
Benefits Specialist
Want to be a bswifter?
At bswift we’ve been transforming benefits administration since 1996, making it simpler, smarter, and more human. Our state-of-the-art, cloud-based technology and services empower employees to understand, manage, and love their benefits. From downtown Chicago, and remotely across the country, we serve thousands of companies and millions of people nationwide, reducing administrative burdens and freeing HR teams to focus on creating thriving, people-first workplaces.
We’re looking for motivated and goal-driven individuals who share our passion for delivering excellence and creating solutions that make a difference. The reward is a fun, flexible and creative environment with ample opportunity for professional and personal growth. If you love the bswift values of pursue excellence, embrace accountability, deliver superior service, and be a great place to work, we want to hear from you!
As a Benefits Specialist, you will support the day-to-day operations of team member benefits programs, including health, wellness, and leave administration. You’ll partner with vendor relationships, ensure compliance, and be the friendly face that provides exceptional service to team members.
You must be comfortable working and communicating remotely, as our whole team works remotely.
WHAT YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR (Essential Functions):
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
Benefits Administration
• Administer team member benefits programs including medical, dental, vision, wellness, life, and disability plans.
• Coordinate wellness initiatives, and engagement activities to support team members' health and wellbeing.
• Support annual enrollment, including testing, communications, and team member assistance to create a positive experience.
• Monitor accuracy of benefit data, including enrollments, changes, and terminations in HRIS, bswift and vendor systems. Coordinate with Payroll/HRIS and Leave Administrator to ensure accuracy.
• Partner with the COBRA administration team to process and manage direct billing for eligible team members, ensuring smooth transitions for departing team members.
Team Member Support
• Deliver excellent customer service, providing guidance and assistance to team members with benefits inquiries, including health insurance, retirement, and leave policies.
• Respond to team member inquiries and escalations with empathy and professionalism.
• Utilize knowledge and best practices to educate team members on benefit offerings and assist with issue resolution.
Financial Operations
• Process and audit benefit invoices and billing statements for accuracy and timely payment.
• Administer wellness fund reimbursements and ensure proper documentation and tracking.
• Identify and implement cost-effective benefit solutions.
Compliance & Reporting
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., HIPAA, ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ACA).
• Participate in internal and external audits related to benefits and leave programs.
• Maintain documentation and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for benefits processes.
• Maintain all required benefit documentation, including Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs), Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBCs) and compliance notices.
Leave Management
• Support leave of absence programs (FMLA, ADA, state-specific leaves), ensuring compliance and timely communication.
• Collaborate with third-party administrators to support management of leave cases, resolve issues, and ensure accurate tracking and reporting.
• Track and audit leave usage and eligibility.
WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED (Required Education and Experience):
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field preferred.
• 2–4 years of experience in benefits and leave administration, with demonstrated knowledge of FMLA, ADA, and other state/federal leave laws.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to interpret regulations and policies and apply them to unique situations.
• You are skillful at balancing the whirlwind of your day to day with project work.
• You are organized and thorough, yet capable of moving quickly, managing several projects at the same time, and meeting deadlines. You sense the urgency and act.
• Proven ability to exercise discretion, maintain confidentiality, and know when to make independent decisions and when to escalate for assistance.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to manage sensitive team member situations with empathy and a good sense of humor.
Core Competencies
• Benefits Expertise: Understanding of health & welfare plan design, operations, and compliance.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding of HIPAA, ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ACA, and other applicable laws.
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to audit data, process invoices, and identify cost-effective solutions.
• Vendor Management: Skilled in managing third-party relationships and ensuring service quality.
• Communication: Clear, empathetic communication with team members and cross-functional teams.
• Problem Solving: Ability to resolve escalations and recommend process improvements.
• Systems Proficiency: Experience with HRIS platforms and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Adaptability: Comfortable working in a fast-paced, remote-first environment with changing priorities.
• Collaborative spirit: Effective working across departments including payroll, finance, HRIS, and external vendors.
Why Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to join the world class Total Rewards and People Team within a trusted leader in benefits administration.
• Enjoy supporting team members and solving problems with empathy and accuracy.
• Thrive in a fast-paced, remote-first environment.
• Are detail-oriented and passionate about compliance and process improvement.
• Like collaborating across teams (people, payroll, finance, vendors).
• bswift VALUES being a great place to work! We create a fun, vibrant workplace by celebrating success, fostering connections, and welcoming authenticity.
• bswift VALUES embracing accountability. We keep our promises, learn from setbacks, and expect the best from each other.
• bswift VALUES pursuing excellence. We commit to the highest standards, continuously raising the bar for ourselves.
• bswift VALES delivering superior service. We offer thoughtful solutions and outstanding, swift service that exceeds the expectations of clients, partners, and one another.
Standard working hours are 8am-5pm Central Time, unless otherwise stated in the Job Description.
In the spirit of pay transparency, we are excited to share the base salary range for this position is $65,000-$70,000, exclusive of fringe benefits or potential bonuses. If you are hired at bswift, your final base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, and/or experience. In addition to those factors – we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as a part of any final offer. Please keep in mind that the range mentioned above is the full base salary range for the role. Hiring at the maximum of the range would not be typical in order to allow for future & continued salary growth. We also offer a generous compensation and benefits package!
At bswift, our mission is clear: Become the preeminent benefits administrator through exceptional people, innovative technology, and delighted customers. And our values are at the heart of everything we do to accomplish that mission. We Pursue Excellence, Embrace Accountability, Deliver Superior Service, and strive to Be A Great Place To Work. We take pride in having an engaged, collaborative team that goes the extra mile to get the job done right.
bswift has been regularly named one of Chicago’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For®, as well as one of the Nation’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® year after year. We offer a fun, flexible, and creative environment where you can grow both professionally and personally.
If you have what it takes to join our award-winning culture, we’d love to hear from you!
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