Benefits Specialist

The expected hiring range for this position is:

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

This position is not eligible for relocation assistance or sponsorship assistance.

About the Role:
The Human Resources Department within Fermilab is seeking a Benefits Specialist. Under general direction, coordinates development, implementation, and administration of benefits practices, procedures, policies, and programs. This will include health, retirement, welfare, and wellbeing programs. This individual will be responsible for training, communication, and compliance related to these programs.

What your day-to-day as the Benefits Specialist at Fermilab will look like:

• Coordinates benefit plans and programs for the Lab, ensuring benefits are administered as designed and in compliance with federal and state regulations and DOE policies.
• Manages benefit vendors to review and monitor plan spend, ongoing compliance requirements, cost savings options, market trends, service issues, data requests, and overall plan performance. Identifies opportunities and proposes solutions.
• Responsible for Lab-wide processes such as leave of absence and open enrollment. This includes but is not limited to project management, resource management, process maps, associated technology changes, and process or program testing.
• Performs the Workday Benefits Partner role, including approval of all benefits events, monthly audit reports, troubleshooting enrollment and vendor file issues, upgrade testing, and reviewing the impact of job changes on benefits. Works with the Enterprise Applications team to reach resolution, and reviews HCM configuration changes with benefits' team management.
• Partners with the Wellbeing Program Administrator to leverage wellbeing programs and resources in Fermilab benefits programs and offerings.
• Develops and implements an ongoing benefit communications strategy using a variety of channels (email, intranet, in-person, etc.) to engage employees throughout the year.
• In cooperation with the Benefits & Wellbeing team: Maintains, updates, and promotes usage of the employee benefit website. Ensures website content is updated, accurate, and offers access to all documents required by DOL, IRS, ERISA, and other regulatory bodies.
• Provides customer service support, answering questions and resolving inquiries regarding benefit eligibility coverage, plan provisions, claim issues, policies, and provisions.
• Provides outreach and communication to new employees during the orientation process and retirement planning seminars.
• Works with and advises employees considering retirement from the Lab, including those choosing phased retirement. This includes ensuring post-retirement and post-termination notices are provided and following up on required elections and paperwork.
• Maintains a strong knowledge of benefit plans, Laboratory policies, and legislation relating to employee benefit plans and recent changes.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Abides by and is responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position.

Skills and Attributes for Success:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources or business administration desirable - humanities or liberal arts acceptable - with a minimum of 5+ years of experience.
• Some coursework towards Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) certification desirable.

Applicable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• ERISA, PPACA, IRS code, COBRA, and FMLA knowledge and experience required.
• HRIS/HCM experience required, particularly SAP, Peoplesoft or Workday.
• Intermediate to advanced Excel skills required. Familiarity with Access helpful.
• Ability to compile and analyze data quickly and accurately to create meaningful reports.
• Excellent communication and project management skills. High attention to detail.

Work Arrangement:
Please note that the described work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs and is not guaranteed to be final.

• Onsite: This is an onsite role, and the candidate must be able to work from our Batavia office.

Benefits/Perks:
Fermilab offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid time off
• Life insurance
• Short and Long-term disability insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Onsite day care
  

Why Fermilab:
Fermilab is America's premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.

Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening

Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive, and drug-free work environment. As part of the hiring process, candidates must successfully complete a background check and drug screening. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of these screenings.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.

REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus
Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf. If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview.

What To Expect Next:
We'll be in touch! If your qualifications are in alignment with the position requirements, one of our recruiters will be reaching out to schedule a phone interview to learn more about your career interests and goals. In the meantime, we encourage you to check us out on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, or our About Us page.