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Benefits Specialist
Accounting & Finance
Decatur, IL, USA
Posted on Jul 21, 2026
Job Title: People Services Benefits Specialist
Reports to: Employee Relations & Benefits Manager
Location: Heritage Behavioral Health Center, 2965 N. Main, Decatur, IL 62526
Schedule: 8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday - Friday
Work Setting: In-Person
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Position Type: Full-Time
Position Overview:
The Benefits Specialist serves as Heritage Behavioral Health Center’s subject matter expert for employee benefits while ensuring the administrative side of People Services runs efficiently. Reporting to the Employee Relations & Benefits Manager, this role administers benefits programs and supports core HR administration.
This position manages benefits enrollment, billing, and communications; supports leave and compliance documentation; and maintains accurate HR records and HRIS data, providing responsive support to employees across the organization.
Primary Goal: Become Heritage’s subject matter expert for employee benefits while ensuring the administrative side of People Services runs efficiently.
Leadership & Team Expectations:
- Model Heritage’s mission, values, and ethical standards in all interactions.
- Provide responsive, accurate, and compassionate support to employees.
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism with sensitive information.
- Collaborate effectively with People Services colleagues and benefit vendors.
- Communicate clearly and follow through reliably.
Core Responsibilities:
Benefits Administration
- Administer health, dental/vision, and life insurance programs.
- Manage Open Enrollment and benefit communications.
- Administer COBRA.
- Determine benefit eligibility and reconcile benefit billing.
- Coordinate wellness incentives.
Leave & Compliance Support
- Assist with leave benefit coordination.
- Maintain benefit records.
- Assist with Workers’ Compensation paperwork.
- Track FMLA and leave documentation.
HR Administration
- Maintain personnel files, and status changes.
- Prepare HR reporting and organizational charts.
- Track compliance and credentials and support employee communications.
- Provide general People Services support and perform other duties as assigned consistent with this role.
Performance Expectations / What Success Looks Like:
The Benefits Specialist will be successful in this role when:
- Benefits are administered accurately, timely, and in compliance.
- Employees receive clear, helpful answers to benefits questions.
- Records, HRIS data, and personnel files are accurate and confidential.
- Open enrollment runs smoothly.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of employee benefits administration and related regulations (COBRA, FMLA, ACA).
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Proficiency with HRIS (ADP) and Microsoft Office.
Education and Experience:
Required:
- High school diploma or equivalent;
- Minimum 1 year of HR, benefits, or administrative experience.
Preferred:
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, or a related field.
- Benefits administration and HRIS (ADP) experience.
- Experience in healthcare or a nonprofit setting.
- Relevant certification (e.g., CEBS, SHRM-CP).
Note: Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
- Ability to sit, stand, and work at a computer for extended periods.
- Ability to occasionally lift and carry office materials or supplies (up to approximately 20 lbs).
- Ability to travel occasionally between Heritage sites as needed.
- Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of current auto insurance may be required.
- Ability to respond calmly and effectively in sensitive or high-pressure situations.