Benefits Specialist
At Pilgrim’s, Safety Is a Condition, which means the safety of our team members comes first – always.
Are you a detail-oriented benefits professional who enjoys supporting team members through some of the most important moments of their careers? Do you thrive in a role where accuracy, empathy, and compliance matter every day? If you’re ready to play a critical role in supporting our team members by administering benefit and leave programs with care and precision, we want you on our team!
Join us in this high-impact Benefits Specialist role where you won’t just administer programs — you’ll be a trusted resource guiding team members through benefits, leaves of absence, and beyond.
Responsibilities- Respond to moderately complex team member inquiries via phone, email, and written correspondence related to short-term and long-term disability, retirement plans, 401(k), and other benefit programs.
- Deliver employee presentations and explain more complex aspects of insurance and benefit programs to team members.
- Work with provider offices, hospitals, and benefits vendors regarding claims, coverage levels, eligibility, and plan provisions.
- Assist with the administration of benefit programs including medical, dental, life insurance, and voluntary benefits.
- Coordinate annual open enrollment process and related communications.
- Research, analyze, and integrate data to support benefit program utilization and reporting needs.
- Administer leave programs in compliance with FMLA, ADA, USERRA, Pregnancy Discrimination Act, MN Paid Leave and related state and federal regulations.
- Manage the interactive ADA accommodation process, ensuring timely, consistent, and compliant coordination in accordance with all applicable state and federal regulations.
- Independently review, approve, or deny leave cases based on medical documentation while ensuring HIPAA and team member privacy standards are strictly maintained.
- Manage all administrative aspects of leave and workers’ compensation claims, including tracking hours used and coordinating closely with Payroll and the HR Service Center to ensure accurate pay.
- Maintain ongoing communication with team members on leave and coordinate all aspects of return-to-work processes.
- Assist with attendance tracking and reporting.
- Perform other duties as required to support HR operations and team member needs.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
- Experience: Minimum of 2 years of related benefits, leave administration, or HR experience required.
- Benefits Knowledge: Experience with FMLA and related state and federal regulations preferred.
- Decision-Making Skills: Strong ability to evaluate information, make sound decisions, and resolve complex issues.
- Communication Skills: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain complex information clearly and to interact effectively with a diverse range of individuals.
- Organizational Strength: Meticulous attention to detail, ability to manage multiple priorities, and work independently with minimal supervision.
- Confidentiality: Demonstrated ability to work with highly confidential and sensitive information.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
- Schedule: Monday – Friday with occasional Saturdays. Flexible day shift hours.
- Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage beginning after 60 days of employment.
- Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick leave, company-observed holidays, and any other statutorily required paid leave.
- 401(k): Company match begins after the first year of service and follows the company vesting schedule.
- Base hourly salary range of $21-25 per hour.
- Career Development: We support professional growth through continuous learning opportunities and development programs.