Benefits Specialist

Join Our Team as a

Benefits

• Specialist – Tampa, FL (Hybrid)

• At American Veterinary Group (AVG), we are committed to Nurturing Relationships, Acting with Integrity, Communicating Transparently, and Pursuing Excellence. The

Benefits

• Specialist is responsible for day-to-day administration of the organization’s employee benefit programs and serves as a primary resource for employees regarding benefit eligibility, enrollment, coverage, and plan administration. This position works closely with Benefits leadership, employees, HR partners, payroll, benefit vendors, carriers, and third-party administrators to ensure accurate and timely administration of health and welfare and retirement programs.

• The

Benefits

• Specialist provides responsive employee support while maintaining benefit records, processing enrollment changes, administering qualifying life events, assisting with leave-related benefit matters, and ensuring benefit programs are administered consistently with plan documents and applicable regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Administer employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, HSA, FSA, 401(k), COBRA, and other benefit programs.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for employee benefit questions and provide clear explanations regarding eligibility, coverage, enrollment, deductions, claims, and benefit plan provisions.
• Oversee new hire benefit enrollments, qualifying life events, terminations, dependent changes, and other benefit-related transactions.
• Monitor EDI file exchanges with each vendor and resolve discrepancies as needed.
• Review benefit elections and supporting documentation to ensure changes comply with plan provisions and applicable Section 125 requirements.
• Monitor benefit enrollment deadlines and follow up with employees regarding incomplete or outstanding elections and documentation.
• Coordinate benefit coverage changes with insurance carriers, third-party administrators, payroll, and HRIS/benefits administration systems.
• Research and resolve complex eligibility, enrollment, coverage, and payroll deduction discrepancies.
• Assist employees with benefit claim and carrier issues and coordinate escalated matters with vendors as appropriate.
• Support COBRA administration, including reviewing qualifying events and ensuring required information is transmitted accurately and timely to the COBRA administrator.
• Assist with administration of employee benefits during FMLA and other approved leaves of absence, including employee premium collection and benefit status changes.
• Support Leave administration with employee leave programs, including FMLA, state and local leave laws, personal leaves of absence, and company leave policies.
• Coordinate STD/LTD claims administration.
• Assist with paid parental leave process.
• Review payroll benefit deductions and identify discrepancies requiring correction.
• Maintain accurate employee benefit records and documentation.
• Assist with annual Open Enrollment activities, including employee communications, system testing, enrollment support, and post-enrollment audits.
• Support new-hire orientation and benefit education programs.
• Coordinate with benefit vendors regarding eligibility files, enrollment issues, employee questions, and administrative concerns.
• Assist with preparation and distribution of required benefit notices and employee communications.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee and protected health information and comply with HIPAA privacy requirements.
• Support benefit audits and compliance activities.
• Assist with 401(k) enrollment, eligibility, contribution, and participant administration issues.
• Identify opportunities to improve benefit administration processes and employee service.
• Perform other benefit-related duties and special projects as assigned

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• High School Diploma (Required)
• 2+ years of experience in employee benefits, Human Resources, benefits administration, or a related field preferred.
• 2+ years working knowledge of employee health and welfare benefit programs.
• Familiarity with ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, Section 125, FMLA, HSA, and FSA requirements preferred.
• Experience working with HRIS, payroll, and/or benefits administration systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and other Microsoft Office applications.

Benefits

• Here’s what you can expect at AVG:

• Competitive salary

• Flexible work schedules to support work-life balance

• Comprehensive group insurance including medical, dental, and vision

• Paid Family Leave and Paid Parental Leave (including maternity & paternity)

• Paid Time Off

• One Life Balance Day for added flexibility

• Pet Discounts to keep your furry family members covered

• Retirement Savings Plan with employer match to help build your future

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health and wellbeing support

• Career development resources may include:

• Learning and development programs

• Tuition reimbursement

• A vibrant, inclusive culture

• At AVG, you’re more than an employee, you are part of a community that values your whole self. We’re here to help you grow, thrive, and feel supported every step of the way.

• If you’re passionate about payroll, thrive in a collaborative environment, and are ready to make a difference - we’d love to hear from you.