Benefits Specialist

The Senior Benefits Specialist serves as a key client service lead within Melita’s benefits administration service, overseeing the execution and ongoing management of employee benefits programs across all lines of coverage. In partnership with the Benefits Advisor, this role supports client renewal strategy discussions and assumes ownership of post-renewal implementation and service delivery. Responsibilities include leading Open Enrollment project management, executing renewal decisions, coordinating plan and enrollment changes, and serving as the primary day-to-day contact for clients, carriers, and vendor partners to ensure a high-quality client experience.

This role combines deep benefits administration expertise with the ability to anticipate client needs, navigate complex issues with carriers and compliance situations independently, and elevates the team through informal mentorship of Benefits Specialists.

Reports to: Benefits Services Manager

Cross-functional partners: Benefits Advisors, Benefits Support, Compliance, and external carrier and general agency partners

Client portfolio: Service 20-30 clients ranging in size from small to large group employers, including fully insured, level funded, and self-funded plans, with more complex and strategic accounts

Serve as the primary point of contact for clients regarding plan administration, billing inquiries, and escalated service issues, partnering with Melita’s Employee Support Advocacy team to resolve employee-level concerns.

Build and maintain strong client relationships by delivering proactive service and strategic support that helps clients successfully manage their benefits programs.

Serve as the primary liaison between clients, carriers, and vendors, managing day-to-day relationships and ensuring timely issue resolution.

Execute renewal decisions by coordinating with clients and carriers on policy implementations, plan changes, and terminations while managing enrollment updates for existing policies.

Lead and project manage Open Enrollment, including OE communication materials, scheduling and conducting OE meetings, coordinating benefit technology updates, and overseeing enrollment submissions with internal support teams.

Onboard new clients onto Melita’s benefits services, including first-time benefits setups and Broker of Record (BOR) transitions from another firm.

Demonstrate strong knowledge of benefit regulations and ensure client compliance with local, state, and federal legislation, including preparation of required notices and filings.

Collaborate with the department manager to identify problems and develop solutions to ensure smooth workflows and alignment of the team.

Mentor Benefits Specialists and share best practices across the teams.

Partner with the Employee Services Manager create knowledge articles to expand benefits reference materials for Employee Support Advocacy.

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Five (5) or more years related work experience.

Active Life, Accident and Health Producer License, or willingness and ability to obtain licensing in the relevant states within a defined onboarding period.

Must continue to meet Continuing Education requirements for license renewal.

Advanced employee benefits expertise across small and large group markets, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, voluntary, and ancillary offerings, with comprehensive knowledge of multi-state benefits regulations and market practices

Experience utilizing benefits administration and HRIS systems (e.g. ADP, Employee Navigator, Paylocity, Rippling)

Advanced skillset in Microsoft Office Suite.

Excellent problem solving and time management skills.

Exceptional client-facing communication skills

Ability to work within a team and to foster teamwork.