Job Description

Job Title - HR Benefits Specialist

Location - Seattle - Hybrid

Schedule - M-F 8-5 pm

The salary range for this position is $80,170 - $90,000 with a midpoint of $85,085. New hires will typically receive between minimum and midpoint; however, offers may vary based on experience, internal equity, and market.

Working at Evergreen Treatment Services makes a big difference in our community!

• ETS has been working to transform the lives of individuals and their communities through innovative and effective addiction and social services in Western Washington for over 50 years. Learn more about our mission and values.
• Change begins within. We strive to foster and sustain a diverse and inclusive community within our organization. Find out how we are working to achieve racial equity, health equity, and community justice.
• Our Clinic Services and REACH teams bring critical professional expertise and heartfelt compassion to the work they do every day to serve our most vulnerable community members. Check out the compelling stories told by our patients, clients, and staff members that provide more information and a clear picture regarding our organization’s essential work.

• The Benefits Specialist is responsible for the administration, coordination, and communication of employee benefits programs, leave programs, wellness initiatives, and related Human Resources services. This position serves as a primary point of contact for employees regarding benefits, leave administration, retirement programs, and employee wellness resources.
• The Benefits Specialist ensures accurate administration of health and welfare benefits, retirement plans, leave programs, and compliance requirements while delivering exceptional customer service and support to employees throughout the employee lifecycle. This position works collaboratively with Human Resources staff, payroll, managers, vendors, and employees to ensure efficient and effective administration of benefits and employee support programs.

What you contribute to this role – Responsibilities:

Benefits Specialist Responsibilities

• Administer employee benefits programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, retirement plans, employee assistance programs, and voluntary benefit offerings. (30% of Duties)
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees regarding benefits eligibility, enrollment, changes, claims questions, and benefits-related concerns.
• Coordinate and administer new hire benefits enrollment, qualifying life event changes, annual open enrollment activities, and employee separations.
• Conduct benefits orientations and provide ongoing employee education regarding benefit programs and available resources. (10% of Duties)
• Conduct the administration and coordination of leave programs including FMLA, Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML), ADA accommodations, workers’ compensation, and other protected leave programs. (50% of Duties)
• Maintain accurate employee benefits records and ensure timely processing of benefit elections, changes, and terminations.
• Coordinate benefit deductions with payroll and ensure benefit-related payroll data is accurate and compliant.
• Work closely with benefits brokers, insurance carriers, retirement plan providers, and third-party administrators to resolve employee and organizational issues. (10% of Duties)
• Support annual benefits renewal activities, vendor evaluations, benchmarking efforts, and benefits strategy initiatives.
• Assist with planning and implementation of employee wellness initiatives, employee recognition programs, and employee engagement activities.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws governing employee benefits, including COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, ERISA, FMLA, PFML, and related regulations.
• Prepare reports, audits, reconciliations, and compliance documentation related to employee benefits and leave programs.
• Monitor benefits invoices and assist with reconciliation activities to ensure accurate billing and financial accountability.
• Maintain confidential employee information and exercise discretion when handling sensitive matters.
• Assist employees with retirement plan questions, enrollment processes, and educational resources.
• Utilize HRIS and benefits administration systems to maintain data integrity and support efficient program administration.
• Support Human Resources projects, initiatives, and process improvement efforts as assigned.
• Promote employee wellness, engagement, and a positive employee experience through responsive and solution-oriented service.

Note: New and/or different duties and responsibilities may be assigned to this job at any time.

Requirements

What you bring to this role – Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• Associate’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or related field required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Three (3) or more years of progressively responsible experience in benefits administration, Human Resources, payroll, or related field.
• Experience administering employee benefit programs and leave programs preferred.
• CEBS, SHRM-CP, PHR, or related certification preferred but not required.

Additional Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of employee benefit programs and benefits administration practices.
• Knowledge of COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, ERISA, FMLA, PFML, ADA, and other applicable employment regulations.
• Excellent customer service and employee relations skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain complex benefits information clearly.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and confidentiality.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems, payroll systems, Microsoft Excel, and benefits administration platforms.
• Ability to build effective relationships with employees, managers, vendors, and external partners.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and providing equitable employee support.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive employee information.

Additional Essential Information:

Physical Conditions and Requirements:

• The employee may be exposed to illicit drug residues and fumes or other bio-hazardous materials when carrying out job functions. There is also potential for exposure to bloodborne pathogens. ETS will provide employees with appropriate training to limit the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Policies and procedures are in place addressing each item specifically.
• The employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear; frequently required to stand, walk, and kneel; occasionally to climb balance, or stoop; rarely to crouch or crawl.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, color, and peripheral vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

Equipment Used:

• Computer, photocopier, fax machine, phone.

Inclusivity and Reasonable Accommodation:

• Evergreen Treatment Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. Note that a Washington State Patrol criminal background check will be conducted periodically as a condition of ongoing employment, and candidates with prior criminal convictions will be invited to provide additional context as needed.
• ETS will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with a disability so that they can perform the essential functions of a job unless doing so causes a direct threat to these individuals or others in the workplace and the threat cannot be eliminated by reasonable accommodation, or if the accommodation creates an undue hardship for ETS. We also seek to provide reasonable accommodation for the interview process.

Check Out ETS’ Excellent Benefits - Part of Your Total Rewards Package in this Role!

Key Benefits

· Medical and Dental benefits, as well as voluntary Vision benefits.

· 403b Retirement Plan with employer match starting at 2% at 1 year, and Roth IRA.

· Basic Life/ADD/FSA tax saving accounts for health and dependent care.

· Employee Assistance Program (EAP), voluntary long-term disability coverage.

· Vacation (2 weeks/year, access at 6 months), Sick leave (24 days/year, access at 30 days).

· Mental health leave (12 days/year, access at 30 days).

· Holidays (12 days/year) and one Floating Holiday per year.

Exceptional Perks

· Wellness stipend ($50/month) to use for wellness benefits such as massage, fitness classes, gym membership, meditation, therapy, park passes, etc.

· Transportation stipend or pass and mileage and parking reimbursement when traveling for work.

· License renewal reimbursement and tuition/training assistance.

· Referral bonus ($100/$250) and sign-on bonuses for some positions at certain times.

· Longevity awards ($50 - $750 over milestone anniversaries, and for REACH programs).

· Discounts for Woodland Park Zoo, Verizon Wireless, and Corporate Shopping.

· Professional development: ETS is committed to supporting all staff in fulfilling their continuing education requirements and on their career paths so that ETS is a place to thrive long-term.

Evergreen Treatment Services ack nowledges that we are on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present and honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.