Benefits Consultant in Portland, Oregon - #73688 | VanderHouwen

Description

Job Id: 73688

Benefits Consultant
Our client is seeking a Benefits Consultant to support the administration of employee, retiree, and leave programs while serving as a trusted resource for benefits-related questions and complex employee situations. This role will apply knowledge of benefits plans, leave regulations, and compliance requirements to resolve issues, guide employees and managers, and coordinate with internal teams and external providers.

This role is fully remote. Applicants must reside in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah, or North Dakota.

Benefits Consultant Responsibilities

• Independently administer complex leaves of absence, including determining eligibility, reviewing required documentation, monitoring leave status, and ensuring compliance with applicable federal and state regulations.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and primary resource for employees, former employees, and retirees regarding health and welfare benefits, retirement programs, voluntary benefits, spending accounts, eligibility, enrollment, life events, and claims.
• Provide clear, professional guidance to employees and management regarding benefits eligibility, plan provisions, leave requirements, paid time off, severance, retirement options, and return-to-work processes.
• Manage complex leave cases and maintain ongoing communication with employees, managers, Employee Relations, disability providers, and other stakeholders to ensure timely and appropriate resolution.
• Research and resolve benefits and leave issues by interpreting plan documents, company policies, and applicable laws and regulations, escalating matters to internal partners or external vendors when appropriate.
• Support administration of severance benefits, including employee counseling, presentations, benefit continuation, and transition to applicable retiree programs.
• Assist employees with reimbursement and spending account programs, including HSA, FSA, and dependent care accounts, by providing education and resolving eligibility or processing issues.
• Partner with HR, Payroll, Finance, Employee Relations, and external benefit providers to coordinate accurate and timely resolution of benefits and leave matters.
• Monitor changes to benefits legislation and regulations and apply updated requirements to benefit and leave administration practices.
• Support additional benefit functions and initiatives as assigned, which may include COBRA, workers’ compensation, transportation benefits, new-hire enrollment, management training, and employee education.
• Utilize HR systems, third-party administrator platforms, and other technology tools to process benefits activity, research employee history, track cases, and maintain accurate documentation.

Benefits Consultant Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Human Resources, or a related field preferred, with approximately five years of experience in benefits administration, human resources, leave management, retirement programs, workers’ compensation, or a related area; equivalent education and experience will be considered.
• Strong knowledge of employee benefits, including health and welfare plans, retirement and 401(k) programs, voluntary benefits, reimbursement accounts, and applicable federal and state regulations.
• Demonstrated experience administering complex leaves of absence and working knowledge of FMLA, state leave requirements, disability processes, and related compliance considerations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate complex or ambiguous situations, exercise sound judgment, and make decisions with limited direction.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex benefits information clearly and professionally to employees, retirees, managers, and senior-level stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and detailed cases accurately and efficiently.
• Ability to handle sensitive or emotionally challenging employee situations with professionalism, discretion, patience, and sound judgment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, as well as HRIS platforms and case or document management systems.
• Experience working with third-party benefits administrators, carriers, or vendor platforms is preferred.
• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) certification is preferred.

Compensation: (DOE)

VanderHouwen Contractors Enjoy Exceptional Benefit Perks!
As an eligible contract employee with VanderHouwen, you’ll have access to a full suite of benefits designed with your well-being in mind. Our comprehensive package includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and a matching 401(k) to help secure your future.

Meet VanderHouwen
What kind of recruiter do you see yourself working with? One who prioritizes your best interest, no matter what? VanderHouwen does, and we’re in it for the long game! Our recruiters focus on YOU, building meaningful, long-term relationships while developing a deep understanding of companies’ staffing needs and workplace cultures. This approach helps us find an ideal job match that aligns with your unique career aspirations and goals.

VanderHouwen is an award-winning, Women & Diversity-Owned, WBENC certified professional staffing firm. Founded in 1987, VanderHouwen places experienced professionals across the nation! Our recruitment teams specialize in either Technology and IT, Engineering, Human Resources, or Accounting and Finance career markets. Partner with us to land your next exciting career!

VanderHouwen is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. VanderHouwen does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal civil rights laws.

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