Benefits Specialist

We are looking for an experienced Benefits Specialist to join a team in New York, New York, supporting employees with complex benefits matters in a fully onsite environment. This contract position with permanent potential is ideal for someone who can work independently, provide clear guidance on U.S. health and welfare programs, and manage issues through to completion. The role requires strong judgment, consistent follow-through, and the ability to collaborate with internal partners and external providers to deliver accurate and timely employee support.

Responsibilities:

• Manage complex employee benefits questions from initial review through final resolution, ensuring timely updates and thorough follow-up.
• Explain benefit plans, coverage details, eligibility rules, and enrollment choices so employees can make informed decisions.
• Work directly with insurance carriers, third-party administrators, and external vendors to research claim issues and resolve outstanding cases.
• Act as a higher-level resource for escalated inquiries, bridging support teams and benefits leadership when additional expertise is needed.
• Collaborate with HR, payroll, benefits, and other internal groups to address issues that involve multiple departments.
• Provide subject matter support related to U.S. health and welfare plans, including claims administration, enrollments, and eligibility concerns.
• Identify repeated service issues or administrative gaps and recommend practical improvements to enhance the employee experience.
• Offer guidance to frontline support staff on more complex benefit situations and help strengthen overall case handling quality.
• At least 3 years of experience working in employee benefits, with hands-on responsibility for resolving employee issues.
• Strong understanding of U.S. health and welfare benefits, including eligibility, enrollment processes, and claims support.
• Experience communicating with carriers, benefits administrators, and external vendors to investigate and resolve problems.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot effectively, make sound decisions, and manage escalated concerns with confidence.
• Comfortable working independently, organizing competing priorities, and maintaining ownership of issues until completion.
• Background in benefits coordination, benefits analysis, or compensation and benefits administration.
• Familiarity with leave-related processes such as FMLA is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred; equivalent relevant experience will also be considered.