Job Description

The Benefits Specialist supports the administration, communication, and day to day operations of the company’s benefits and wellness programs. This role serves as a first point of contact for employees and leaders on leave-related questions, and on many benefits-related questions, ensuring accurate information, timely issue resolution, and a positive employee experience while maintaining compliance with company policies and applicable laws.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Administer complex leaves of absence (e.g., FMLA, personal, medical, disability), including end‑to‑end case management, documentation tracking, and employee and leader communication.
• Help ensure benefits practices align with internal policies and external regulations (ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, etc.) by following established procedures.
• Respond to employee and leader inquiries regarding medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, leave, and other benefit programs.
• Educate employees on plan options, eligibility, enrollment processes, and qualifying life events.
• Participate in and facilitates benefits-related meetings and/or trainings, including new hire orientation, annual benefit open enrollment sessions, and other ongoing education initiatives.
• Process benefits enrollments, changes, and terminations in the HRIS and with vendors in an accurate and timely manner.
• Review and reconcile benefits data and reports (enrollment files, invoices, deductions) to ensure accuracy.
• Support annual open enrollment, including system testing, materials review, and issue tracking.
• Partner with benefits vendors and internal stakeholders (Payroll, HRIS, HR Business Partners) to resolve discrepancies and employee issues.
• Support audits, data clean up efforts, and process improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Run standard benefits reports and assist with data requests for audits, analytics, and leadership review.
• Maintain accurate and organized electronic documentation and employee records in accordance with retention requirements.
• Facilitate other leave requests, which may include accommodation requests under the ADA.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Competencies

• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information in understandable terms.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Working knowledge of group benefits (medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement) and basic benefits terminology.
• Customer service orientation, with the ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• High attention to detail and accuracy when working with data and documentation.
• Ensures accountability - Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Instills trust - Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Collaborates - Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Demonstrates self-awareness - Using a combination of feedback and reflection to gain productive insight into personal strengths and weaknesses.
• Drives results - Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
• Continuous Improvement – Looks for ways to streamline processes and enhance the employee experience.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business or related degree field.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications.
• Minimum of four (4) years’ experience in Benefits/Leave administration or similar role.

• An acceptable pre-employment background and drug test.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of related requirements including 401(k), ERISA, FMLA, COBRA, ADA, etc.
• Fundamental knowledge and experience in benefits administration.
• Professional benefits certification (CEBS/CBP) and/or other HR professional certification (PHR/SHRM-CP).
• Previous experience with the Workday HRIS system.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Requires prolonged sitting, some bending and stooping.
• Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer keyboard and calculator.

Continental Resources, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities and access for all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other category protected by law.