HR Benefits Specialist

Travis Association For The Blind Lighthouse - Austin, TX

Full-time - Entry Level

Austin, TX

About the position

The HR Benefits Specialist plays a crucial role in the Human Resources team at the Travis Association for the Blind/Austin Lighthouse, focusing on employee benefits administration. This position is responsible for providing support to employees regarding benefits-related inquiries, managing enrollment processes, and overseeing claims management. The Specialist ensures that employees understand and effectively utilize their benefits while also evaluating and recommending competitive benefits programs to enhance employee well-being. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to employee care are essential for success in this role.

Responsibilities

• Provides high-quality customer service and support to employees and management on all benefit-related matters.
• Supports the HR department in creating and implementing benefit programs and events to improve the employee experience.
• Utilizes an HR information system (HRIS) to enter and maintain accurate employee data.
• Leads the company in a wellness-first mindset and manages the Wellness Program and supporting events.
• Administers leave programs, including FMLA, disability, and other leave policies, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and company policies.
• Identifies or creates innovative solutions to improve HR benefit programs and processes.
• Trains and provides support to other HR team members; develops and conducts training to employees as needed.
• Supports new employee orientation; ensures all new and returning employees are well-informed on necessary benefits, leave policies, and other information.
• Organizes, educates, and executes Open Enrollment including updating HRIS with new information.
• Assists HR leaders in Leave Management program, including hosting ongoing meetings to review and assess all leave cases.
• Ensures compliance with state and federal laws; FMLA, Accommodations, ACA, OSHA, etc.
• Ensures the confidentiality and security of all employee information and records.
• Assists in filing and maintaining employee documents.
• Supports the organization's safety and security initiatives.
• Supports HR functions such as payroll, recruitment, L&D, KPIs, employee support, etc.
• Complies with and ensures employees understand and comply with TAB's policies and procedures.
• Holds standard office hours to meet directly with employees.
• Holds self and others accountable for behaving in accordance with TAB's Core Values.

Requirements

• Associate's degree in Human Resources or related field required.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in Human Resources, benefits, or a related field required.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field preferred.
• SHRM-CP or PHR certification preferred.
• A combination of 2+ years' relevant college/university courses along with 3 or more years' experience in a Human Resources or related field may be substituted for an Associate's degree and 3+ years of experience.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of human resources body of knowledge, including benefits, employee relations, recruitment, training, performance management, and compensation.
• Knowledge of HR-related laws and regulations (FMLA, ADA, HIPAA, Title VII of Civil Rights Act of 1964, OSHA, etc.).
• Familiarity with administrative tasks and responsibilities.

Benefits

• 403(b) retirement plan
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Employee appreciation events