Benefit Specialist

Benefit Specialist – People Operations

Who We Are:

Woda Cooper Companies, Inc. is a rapidly growing development, construction, and property management organization dedicated to the creation of quality affordable housing to benefit those who need it most. We are an employee-owned, passion-driven group that changes each community of which we are a part. We manage over 16,000 housing units in 18 states, proudly serving seniors, veterans, and other economically challenged groups. We seek ambitious, talented individuals who want to grow with a rapidly expanding company whose success is not only measured in dollars and cents, but in lives changed. With a development portfolio of $1.5 billion, Woda Cooper consistently ranks among the top affordable housing developers and owners in the country by Affordable Housing Finance.

Position Summary:

The Benefit Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day administration and oversight of employee benefit programs, including health and welfare plans, 401(k), and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This role ensures benefits are administered accurately, competitively, and in full compliance with federal and state regulations, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The Benefit Specialist serves as a subject matter expert for employees and internal partners, supporting a positive employee experience while managing vendor relationships and data integrity.

Who You’ll Report To:

The Benefits Specialist reports to the Director of People Operations.

What You’ll Own:

Benefits Administration

• Administer all health and welfare benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA/HSA, and voluntary benefits
• Manage annual open enrollment planning, communications, and execution
• Serve as point of contact for benefit vendors, brokers, and carriers
• Coordinate benefit onboarding, life event changes, and terminations
• Reconcile benefit invoices and resolve discrepancies
• Support benefit audits and ensure accurate plan documentation
• Oversee the yearly virtual wellness fair, coordinating vendors, scheduling sessions, and promoting participation
• Develop and implement education and wellness initiatives that encourage healthy lifestyles and enhance overall employee well-being
• Oversee the company’s professional development program, ensuring leadership approval is received

Retirement & ESOP Plans

• Administer the company’s 401(k) plan, including enrollments, contributions, loans, distributions, and compliance testing
• Partner with plan fiduciaries, recordkeepers, and auditors to ensure plan compliance with ERISA and IRS regulations
• Support administration of the ESOP, including eligibility tracking, allocations, distributions, and coordination with trustees and third-party administrators
• Maintain accurate participant records and ensure timely reporting

ACA Compliance & Reporting

• Perform regular quality checks on benefits-related data to ensure accuracy and compliance. Distribute enrollment materials and verify eligibility for all benefit programs
• Ensure compliance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA), including measurement and stability periods
• Prepare, audit, and distribute Forms 1094-C and 1095-C
• Monitor full-time employee status and eligibility thresholds
• Respond to IRS ACA notices and resolve discrepancies
• Stay current on ACA regulatory updates and ensure internal processes remain compliant

Employee Support & Communication

• Educate employees on benefit offerings, eligibility, and plan features
• Respond to employee inquiries and resolve benefit-related issues with a high level of service
• Develop clear benefit communications and educational materials
• Support wellness initiatives and benefit engagement strategies

Data, Compliance & Process Improvement

• Maintain accurate benefits data in HRIS and payroll systems
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, and other applicable regulations
• Support annual audits, nondiscrimination testing, and regulatory filings
• Identify opportunities to improve benefit processes, systems, and employee experience
Manage benefit vendor invoicing and background invoicing
• - collaborate with Accounts Payable to ensure timely payment.
• All other duties as assigned.

Who You Are:

• Strong working knowledge of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), including reporting requirements
• Familiarity with ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, and IRS regulations
• Strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and ability to manage confidential information
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience
• 3+ years of experience in benefits administration
• Hands-on experience administering health and welfare benefits, 401(k), and ESOPs
• Experience working with HRIS and benefits administration platforms
• Preferred experience with Paycom
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and insurance.
• Travel with notice required.
• Must be able to safely lift up to 20 pounds.

What You’ll Get:

We offer competitive wages and annual bonus opportunities. Benefits include:

• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Short Term Disability and Life Insurance
• 401k with Company Match
• 100% Employee-Owned Company with the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• 12 Days Paid Time Off
• 8 Paid Holidays & 2 Floating Holidays!
• Fitness Reimbursement
• Professional Development Reimbursement