Quality Brand Group is seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Human Resources Benefits Specialist to join our growing Restaurant Support Team in Stamford, CT.

The primary responsibility of the HR Benefits Specialist role is to support all levels of employees across multiple states, ensuring a seamless benefits experience. This position will provide guidance with employee benefits programs, including comprehensive health, dental, vision, prescription, disability, life insurance, 401(k) retirement, and other company offered employee benefits according to benefit plan documents, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and state and federal laws. This position will also be responsible for full administration of company provided paid time off (PTO), leave of absence (LOA) management, unemployment claims, and some administration with workers’ compensation claims.

Duties

Day-to-Day Key Accountabilities will include but not be limited to:

Administration of company benefit plans and programs including health and welfare, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), 401(k) retirement, pet insurance.

• Maintain employee data through ADP HRIS and payroll database.

• Process eligibility reports for ongoing tracking of F/T employees for eligibility notifications.

• Basic knowledge of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for ensuring compliance.

• Manage F/T employee notifications to ensure ongoing ACA Employer Mandate Responsibility is met.

• Code employees position status for eligibility tracking with Benefits Eligibility Classes

• Process employee enrollments, changes, waivers, and terminations with insurance company.

• Monitor and approve/decline requests for change in coverage in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws, Section 125, and plan provisions.

• Respond to employee and third-party inquiries regarding benefit plans’ coverages, eligibility, changes, etc.

• Coordinate and manage Open Enrollment with benefits brokers, external vendors, benefits providers, ADP, and eligible employees.

• Analyze and review employee 1095-C Forms and employer 1094-C Forms for ACA IRS timely reporting.

• Maintain accurate and confidential HR records and documentation.

• Prepare benefits reports for review and distribution.

• Review and summarize invoices for billing breakout amongst locations and departments.

• Complete Benefits Verification Forms, Federal and State reports.

• Administration of COBRA notices

• Provide analytical support for initiatives and projects.

• Other duties as needed.

Administration of employee PTO and Leave of Absence requests:

• Review and process Paid Time Off requests for eligibility, tracking, and payout.

• Review and process Leave of Absence requests to determine eligibility for FMLA or Non FMLA leave.

• Process workers’ compensation Wage Earnings Reports for insurance carriers.

• Notify Payroll Dept and coordinate leave of absence paperwork.

Administration of Short-Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance Claims:

• Respond to Manager, employee, and beneficiary inquiries for disability claims eligibility and processes for filing a disability or life insurance claim.

• Respond to claims representatives’ request for additional information.

• Process Wage Earnings Reports for claims representatives and Third-Party Administrators.

• Process Third Party Sick Payments in ADP.

• Manage disability claims until closed.

• Review and process invoices for billing breakout amongst markets and departments.

Administration of Unemployment Claims

• Respond timely to respective state agencies unemployment claims initial notices.

• Communicate with management teams for additional separation documentation if needed.

• Respond to respective state agencies for Wage Earnings Reports.

• Respond to claims representatives for additional information requests.

• Review Determinations notices for review of claim status.

• File appeals, if applicable, and represent the company in hearings.

Qualifications:

This position requires a proactive, organized, and detail-oriented individual who can contribute to the positive culture of the company.

Education

BA or equivalent + minimum 3 yrs HR Generalist with Benefits Administration experience

Experience

• Proven experience as an HR Benefits Generalist or a similar role.

• Prior experience with ADP Workforce Now with knowledge of custom reporting

• Knowledge of state and federal laws pertaining to HR and benefits administration

• Coordination of disability claims and worker’s compensation benefits

• Third Party Sick Leave and Family Medical Leave (FMLA) benefits administration

• Unemployment claims administration

Skills

• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment essential.

• Team player capable of working as part of a multi-disciplined team.

• Ability to share knowledge and communicate effectively with others.

• Ability to maintain HR and benefits data integrity; handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

• Must be detail-oriented and have excellent organizational skills.

• Intermediate to advanced MS Office knowledge (Word, Excel spreadsheets, Outlook)

Benefits:

• 401(k)

• 401(k) matching

• AD&D insurance

• Dental insurance

• Disability insurance

• Flexible spending account

• Health insurance

• Life insurance

• Paid time off

• Vision insurance

Join us as we strive to create a thriving workplace that values its employees while upholding the highest standards of human resources and benefits management.