This temporary full-time position at Wayne Sanderson Farms is project-focused with an anticipated duration of one year. The actual contract time may vary depending on business need.
PRIMARY FUNCTION The Benefits Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day administration of assigned benefits programs, including Short Term Disability, FMLA, Life Insurance, and others. This role ensures compliance with program guidelines, regulatory, and legal requirements. The Benefits Specialist acts as the first point of contact for all questions related to the programs and manages the dedicated email inbox.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:
- Perform daily administration tasks for assigned benefits programs (e.g., Short Term Disability, FMLA, Life Insurance), ensuring compliance with guidelines and legal requirements.
- Serve as the initial point of contact for all inquiries related to benefits programs, managing the incoming email inbox.
- Review and submit Life insurance proof of loss applications to the vendor.
- Assist vendors and beneficiaries with inquiries related to death claims and processes.
- Maintain the EOI process.
- Follow up weekly with locations regarding employees with pay-impacted issues.
- Monitor unpaid absences to identify transitions to leave or disability.
- Maintain policies and procedures for Health & Welfare (H&W) premiums while on leave and arrears offset.
- Monitor, track, and reconcile benefit premium payments from carrier uploads for all leave and disability cases.
- Audit benefit premium payments and provide results to payroll for all locations.
- Verify and process cancellations of benefits due to non-payment of premiums while on unpaid leave.
- Assist vendor Absence Manager with obtaining leave verification, return-to-work (RTW) status, and return to work with restrictions.
- Create and maintain training and tracking documents for the leave department.
- Maintain life and leave-related documents in the SharePoint leave department folder.
- Administer Workers' Comp and FMLA processes.
- Oversee eTime and Kronos leave entries for time tracking purposes.
- Act as backup for the Senior Benefits Analyst in the Life and Disability department.
- Perform additional relevant duties as assigned
EDUCATION and CERTIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Health Administration, or a related field.
EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:
- Knowledge and experience in basic benefits administration.
- Strong organizational and administrative skills.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
- Knowledge of benefits compliance and regulatory requirements.
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS:
- Follow departmental and company safety policies and programs
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to work extended shifts when required per business need
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.