Benefits Specialist

Benefits Specialist

Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Compensation: $55,000 – $65,000
Schedule: Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM or 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Work Environment: Fully onsite

A growing manufacturing organization in the Grand Rapids area is seeking a Benefits Specialist to support HR operations with a focus on benefits administration, employee leave programs, and compliance. This role works closely with employees, HR leadership, and external benefits brokers to manage benefits enrollment, answer employee questions, and administer programs such as FMLA and ADA accommodations. The company offers strong mentorship within the HR team and a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities:

Benefits Administration

• Manage open enrollment and new hire benefits onboarding
• Explain benefits programs and answer employee questions, including working through language barriers when needed
• Partner with benefits brokers to resolve employee benefits issues and questions
• Process qualifying life events and benefits changes

Benefits Reconciliation

• Reconcile benefits enrollments and payroll deductions to ensure accuracy
• Verify that payroll deductions align with employee eligibility and vendor billing

Leave Administration (FMLA & STD)

• Administer and track leave of absence programs including FMLA and short-term disability
• Guide employees through required paperwork and explain available leave options
• Coordinate with HR leadership regarding accommodations and leave scenarios

ADA & Work Restrictions

• Process ADA accommodation requests and work restrictions
• Maintain documentation related to restrictions and update internal systems as needed
• Coordinate with operations to ensure appropriate work restriction tracking

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• 1–3 years of HR experience with direct involvement in benefits administration
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field
• Working knowledge of benefits programs, FMLA, and ADA processes
• Ability to answer employee benefits questions and work with external brokers
• Strong communication skills and ability to navigate complex employee situations

Preferred Qualifications

• HR experience within a manufacturing environment
• Experience with ADP
• Bilingual
• Experience participating in benefits broker or vendor transitions