Benefit Specialist

Description
United Natural Foods is the largest publicly traded wholesale distributor to the natural and organic foods industry. Carrying more than 40,000 products, the Company supplies over 20,000 customers nationwide and services a wide variety of retail formats, including super natural chains, independent natural products retailers and conventional supermarkets. Join our team of dedicated employees today!


Responsible for Plan level administration, communication and compliance of employee benefit programs including health and accident, dental, life, supplemental life and long term disability insurance, COBRA, Cafeteria Plan/Flexible Spending Accounts, and employer approved Leaves of Absence.

This position is currently located in Dayville, CT but will be relocated to Providence, RI in Spring 2009.
Ensures that benefits programs are administered effectively, efficiently, and in accordance with Company policies and legal regulations.

Prepares and maintains all channels of employee communications for all benefit programs

Leads Annual Open Enrollment activity with guidance from the Director of Benefits, Compensation & HRIS

Coordinate distribution of Benefit Statements, and all employee notifications required by law including Summary Plan Descriptions for all benefit plans.

Prepares and maintains enrollment and cost data for all benefit plans

Responsible for preparation of all federal and state compliance filings for all benefit programs.

Provides corporate level oversight and reporting for all benefit related issues associated with employer approved leave of absences including Family Medical, Military, Disability, Workers Compensation ensuring all federal and state level regulations are met.

Responsible for maintenance and revision of Corporate Human Resources Policies and Procedures associated with all benefit programs and developement of new polices for review by the Director of Benefits, Compensation & HRIS.

Responsible for training new Human Resource field team members on administration of all benefits programs.

Completes special project as necessary for the Corporate Human Resources Team.



Requirements
EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:
High School education required
Bachelors in Human Resources or related field preferred
CEBS, CBP, or PHR a plus




REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE: Proficient knowledge of federal laws and regulations governing benefit programs
Understanding of Human Resource reporting and recordkeeping requirements and procedures




EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: A minimum of three years in direct administration of benefit programs and development of employee communications
Ability to read,interpret, and revise legal documents governing benefit programs such as Summary Plan Descriptions
Proven experience in project management



SKILLS/ABILITIES: Well organized and able to manage multiple priorities
Attentive to detail.
Strong public relations and communications abilities.
Ability to assist and support others.