A benefits administrator explains company benefits to employees, answers questions, prepares literature, and acts as a liaison to the insurance company. They need to understand all aspects of the benefits package and have excellent communication skills. A degree in human resources is common but not required.
A benefits administrator is part of the human resources department of many companies, and it is this individual’s job to explain different aspects of the benefits packages offered by the company to other employees. He or she answers questions, prints and prepares explanatory literature and information packs for employees, and acts as an intermediary contact to the insurance company for employees who need to ask the insurance company a question. It is necessary for a benefits administrator to understand all aspects of the benefits packages offered by the company, which may include health, dental or vision insurance, as well as life insurance, retirement packages or other types of health savings accounts, between others .
In many cases, a benefits administrator will have a college degree in human resources, although some will be able to enhance their work experience without the help of a degree. Some have degrees in other fields, such as business or communications, but human resources tends to be the most likely scenario. Larger companies often have assistant basic benefits administrator positions available within the department, especially during busy times of the year, such as during open enrollment, when employees are free to add or change benefits as needed.
As a general rule, a benefits administrator spends a large part of the day on the phone, answering questions from employees and the insurance company. A benefits administrator needs to be a real person and be able to explain complicated concepts simply and directly. Benefits packages can be complex and confusing, and employees expect a clear answer to their questions from the administrator. For new hires, orientation sessions or open enrollment periods, the administrator can give a short presentation in front of a group to explain the benefits package and any changes made to it.
Most benefits administrators will hand out materials during these presentations to fully explain plans to employees. It may be your responsibility to write and create these materials in the first place, although in some cases they will come directly from the insurance company. Regardless, it is most important for a benefits administrator to have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, as well as a meticulous eye for detail, in order to be successful in their job.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
