Employee Benefits Specialist

About the position

SMART Local Union No. 71 & Benefit Funds is seeking an Employee Benefits Specialist who is motivated and detail-oriented. This role involves assisting participants with benefit inquiries in a friendly team environment, while managing the administration of various funds including the Local Union, Training Fund, Health/Welfare Fund, Pension Plan, and Annuity Plan for members in Western New York.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate member benefits including distributions from a Defined Contribution Plan, processing applications and monthly benefits for a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, and managing healthcare enrollment forms.
• Respond to member questions and provide education on available benefits.
• Process Union membership applications and facilitate new member onboarding, ensuring required documents are received and stored in a paperless filing system.
• Process payroll within QuickBooks, including updates to employee bank information and tax filings.
• Update and maintain Union and Benefit administration software, including member dues payments and contact information updates.
• Process basic transactions within QuickBooks, maintaining oversight of cash balances.
• Assist with training class scheduling and participant registration.
• Help with mandated mailings to plan participants.

Requirements

• Experience with Defined Benefit Plans, Defined Contribution Plans, or Healthcare Claims; ERISA Plans experience is a plus.
• Associates or bachelor's degree in Accounting or Business Administration (HR) or equivalent work experience.
• Knowledge of benefit practices, HIPAA Regulations, and commitment to confidentiality in Human Resources.
• Detail-oriented with strong communication and organizational skills, and ability to prioritize workload.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Experience with QuickBooks is a plus.

Nice-to-haves

• Notary License (not mandatory)

Benefits

• Retirement Plan(s) - Pension & Annuity (401k)
• Health insurance (Family coverage at no cost - Platinum Level)
• Dental insurance (Family coverage at no cost)
• Paid Time Off
• Short-Term Disability Benefit
• Death Benefit