Benefits Specialist

About the Role

Donegal Insurance Group is looking for a Benefits Specialist  to serve as the primary contact for employees and benefit-related questions and issues, including open enrollment, new hire enrollment, benefit education, beneficiaries, life events, COBRA, ACA, Worker's Comp, and the EAP .  This role will also be responsible for benefit invoicing, life insurance reduction letters, wellness-related activities/initiatives, and leave administration. This position will support special projects, continuous improvement initiatives within the HR team, support the annual renewal process, and ongoing compliance monitoring. They will explain benefits, while delivering an exceptional experience across their interactions with employees, managers and HR business partners.

This position is located at our corporate office in Marietta, PA , with hybrid scheduling available after the first year of employment.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Serves as a primary point of contact for benefits inquiries and issues, providing guidance and support to employees. This may include life events, COBRA, ACA, Worker’s Comp, and other related items.
• Educates employees on available benefits options, support the enrollment processes, and conduct benefits orientations. Reviews and follows up with employees to ensure beneficiary elections are complete. 
• Collaborates with employees, their managers, and the HR team regarding any FMLA and disability absences, leave statuses, accommodation requests, and return to work plans.
• Tracks all leaves of absence and follows up with leave administrator when needed.
• Partners with our payroll team to validate compensation owed to employees related to leave type.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of current and pending legislation at the local, state and federal level that could impact employee leaves and other related benefits. Conducts research to ensure compliance with related legislation. Shares information with HR team for review.
• Supports the development of employee-facing communications and wellness initiatives.
• Supports the annual open enrollment process.  Participates in the design and implementation of benefits programs for all employees. Researches and strategizes new and improved benefit products. Shares results with HR team.
• Coordinates and manages the HRIS and vendor electronic integration process related to benefits.
• Completes benefit-related activities, including but not limited to: 401(k) beneficiaries, age reduction letters, life insurance claims, and required compliance mailings.
• Collaborates with payroll team to ensure benefits are accurately reflected in payroll and personnel records, including 401(k) contribution elections.
• Maintains accurate benefits records and processes applicable benefit invoicing.
• Shares EAP information with employees as needed.
• Coordinates annual benefits fairs and education sessions, both virtually and in-person.
• Supports special projects and continuous improvement initiatives within the HR team.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required
• PHR and/or SHRM-CP preferred, CEBS designation, or progression towards CEBS, a plus
• Minimum of three years of experience in a benefits role managing leave, time off, and accommodation programs
• In-depth experience and knowledge of employee benefit programs such as medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), FMLA, COBRA, and disability
• Solid understanding of labor laws and benefit-related compliance requirements including: federal and state guidelines related to FMLA, FLSA, COBRA, ADA, HIPAA, STD/LTD, Time Off, Worker’s Compensation, ERISA, ACA, and related legislation
• Strong analytical skills to facilitate data collection and reporting utilizing data from HRIS and Leave Management systems
• Microsoft Office proficiency
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact effectively at all levels within the organization, with a high level of interpersonal empathy and professionalism

Starting Pay:  The pay range for this position is $60,000 to $75,000 annually. The specific offer will vary based on an applicant's education, qualifications, professional experience, skills, abilities, and any applicable designations/certifications. The posted pay range reflects our ability to hire at different position titles and levels depending on background and experience. The pay range may also be adjusted based on an applicant's geographic location.