Benefits Specialist

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for administering employee benefits programs and managing all leave of absence (LOA) processes with accuracy, ensuring compliance, and exceptional customer service. This role ensures employees receive timely support and clear guidance on benefits, disability, and all state and federal leave programs. Reporting to the Director of Benefits Administration/Operations, the Benefits Specialist is highly motivated, detail and project management minded, supporting an inclusive, collaborative, engaged, and diverse workforce. Responsibilities Benefits Administration: Administer employee benefit programs, including health, retirement savings and wellness initiatives. Ensure accurate processing of enrolments, changes and terminations. Employee Communication: Serve as advocate, educator and guide for employees regarding benefits onboarding, inquiries, and challenges. Provide accurate, clear information and assistance Data Management: Lead weekly audits of HRIS benefit data and vendor integration reports ensuring timely resolution of data challenges found. Lead billing and invoice reconciliation progress for all benefit programs. Compliance: Ensure all benefits comply with federal and state regulations including ERISA, COBRA, ACA, FMLA AND HIPAA. Maintain accurate records and documentation Cross Functional and Vendor Engagement: Work with internal and external benefit partners on a daily basis including payroll, finance, ITS and benefit vendors and brokers. Open Enrollment: Key player in the annual open enrollment process, including preparing communication, educating employees, and assisting with data management and reporting. Leave of Absence Management: Administer employee leaves including disability, FMLA, CTPL, parental leave, and personal leaves. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local leave regulations as well as internal policies. Track leave usage, eligibility, and return to work dates, maintaining accurate records in HR systems. Perform other related duties as assigned and based on departmental need. Qualifications Bachelor's Degree 3-5 years of experience, 5-8 years of experience, preferred Technical knowledge : Strong understanding of benefits programs, policies, and legal regulations. Proficiency in MS Office; knowledge of HRIS is a plus. Analytical skills : Ability to evaluate benefits plans, analyze data, and provide accurate, meaningful reporting. Detail orientation : Outstanding organizational and multitasking abilities. Manage multiple tasks, maintain accurate records, and ensure compliance. Strong a ttention to detail. Communication: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills About Us Trinity is a highly selective, independent, nonsectarian liberal arts institution located in the capital city of Hartford, Connecticut. The college maintains a rigorous academic profile complemented by a vibrant co-curricular program. With more than 2,100 full-time undergraduate students, representing forty-three states and ninety-one countries, we consider our location in a culturally and socioeconomically diverse capital city to be among Trinity's most distinctive assets; and we cultivate strong connections with our surrounding neighbors and with institutions and organizations throughout Hartford and the region. As a preeminent liberal arts college in an urban setting, Trinity College prepares students to be bold, independent thinkers who lead transformative lives. Trinity College is an independent, nonsectarian liberal arts college for men and women, with approximately 2,200 undergraduate students and 200 faculty members, located in Hartford, Connecticut. Our Mission is Engage. Connect. Transform. As the preeminent liberal arts college in an urban setting, Trinity College prepares students to be bold, independent thinkers who lead transformative lives. Trinity is an actively engaged community of students, faculty and staff who work together to develop and sustain the intellectual and creative opportunities central to a first-class liberal arts education. Hartford, the state capital, provides many opportunities for cultural and social engagement. The College is committed to building a representative and diverse faculty, administrative staff, and student body. Trinity is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Applicants with disabilities should request, in advance, any needed accommodation in order to participate in the application process. For all faculty positions, completion of the Ph.D. or appropriate equivalent is expected. Candidates should have a strong commitment to undergraduate and interdisciplinary teaching in a liberal arts context, and a well-articulated plan for sustained research. Trinity is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through their research, teaching, and service.