Overview
Founded in 1898, Mutual of Enumclaw is a people-first insurer rooted in community, recognized as Washington’s Best Company to Work For for the 14th consecutive year, and proudly serving individuals, families, farms, and businesses through local independent agents across the West.
The Sr. Benefits Specialist reports to the Director of Human Resources and is responsible for directing and planning the day-to-day operations of group benefit plans and retirement programs. This individual will serve as the primary contact to vendors and third-party administrators, and partner closely with leadership and Human Resources leaders to deliver a best-in-class benefits program.
Location: The successful candidate will work in a hybrid capacity between our Home Office in Enumclaw, WA, and remotely. Candidate must live within driving distance of our Home Office and have high-speed internet (internet speed test required).
Candidates with less experience may be considered for a Benefits Specialist position. Compensation and position will be commensurate with experience.
*The hiring range represents Mutual of Enumclaw’s current hiring pay scale for this role. Mutual of Enumclaw reserves the right to modify or update this range any time. Exact compensation may vary based on skills and experience. Compensation is only one part of our entire total rewards package. To see some of the benefits and perks we offer, please click here.
Responsibilities
- Administer employee benefit and retirement programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, long-term care, flexible spending, defined contribution, and defined benefit plans.
- Maintain accurate records, documentation, and procedures for all benefit programs.
- Provide ongoing analysis on trends, legislative changes, and best practices within the benefits field. Participate in and utilize industry benefits surveys.
- Analyze data and statistics for trends and patterns with attention to benefits enrollment, turnover, and compliance with employment laws and regulations.
- Formulate and propose solutions to solve needs regarding benefits. Research, design, recommend, and implement benefit plans that present the best value.
- Ensure benefit plans are administered according to contractual obligations, plan provisions, company, and government regulatory guidelines.
- Facilitate benefit and retirement plan audits. Prepare, collect, and organize data for audits and provide any assistance needed for the preparation of Form 5500s.
- Coordinate with actuaries, plan administrators, accountants, and other professionals to provide verified and compiled data for the administration of retirement benefits.
- Assist in providing technical guidance for leave administration.
- Serve as the subject matter expert for all benefit and retirement programs, delivering high-quality HR service aligned with company and industry standards.
- Monitor and analyze legal trends and emerging HR/benefit trends; reporting on such trends and making recommendations.
- Design, recommend, and implement new benefits programs. Examine possible plan designs and benefits' cost changes.
- Oversee daily benefits administration, including enrollments, changes, terminations, and reconciliations.
- Develop communication tools to enhance understanding of the company's benefits package.
- Design and distribute materials for benefits orientations, open enrollment, and summary plan descriptions. Provide training and support to the group benefits for all employees.
- Ensure compliance with mandatory ACA reporting requirements with both federal and state-level regulations.
- Manage relationships with benefits vendors, brokers, carriers, and third-party administrators (TPAs).
- Monitor vendor performance, service-level agreements (SLAs), and contractual compliance.
- Lead vendor RFP processes and contract renewals.
- Respond to and resolve employee benefit inquiries and escalated issues.
- Ensure compliance with ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, and other federal and state regulations.
- Ensure data integrity between payroll, HRIS, and benefit carriers.
- Lead system configuration during open enrollment.
- Lead annual open enrollment process, including planning, carrier negotiations, communications, and post-enrollment reconciliation.
- Provide benefits education, training, and ongoing support to employees and managers.
- Partner with HR leadership to develop and refine benefits strategy to support employee well-being, retention, and engagement.
Qualifications
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Ability to extract, compile, distill, and/or interpret data for studies and reports accurately and efficiently.
- Trusted advisor to handle highly confidential information.
- Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office products and HR Information Systems.
- Communicates clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
- Practice teamwork and collaborate well with others.
- Exhibits the Administration Department’s Behavior-Based Objectives.
Education and Experience:
- 5+ years of human resources and benefits administration experience.
- Bachelor’s degree preferred, or a combination of education and relevant business experience required.
- Experience with retirement plans (DB & DC).
- Knowledge of ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA.
- Advanced Excel/data analysis skills.
- Experience in multi-state compliance is preferred.
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, including video conferencing.
