A benefits coordinator job description requires candidates who have strong oral and written communication skills as well as exceptional interpersonal skills. Strong attention to detail and the ability to stay organized while maintaining confidentiality are also important.
Position Description
This job consists of assisting human resources personnel in administering, evaluating, and maintaining corporate benefits programs; the candidate will perform all transactional duties dealing with employee benefits and will also offer counsel employees on the use of these benefits.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities of a Benefits Coordinator
- Follows human resources procedures to allocate benefits such as disability insurance, profit sharing, and medical and life insurance.
- Prepares all other employee incentive programs.
- Maintains employee files while ensuring both accuracy and confidentiality.
- Monitors and maintains various employee benefit programs.
- Advises employees on an individual basis on the proper use of their benefits.
- Guides employees through filing for deferred benefit claims.
- Prepares seminars and in-services designed to inform employees of company benefits and other related incentive programs.
- Conducts monthly benefit enrollment meetings.
- Oversees employee safety and employee wellness programs.
- Assesses and processes all pay changes and status reports.
- Processes claims and self-billings of insurance.
- Assists human resources personnel in obtaining and evaluating statistics involving any benefits related to the program.
- Assists human resource personnel in the preparation of payroll.
- Corroborate payroll hours.
- Attends workshops and seminars in order to remain in-the-know about the various benefits offered by the company.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Possesses strong organizational skills.
- Is knowledgeable of typical policies and procedures regarding benefit allocation.
- Has experience in applicable payroll database programs.
- Is able to present information to a wide variety of audiences.
- Possesses strong interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrates effective communication skills, both orally and in writing.
- Is detail oriented with the ability to meet schedules and honor deadlines.
Education and Experience
To be eligible for this position, professionals must have a high school diploma or an equivalent degree. Many larger Fortune 500 companies require a candidate also obtain a four-year degree in human resource management, business and business administration, industrial and organizational psychology, communication, and related fields. Experience in human resources prior to this entry-level position is not necessary, though some familiarity is beneficial.
Work Environment
A work week in this field is typically 40 hours, Monday through Friday, in an indoor, corporate setting. Professionals may be requested to work overtime during evenings, though this is unusual. The majority of the time will be spent sitting behind a desk, filing paperwork and conferencing with employees. Sitting for long periods of time may lead to back strain and other health concerns. Throughout the day, these professionals serve asintermediaries between the benefits department and employees, and may need to address employee complaints or regularly meet with outside vendors such as insurance companies.
Salary
The salary for a benefits coordinator can range from $30,000 to $55,000, with an average base salary of $35,000, depending upon experience, location, and employer. Larger Fortune 500 companies typically pay more than smaller nonprofit organizations and government agencies.
