Position Summary:

The Benefits Coordinator is responsible for the administration and coordination of employee benefits programs across a multi-site retail organization based in Los Angeles, CA. This role supports both Retail (store teams) and Support Center (corporate teams), ensuring Team Members receive accurate, timely, and high-quality support across all benefits-related programs for all US, Canada, & Mexico stores.

The Benefits Specialist partners closely with HR, Payroll, Workers’ Compensation, Unemployment vendors, and external carriers to ensure compliance, accuracy, and a positive Team Member experience.

Key Responsibilities:

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefits programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, and retirement plans

• Manage enrollments, changes, qualifying life events, and terminations in the HRIS system

• Ensure accuracy of employee benefits data and payroll deductions

• Coordinate with carriers and vendors to resolve eligibility and enrollment issues

Leave of Absence Support

• Support administration of employee leaves including FMLA, medical, parental, and personal leaves

• Track leave documentation and ensure compliance with applicable laws and company policies

• Partner with employees, managers, and third-party administrators to support leave processes

Workers’ Compensation Administration

• Manage Workers’ Compensation claims in partnership with third-party administrators and insurance carriers

• Coordinate claim reporting, documentation, and follow-up with employees and managers

• Track claim status, restrictions, and return-to-work coordination

• Ensure compliance with state regulations and company reporting requirements

Unemployment Benefits Support

• Respond to unemployment insurance claims and employment verification requests

• Partner with external agencies and third-party vendors to ensure accurate and timely responses

• Maintain proper documentation related to employee separation and claims

• Collaborate with HR and Payroll to ensure consistency of employment records

Employee Support & Communication

• Serve as the primary contact for benefits-related questions across Retail and Support Center teams

• Assist employees in understanding benefit programs and enrollment processes

• Support creation and distribution of benefits communications and guides

• Assist with open enrollment planning, communication, and execution

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations including ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and applicable leave laws

• Support audits and maintain accurate benefits and claims records

• Generate reports on benefits participation, claims activity, and trends

• Partner with Payroll to ensure accurate deductions and reporting

Benefit Vendor & HR Partnership

• Liaise with benefits carriers, Workers’ Compensation administrators, and unemployment agencies

• Partner with HR Business Partners and HR leadership on employee escalations

• Support implementation of new or updated benefits programs and processes

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (preferred)

• 2–5 years of experience in benefits administration or HR support role

• Experience in retail or multi-site workforce environments strongly preferred

• Knowledge of benefits regulations including FMLA, COBRA, ACA, HIPAA, Workers’ Compensation, and unemployment processes

• Experience with HRIS and benefits administration systems

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

• Excellent communication and customer service skills

Key Competencies

• Customer service mindset

• High attention to detail and accuracy

• Strong knowledge of benefits and compliance processes

• Problem-solving and follow-through

• Strong communication skills

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Collaboration across HR, Payroll, and external vendors

Success Measures

• Accurate and timely benefits and claims administration

• Effective management of Workers’ Compensation and unemployment cases

• Positive employee experience and responsiveness

• Compliance with all regulatory requirements

• Successful execution of open enrollment

• Strong partnership with Payroll, HR, and external providers