Benefits Specialist (Contract)
Location : Galleria
Parking : Validated
Schedule : MondayFriday, 8 : 00am 4 : 30pm or 9 : 00am 5 : 30pm (3060 min lunch). IN-OFFICE ONLY
Some overtime expected (extra hour per day during busy periods; occasional half-day on Saturday during Open Enrollment).
Assignment Length : Contract role (39 months, not guaranteed to extend) most likely 6-9 months (they really are unsure at this time) TEMP ONLY
Interview cadence : Recruiter, HRBP, Hiring Manager + Director, Team
SCOPE :
The Benefits Specialist will perform routine administrative tasks related to the day-to-day support of employee benefit programs.
This includes assisting with enrollment, maintaining eligibility records, performing billing-related tasks, and updating benefit-related systems.
The Benefits Specialist often serves as the first point of contact for employee inquiries related to benefits and is responsible for resolving or escalating issues appropriately to other members of the Benefits team, following established procedures and guidelines.
About the Role
We're looking for a hands-on Benefits Specialist to help our growing HR team get processes organized and back on track.
This role is ideal for someone who is tech-savvy, resourceful, and eager to jump in and help employees with their benefit needs while keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes.
You'll work closely with a newly built Benefits team (Manager, Analyst, Jr. Analyst) and support headquarters and multiple affiliate organizations (10+ entities, ~3,500+ employees and growing).
Expect a fast-paced, "startup-like" environment with opportunities to make an immediate impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Employee Support : Triage the benefits inbox, respond to employee questions, and resolve issues or escalate to the right team member when needed.
- Benefits Administration : Process enrollments, updates, and terminations; maintain eligibility records and ensure accuracy in HRIS / payroll systems.
- Plan Knowledge : Learn multiple health and welfare plans and be able to explain differences to employees clearly.
- 401(k) & Compliance : Assist with 401(k) basics (ERISA, audits, and required filings).
- Vendor Coordination : Partner with benefit providers on documentation, reporting, and troubleshooting.
- Process Improvement : Help structure and streamline workflows as the team builds consistency across affiliates.
- Data & Audits : Gather and organize data for plan testing, reporting, and internal audits.
- Communications : Share pre-approved benefit materials, updates, and reminders with employees.
- Special Projects : Jump in to support new processes or initiatives as the team continues to organize and grow.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field. (Preferred, not required)2+ years of experience in benefits administration (on the corporate side / not consulting or third-party)Strong communication and problem-solving skills with a customer-service mindset.Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).Comfortable working in a fast-changing, high-growth environment.Basic understanding of benefits regulations (HIPAA, COBRA, ERISA, ACA).Experience with HRIS or benefits platforms (e.g., SuccessFactors, UKG, Empyrean).Who Thrives Here
Problem solvers who like to figure things out instead of handing them off.Tech-savvy, curious learners comfortable navigating multiple systems and plans.Organized multitaskers who can stay positive and flexible while supporting a growing team.