Senior Benefits & HR Specialist

Ventas - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Chicago, IL

Real Estate

About the position

The Senior Benefits & HR Specialist is a vital member of the Analytics, Benefits & Compensation Team within Human Resources at Ventas, Inc. This role is primarily focused on supporting the company's benefit programs and enhancing the overall employee experience through effective management of these programs. The specialist will utilize the Workday platform to streamline HR processes and ensure that all benefits are competitive and provide high-quality service to employees. This position involves a comprehensive analysis of the company's benefits offerings, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, and maintaining the integrity of compensation and benefits information in Workday. The specialist will also be responsible for developing reports, conducting ad hoc analyses, and supporting various departmental initiatives. In terms of responsibilities, the Senior Benefits & HR Specialist will administer the company's health and welfare plans, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and retirement plans. They will play a key role in benefits communications and events aimed at increasing employee engagement with these programs. The specialist will analyze the competitiveness and cost-effectiveness of the company's plans, ensuring compliance with relevant laws such as ERISA, IRS, DOL, and ACA. They will also provide guidance to employees regarding benefits policies, assist in the benefits renewal process, and coordinate the annual open enrollment process. Additionally, the role includes working closely with the Manager of HR Systems & Analytics on Workday configuration updates, providing data quality assurance, and supporting project management initiatives within the department. The specialist will also be tasked with completing various special projects that may involve compiling data from Workday, conducting research, and creating detailed documentation of processes. This multifaceted role requires a blend of analytical skills, project management capabilities, and a strong understanding of employee benefits administration.

Responsibilities

• Administer the Company's health and welfare plans including medical, dental, vision, life, disability and retirement plans.
• Support benefits communications and events to maintain/increase employee engagement with benefit programs.
• Analyze Company plans to help ensure competitiveness with the market and cost effectiveness of plans.
• Participate in ensuring company programs are in compliance with federal or state laws such as ERISA, IRS, DOL, ACA, etc.
• Advise and assist employees in the interpretation and application of employee benefits policies and programs.
• Resolve employee issues and mediate with providers where necessary.
• Guide employees through leave of absence programs.
• Interact with outside providers and vendors to ensure effective and efficient service.
• Assist in the benefit renewal process by interacting with our benefit consultants and insurance providers.
• Coordinate the annual open enrollment process including communications, employee meetings, developing presentation materials, and ensuring that all employee health and welfare enrollment elections are accurate and properly communicated to insurance providers.
• Maintain Workday benefits structure including plan configuration, eligibility and the employee experience.
• Work with the Manager, HR Systems & Analytics on Workday configuration updates and projects.
• Assist in day-to-day maintenance and data quality assurance.
• Provide reporting and data analytic support to other functions in Human Resources.
• Help develop and maintain project plans for various department initiatives such as the Employee Engagement Survey, Workday Enhancements, etc.
• Work with involved parties to ensure all relevant groups are kept up to date on the project's progress.
• Follow-up as needed to affirm commitments to timelines.
• Complete various projects assigned to support the department, which may include compiling information and data from Workday; conducting research and analysis; designing forms, processes and communication; creating detailed documentation of processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in benefits administration or HR management.
• Strong knowledge of employee benefits programs and compliance regulations.
• Experience with Workday or similar HRIS platforms.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Certification in HR (e.g., PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP) is a plus.
• Experience in project management and familiarity with project management tools.
• Knowledge of data analytics and reporting tools.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Dental insurance coverage
• Vision insurance coverage
• Life insurance coverage
• Disability insurance coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Flexible work arrangements
• Professional development opportunities