, COBRA and other federal/regulatory requirements
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with internal and external groups
  • Ability to hold sensitive information with a high level of confidentiality and integrity
  • Ability to work under strict guidelines, competing priorities and immediate requests
  • Ability to communicate and present ideas in a clear, concise and professional manner both verbally and in writing
  • Ability to proactively problem solve and apply innovative solutions
  • Ability to work and collaborate in a team environment, and ability to work independently and prioritize work
  • Ability to effectively meet deadlines at expected quality

Responsibilities

  • Performs benefits administration to include claims resolution, change reporting, and communicating benefit information to employees
  • Works with HKS’ Benefits Manager to understand overall benefits strategy and assists in implementation and execution of strategy
  • Responsible for conducting new hire benefit orientation on a regular basis
  • Counsels employees (and potential employees/applicants) on plan provisions so that individuals can make informed benefit decisions, including all levels of employees
  • Actively works to resolve health and welfare plan complaints, concerns, and inquiries in a fair and empathetic manner
  • Works closely with Benefit Manager on all Wellness initiatives
  • Assists with annual open enrollment period each year by collaborating with the firm’s benefits broker, arranging for distribution of materials from carriers, assisting with communicating changes to employees, processing changes within deadlines and resolving post-enrollment issues
  • Assists with regularly processing and/or approving new hire elections, benefit life event claims and other benefit changes through the Workday HR System
  • Assists in creating and maintaining benefit communications to help increase employee understanding of the benefit plans
  • Assists the project team with the review of plan documents and materials to ensure appropriate provisions and coverage
  • Utilizes appropriate communication lines in relaying problems, concerns, questions, and ideas
  • Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with internal and external customers as well as all company employees
  • Serves as one of the main contacts to all third-party benefit vendors
  • Works closely with Benefits Manager to complete all project related tasks, as needed
  • Assists with general HR team responsibilities, as needed
  • Performs work in a manner that demonstrates an awareness of and an appreciation for the firm’s cultural values, including a commitment to quality, innovation, learning and growth
  • Becomes skilled in fostering and maintaining a collaborative professional working relationship with the project team
  • Collaborates to develop policies and programs that support the firm’s commitment to JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion)
  • Takes personal responsibility for fostering a green workplace through sustainable work practices
  • Understands the financial implications of overhead and chargeable time
  • Understands cost and budgeting of benefits plans and impact to the firm’s financials
  • May assist in identifying, maintaining and cultivating essential relationships

FAQs

What are the primary responsibilities of the Benefits Specialist?

The primary responsibilities include benefits administration, conducting new hire benefit orientation, counseling employees on plan provisions, resolving health and welfare plan issues, assisting with open enrollment, processing benefit changes, and maintaining communications about benefit plans.

What qualifications are required for the Benefits Specialist position?

A professional degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Psychology, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred, along with typically 3+ years of experience in a related field.

Is experience with HRIS systems necessary for this role?

While experience in the use of HRIS systems is preferred, it is not explicitly required; however, it may be beneficial for effectively managing benefit processes.

What skills are important for a Benefits Specialist?

Important skills include strong interpersonal skills, the ability to maintain confidentiality, effective communication, problem-solving abilities, and the ability to collaborate in a team environment.

What type of environment does the Benefits Specialist work in?

The Benefits Specialist works in a collaborative team environment, often interfacing with internal employees and external third-party benefit vendors.

Will the Benefits Specialist assist with general HR team responsibilities?

Yes, the Benefits Specialist will assist with general HR team responsibilities as needed.

Is knowledge of federal regulations important for this position?

Yes, knowledge of employee benefits, COBRA, and other federal/regulatory requirements is important for effectively administering benefit plans.

How is the role of a Benefits Specialist related to the firm’s commitment to JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion)?

The Benefits Specialist collaborates to develop policies and programs that support the firm's commitment to JEDI, ensuring that all employees have equitable access to benefits.

What should a candidate understand about the financial implications of this role?

A candidate should understand the cost and budgeting of benefits plans and their impact on the firm’s financials, as well as the implications of overhead and chargeable time.

What method should current employees use to apply for this position?

Current employees should submit their application via the Internal Careers Portal.

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HKS, Inc.

Designing with purpose to create a better world.

Engineering & Construction
Industry
1001-5000
Employees
1939
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

HKS is a global firm of architects, designers, planners and advisors who create places noted for their beauty and performance. Our 1,500 people in 27 offices are united by the belief that an environmental, social and governance approach to design achieves design excellence. In 2023, we became a carbon neutral firm. We value honesty, diversity and inclusion and we celebrate creative thinking. In partnership with our clients and collaborators, we craft powerful ideas and solutions. Together we create places that stand apart We nurture a culture of extraordinary people with curious and creative minds who are passionate about delivering elegant solutions. We also have a dedicated research team devoted to discovering processes and ideas that improve outcomes for everyone. In everything we do, we're mindful of the fragility of all life and of the planet.