HRIS and Benefits Specialist

The HRIS & Benefits Specialist is responsible for managing and administering employee benefits programs while ensuring the effective operation, maintenance, and optimization of the Human Resources Information System (HRIS). This role ensures compliance with company policies and applicable regulations, supports employees with benefits inquiries, and delivers HR data and reporting insights.

The Elizabeth Hospice is San Diego's oldest non-profit hospice of 45 years. We are growing and looking for talented individuals to join our high performing team and support our mission. We serve all of San Diego county and south Riverside county with multiple hospice office locations.

Our Mission: To enhance the quality of life for those nearing the end of life's journey and for those who grieve.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Salary: $65,000-$85,000 annually. Subject to experience and qualifications.

Work Location: Escondido, CA

Travel: Occasional requirement for site visits or educational opportunities, 2-3 times per month.

The following is a summary of general job duties outlined by category and area of focus.

Benefits Administration

Manages and administers company benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), and wellness initiatives.
• Oversees open enrollment processes (or project), including system setup, employee communication, and enrollment tracking.
• Serves as the primary contact for employees regarding benefits inquiries and escalations.
• Processes benefits enrollments, changes, and separations accurately and in a timely manner.
• Liaises with benefits vendors/brokers to resolve issues and maintains a positive working relationship.
• Ensures the organization is compliant with all laws and regulations related to employee benefits.
• Conducts audits of various payroll and benefits reports and recommends corrective action.
• Contributes to policy updates related to employee benefits, such as eligibility requirements, coverage options, and cost-sharing arrangements.
• Analyzes benefits utilization and provides recommendations for program improvements.
• Coordinates educational sessions or seminars with vendors to maximize benefits utilization and understanding of total rewards program.
• Works with broker and communicates with vendors on file feeds and corrections.

HRIS Administration

• Manages the organization's HRIS, which includes maintaining data accuracy, generating reports, and troubleshooting system issues.
• Processes employment status changes, accurately and in a timely manner.
• Conducts audits of various payroll and benefits reports and recommends corrective action.
• Manages the onboarding process including delivering, collecting, and auditing new hire paperwork, I-9 verification, and conducting new-employee benefit orientation.
• Supports HRIS upgrades, new feature implementations, and integrations with other systems.
• Performs regular data audits to ensure data integrity and compliance with company standards.
• Generates and distributes scheduled and ad hoc reports for HR and leadership (e.g., headcount, turnover, benefits participation).
• Trains employees and HR staff on HRIS self-service tools and processes.
• Responds to employment verifications and employee related forms for EDD disability and unemployment.
• Tests and creates workflows and optimizes HR processes using HRIS functionality.

Data Analytics & Reporting

• Manages compliance reporting, such as ACA filings, EEO-1 reports, and 401(k) audits.
• Manages outreach, collection, tracking and filing of employee compliance requirements.
• Develops metrics and generates reports for benefits and people activity to communicate usages, trends and provides information for better decision making.
• Supports leadership with data-driven recommendations for benefits and HRIS improvements.

Process Improvement & Automation:

• Streamlines HR processes, such as onboarding, offboarding, and benefits administration, by implementing technology solutions and efficiencies.
• Tests and implements new system features, upgrades, or integrations to improve HR functionality.
• Provides recommendations on HRIS best practices to enhance user experience.

Compliance & Process Improvement

• Ensures all benefits and HRIS processes comply with applicable laws and regulations.
• Continuously evaluates and improves processes for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Partners with payroll to ensure accurate benefits deductions and reporting.
• Ensures compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, including data privacy and security standards.
• Provides support for compliance-related audits and reporting requirements.
• Maintains compliance calendar to ensure completion of all required federal, state, and local reporting.
• Ensures compliance with required workplace postings at all worksites and electronically.
• Manages the assignments and tracking of required HR training, such CA Sexual Harassment Prevention training.

Projects

• Open Enrollment: serves as a project lead during annual Open Enrollment.
• Assists Human Resources team with various projects as needed.
• Performs other duties as required and assigned.

Education: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Information Systems, or a related field.

Experience: 3+ years of experience in benefits administration and HRIS management; hands-on experience with HRIS platforms (e.g., Paylocity, ADP, Workday).

Skills:

• Experience with Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUP).
• Knowledge of benefits regulations such as ACA, COBRA, FMLA, and ERISA.
• Ability to work independently, apply problem solving techniques, and see resolution through to completion.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, critical thinking and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills and follow-up required.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality in all employment matters.
• Must demonstrate a working knowledge of federal and state labor laws.
• Strong planning, organization and collaboration skills required.
• Ability to work well under pressure, manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines and communicate delays in a timely manner to those impacted.
• Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to improving the employee experience.
• Must demonstrate a working knowledge of federal and state labor laws.
• Current California driver's license with proof of insurance.

We place a high importance on our employees and reward staff in several ways such as:

• Competitive hospice industry compensation
• Benefits package with multiple plan offerings and generous employer contribution
• 401(k) Retirement plan with employer match
• Supportive work culture which encourages work life balance
• Substantial Paid Time Off, paid holidays & floating holiday
• Employee development program managed by in-house education department to support individualized orientation and professional growth needs.
• Tuition Reimbursement program
• Monthly mileage reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program

"The Elizabeth Hospice is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law."