Benefits Specialist (Hybrid)

Westat is an employee-owned corporation providing research services to agencies of the U.S. Government, as well as businesses, foundations, and state and local governments. Westat's research, technical, and administrative staff of more than 2,000 is located at our headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, near Washington, DC.

Westat is committed to building a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusivity, belonging and equity for all. We believe that our greatest strength draws on the different backgrounds, cultures, perspectives and experiences of our employees.

Job Summary:
Westat is seeking a Benefits Specialist to help implement the planning and day-to-day operations of groups benefits programs (group health, dental, short-term disability, long-term disability, life insurance, travel and accident plan and flexible spending plan). The benefits specialist will also provide excellent customer service, investigate new benefits programs, improve existing programs, and monitor benefits administration as well as provide analytical and technical support in the delivery of the benefits program

Job Responsibilities:
•    Day to day administration of benefits and respond to employee inquiries.
•    Conduct New Hire Orientations.
•    Assist with Open enrollment activities including presentations, prepare Open enrollment materials, communications and related activities.
•    Work closely with the IT and benefits team and lead Workday benefit configurations and testing and development of any new automations.
•    Assist in completing Benefit Surveys, Open Enrollment surveys.
•    Process benefit invoices, coordinate Non-discrimination testing with the third-party providers.
•    ACA compliance related projects including Form 1095cs, Federal and State mandated filings etc.
•    Provide support with Wellness related activities.
•    Streamline and automate processes and other projects as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:
•    Bachelor's degree and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
•    3 plus years of benefits experience

Preferred Qualifications:
•    In-depth knowledge of both benefits and the federal and state laws.
•    Strong computer skills in a Microsoft Windows environment including creating and working with Excel spreadsheets using pivot tables and PowerPoint presentations.
•    Experience with Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS).
•    Experience in system integrations and streamline processes.
•    PHR/CP Certification preferred

Minimum Qualifications:
•    Demonstrated communication skills
•    Collaboration with teams, managers and/or clients
•    Organization skills, including time management ability
•    Detail oriented

Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Eligible employees may participate in:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Parental Leave
• Vacation Leave
• Sick Leave
• Holiday Leave
• Professional Development
• Health Advocate
• Employee Assistance Program
• Travel Accident Insurance
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account

Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, or any other protected status under applicable law.