Benefits Specialist

ABOUT JENNER & BLOCK

Jenner & Block LLP is a law firm with global reach, with offices in Century City, Chicago, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, DC. The firm is known for its prominent and successful litigation practice, global investigations practice, regulatory and government controversies work, and experience handling sophisticated and high-profile corporate transactions. Its clients include Fortune 100 companies, technology companies, large privately held corporations, emerging companies, Native American tribes, and venture capital and private equity investors. The American Lawyer has recognized Jenner & Block as the No. 1 pro bono firm in the United States 10 times.

Jenner & Block offers a comprehensive benefits program, which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), and paid time off, in addition to other offerings.

OVERVIEW

The Benefits Specialist will support the HR & Benefits team in enhancing and evolving all employee health, wellness, and retirement benefits. This is a great opportunity for an individual looking to grow their career in Human Resources and Benefits!

The Benefits Specialist will provide assistance researching, designing, implementing, administering, and communicating the firm’s benefits in a manner that supports Jenner & Block’s culture and people. The Benefits Specialist will draft benefit communications and deliver benefit presentations, including new hire benefit orientations. In addition, this role is responsible for working with benefit vendors, payroll, and finance teams to ensure accuracy in all weekly and monthly reporting and billing.

The Benefits Specialist will work closely with the HR & Benefits team members to identify opportunities for improvement and implement business processes to ensure data integrity and improve the efficiency of benefits administration. This is an exempt role based in the firm’s Chicago office. Standard office hours are Monday - Friday, 8:45am-5:15pm. Additional hours are required as needed.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Support the development and creation of benefits communications and collateral for all personnel, including annual enrollment material, benefit summary books, new hire benefit orientation materials, benefit snapshots, and benefit one-pagers.
• Assist in tracking benefit costs, preparing benefit cost analysis, summarizing employee benefits data and trends and making recommendations on plan designs and benefit offerings.
• Conduct new hire benefit orientation, distribute benefit enrollment information and materials, approve benefit elections.
• Work closely with the benefits team, benefit consultants / brokers, and insurance vendors to implement approved new plans or changes to existing plans.
• Support the Director of Benefits & Retirement in the annual renewal cycle and annual open enrollment. Oversee open enrollment elections and census accuracy.
• Provide support to the Benefits team in the administration of our health & welfare, retirement, and wellness programs; monitor weekly carrier feeds, resolve any inconsistencies, review and approve vendor invoices for accuracy in enrollment and charges; manage carrier discrepancy reports.
• Conduct periodic internal audits to ensure the integrity of benefit enrollments and the accompanying payroll deductions across our HRIS. Proactively capture changes and rectify enrollment discrepancies. Work with payroll and finance teams on adjustments. Update internal control procedures as needed.
• Plan, coordinate, and communicate firm-wide benefit webinars and events as well as various wellness events and activities.
• Respond to employee benefit inquiries and complaints. Research issues and find solutions to ensure quick, equitable, and courteous resolutions. Escalate issues as needed.
• Assist the Director of Benefits with the annual ERISA audits in conjunction with outside plan auditors and actuaries.
• Stay current on government regulations, industry trends, and prevailing best practices among similar organizations.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state laws, such as IRS and Department of Labor regulations including but not limited to ACA reporting, and distribution of required notices.
• Identify and implement process improvement initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Undergraduate degree preferred in Human Resources or related field, or equivalent work history.
• 2 – 5 years of Human Resources experience with an emphasis in benefits. Law firm or professional service experience preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop strong working relationships with all levels of employees and management as well as vendors and brokers.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple activities and projects in a fast-paced and high service environment.
• Strong analytical skills with a high degree of accuracy and close attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• General knowledge of HRIS system.

Jenner & Block LLP is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment and employment decisions are not made on the basis of an individual’s race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability or medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity and/or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions, arrest record, matriculation, personal appearance, political affiliation, marital, parental, veteran, military, or order of protection status, or any other protected status or that of their relatives, friends, or associates.