Benefits Specialist

The HR Benefits Specialist is responsible for administering and supporting employee benefits programs, including 401(k), health and welfare plans, time off programs, and compliance processes. This role ensures the accuracy of benefit enrollments, maintains coordination with payroll and vendors, and delivers responsive support to employees. Key duties include processing 401(k) transactions, managing FMLA and Workers’ Compensation cases, handling COBRA administration, and conducting benefits orientations for new hires. The HR Benefits Specialist also reconciles benefit invoices, processes life insurance claims, responds to employee inquiries, and completes various reports and compliance tasks. This role requires strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage confidential information with discretion.

• Administer 401(k) plan – post bi-weekly payroll uploads, update deferral changes, process loans and hardship requests
• Manage benefits enrollment and changes, partner with payroll department and vendors to ensure accurate billing and employee contributions
• Conduct benefits orientation for new hires, provide appropriate benefits packages
• Manage time off programs including FMLA and Workers Compensation program, coordinate ADA accommodation requests as needed
• Pay and reconcile invoices for all company and union sponsored benefits plans
• Process Medical Support Orders
• Coordinate COBRA and ensure appropriate correspondence is sent to terminated employees
• Create and disseminate censes and reports

• Process life insurance claims
• Respond to employee benefits inquiries via phone, email, mail, and/or fax
• Other special projects and tasks as assigned.

• 2- 4 years of similar experience or 4-year degree with a concentration in HR or related field preferred.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite, the use of personal computers, and standard office productivity software, including word processing and spreadsheet applications
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral
• Strong organization and project management skills; attention to detail; ability to problem solve
• Proven track record of providing responsive, timely customer support.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, team oriented environment

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• HRIS experience is a plus.  
• Experience supporting a hospitality or retail environment or operation in multiple states with a variety of salaried, hourly, tipped, non-tipped, union and non-union associates a plus.

Competitive Benefits:

• Health/Dental/Vision
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k), matched up to 4%
• Short and Long Term Disability
• Tuition Reimbursement

• Employee Referral Program
• Pet Insurance
• Discounts: Hotels, Travel, Tickets, Restaurants
• Employees and their relatives are eligible for a discounted meal plan at any of our HBCU client locations while they are attending school

Who We Are:

Thompson Hospitality is of the largest restaurants, food service, and facilities management companies in the country. We are highly built upon our values, do the right thing, do the best you can, and treat others how you want to be treated, which are shaped by more than 33 years of relationships with our clients, guests, and communities. We offer competitive benefits, see our website for more.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.