Benefits Specialist

City

Irvine

State

California

Job Location

Irvine Regional Office (Derian)

Position Type

Regular

The Benefits Specialist administers and supports the organization's employee benefit programs, including health and welfare benefits, retirement plans, wellness programs and deferred compensation programs. This role serves as a primary resource for employees and managers regarding benefit plan administration, eligibility, enrollment, and compliance. The Benefits Specialist partners with internal stakeholders and external vendors to deliver positive employee experience while ensuring regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and effective communication of benefit offerings.

 

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

 

• Administer employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts (FSAs), health savings accounts (HSAs), retirement plans, and deferred compensation programs.
• Process and maintain benefit enrollments, changes, terminations, qualifying life events, and employee status updates.
• Serve as a subject matter resource to employees and managers regarding benefit plans, eligibility requirements, coverage provisions, enrollment processes, policies, and procedures.
• Research and resolve employee benefit issues related to eligibility, claims, coverage, appeals, billing discrepancies, and plan provisions in a timely and professional manner.
• Support retirement plan and deferred compensation administration, including participant communications and benefit information for retiring or separating employees.
• Coordinate and support the annual open enrollment process, including project planning, system configuration, employee communications, educational sessions, enrollment activities, and implementation.
• Develop and maintain clear, engaging, and compliant employee communications, benefit guides, presentations, and educational materials.
• Conduct benefit orientations and informational sessions to educate employees on available programs and enhance benefits awareness.
• Support compliance with federal, state, and local regulations governing employee benefit programs, including COBRA, ACA, HIPAA, Section 125, FMLA, CFRA, ERISA, and applicable retirement plan requirements.
• Assist with ACA reporting, audits, regulatory filings, and annual compliance activities.
• Maintain accurate benefit records and documentation in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with insurance carriers, third-party administrators, retirement plan providers, consultants, and other vendors to ensure effective program administration and service delivery.
• Monitor vendor performance and assist in resolving escalated service issues.
• Review and reconcile benefit enrollment files, eligibility data, invoices, funding reports, and vendor billing statements.
• Support benefit-related budgets, contracts, purchase orders, and administrative expenses.

 

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

 

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2-3+ years of progressively responsible benefits administration and analysis experience.
• Strong knowledge of health and welfare and retirement benefit plans.
• Experience administering 401(k) plans and supporting audits and compliance activities.
• Knowledge of ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and related regulations.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience working with HRIS and benefits administration systems. Workday preferred.
• Knowledge of all pertinent federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements, both adopted and pending, affecting employee benefit programs, including federal and state law. 

 

WHAT THE JOB REQUIRES:

• Work is primarily conducted in an office setting. Requires sitting at a desk or workstation for extended periods. Involves the use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and printers.
• This position requires the ability to work Monday through Friday. It includes a hybrid work arrangement with in‑person office requirements a minimum of four days per week (Monday through Thursday) at Essex’s corporate office in Irvine. The hybrid policy is subject to change at Essex’s sole discretion.
• Requires the ability to sit or stand for extended periods. Minimal physical effort in the day-to-day tasks.
• This role does not require any travel; work is primarily conducted at the office. 

 

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE TABLE:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong organizational and analytical skills. Ability to provide efficient, timely, reliable, and courteous service to customers.
• Ability to understand and carry out general instructions in standard situations. Ability to solve problems in standard situations. Requires basic analytical skills.
• Decisions are made with a general understanding of procedures and company policies.
• Must be able to maintain focus and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently.
• Previous experience and knowledge laws and regulations that govern benefits administration

All full-time regular associates are offered competitive salaries, experience career growth, and are eligible for benefit packages that include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, 401k employer match, excellence rewards, wellness programs, and much more. With our 12 paid holidays and 15 PTO days, work/life balance is a priority! Additionally, most positions are eligible for a housing discount of 20%.

Essex provides great communities in which to live, work and invest. We are a purpose-driven company, and we pride ourselves on promoting an internal culture of growth and opportunity by engaging, enabling, and empowering our teams. Working at Essex is not a destination. It is a journey where you can confidently build your career.

New hires generally start between $73,000.00 - $89,000.00 per year. The final salary offer will be determined after reviewing relevant factors, including but not limited to skill sets; relevant experience; internal equity; and other business and organizational needs.

This role is also eligible to participate in Essex’s discretionary Annual Bonus program that is commensurate with the level of the position.