Benefits Specialist

JOB TITLE: Benefits Specialist

Location: North Fort Myers, FL

Work Hours: M-F 8:00am - 5:00pm

Our benefits include:

• Company-wide annual incentive plan
• Medical, vision and dental insurance
• 401(k) plan with a generous 6% company match
• Company funded Pension Plan
• On-site wellness/medical facility
• Company paid Short & Long-Term Disability insurance
• Health Savings Account with an employer contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Wellness program with financial rewards
• Tuition reimbursement
• Group life insurance
• Critical Illness and Accident Insurance

LCEC provides reliable, cost-competitive electricity to more than 245,000 customers throughout a five-county service territory located in Southwest Florida.  We employ approximately 460 skilled employees and are one of more than 900 electric distribution cooperatives located throughout the United States.  LCEC has been recognized locally and statewide as an industry leader and continually receives acknowledgment for the work that our employees do in the community along with other civic, environmental and professional honors.

Position Summary: The Benefits Specialist is responsible for administering employee benefits and wellness programs to support the overall employee experience. This role ensures the accurate, compliant, and timely delivery of benefits services, including health, wellness, retirement, financial, and leave programs. The Benefits Specialist works closely with internal teams, external partners, and vendors to support day-to-day operations, resolve issues, and contribute to key initiatives that promote physical, emotional, and financial well-being.

Position Responsibilities

• Administer and support employee benefits programs, including health, retirement, life and disability insurance, wellness, and leave of absence, ensuring accurate processing, compliance, and timely resolution of escalated issues.
• Develop and organize comprehensive wellness initiatives that promote physical, mental, emotional, and financial well-being, including wellness, fitness challenges, and ongoing education; monitor participation and outcomes to continuously enhance program impact.
• Educate employees on benefit programs by developing and maintaining communication materials, updating the benefits website, and supporting the planning and delivery of employee workshops and informational sessions in collaboration with key stakeholders.
• Perform regular audits of benefits data to ensure accuracy and compliance; oversee related financial and data processes to maintain integrity and timely resolution.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations, including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, FMLA, COBRA, and other applicable federal and state requirements.
• Collaborate with benefits vendors and third-party administrators to manage benefits and leave programs and resolve issues.
• Generate and analyze benefits data reports to identify trends, support decision-making, and recommend program improvements.
• Support resolution of benefits-related HRIS issues and contribute to ongoing system testing and optimization efforts.
• Define, document, and implement benefits procedures to improve accuracy and efficiency, with ongoing monitoring and refinement as needed.
• Maintain effective working relationships with employees and customers at all levels within LCEC.  Ensure smooth operations, productive communications, and effective understanding during all interpersonal contacts.  Provide current and accurate information to all requesters, courteously and in a timely manner.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. (Required)

Work Experience

•  Three (3)+ Years experience in benefits, related benefits administration, or relevant work experience. (Required)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of employee benefits programs and relevant laws and regulations. (Required)
• Utmost professional discretion and the ability to work with confidential and sensitive information. (Required)
• Proficiency with HR information systems (HRIS) and benefits administration software. (Required)
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.(Required)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; intermediate skill in Excel. (Required)
• Detail oriented and highly organized. (Required)
• Exceptional time management skills; ability to meet deadlines. (Required)
• Strong written and oral communication skills combined with the ability to engage and influence. (Required)
• Ability to form sound working relationships at all levels of the organization. (Required)
• Customer service focus combined with a collaborative mindset. (Required)
• Hands on approach to problem solving. (Required)
• Results-oriented. (Required)
• Strong business acumen. (Required)

Additional Licenses and Certifications

• CEBS, CBP Certification. (Preferred)

Physical Demands and Working Environment: The physical demands and working environment characteristics described here must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical Demands: Standing Occasionally,
  Walking Occasionally,
  Sitting Constantly,
  Lifting Rarely,
  Carrying Rarely,
  Pushing Rarely,
  Pulling Rarely,
  Climbing Rarely,
  Balancing Rarely,
  Stooping Rarely,
  Kneeling Rarely,
  Crouching Rarely,
  Crawling Rarely,
  Reaching Rarely,
  Handling Occasionally,
  Grasping Occasionally,
  Feeling Rarely,
  Talking Constantly,
  Hearing Constantly,
  Repetitive Motions Frequently,
  Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination Frequently.

• Working Environment: Constantly Air-conditioned office environment, Rarely Extreme cold, Rarely Extreme heat, Rarely Humidity, Rarely Wet, Occasionally Noise, Rarely Hazards, Rarely Temperature Change, Rarely Atmospheric Conditions, Rarely Vibration.

STORM DUTY REQUIREMENTS.... Responding to storms will be considered a condition of employment: LCEC provides critical services to our community during an emergency.  Employees are required to participate in the response/recovery activities related to emergencies/disasters to maintain service to our LCEC members. Employees are required to work in their normal job duties or other assigned activities.  Proper compensation will be made in accordance with the company's guidelines and procedures.

Please note that at the time a candidate is made a job offer, the candidate will be subject to a background check and a drug screening.