Employee Benefits Partner

Description

About CLS Health

CLS Health is a growing healthcare system in Houston, Texas that is taking a different approach to healthcare. We are a physician-led healthcare group that focuses on providing patients with holistic, multispecialty care. We're a dynamic team on a mission to provide better healthcare options for Houstonians!

We are Looking for:

The Employee Benefits Partner is responsible for managing, coordinating, and optimizing employee benefits programs that support the health, financial security, and overall well-being of employees. This role partners closely with HR leadership, employees, and external vendors to ensure benefit programs are competitive, compliant, and aligned with organizational goals. The Employee Benefits Partner serves as a trusted resource to employees by providing guidance on benefit options, supporting leave administration, and ensuring effective communication of benefits offerings.

Responsibilities:

• Partner with HR leadership to administer and enhance employee benefits programs including health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement plans, and wellness initiatives.
• Manage daily operations of group benefits programs and ensure accurate processing of enrollments, changes, and terminations.
• Act as a strategic partner to employees by providing guidance on benefit options, eligibility, and claims processes.
• Collaborate with benefits vendors, brokers, and third-party administrators to ensure effective plan administration and service delivery.
• Lead benefits education initiatives, including Open Enrollment meetings, workshops, and informational sessions to help employees understand available programs.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations including ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, and FMLA.
• Administer employee leave programs including FMLA, ADA accommodations, short-term disability, and long-term disability in accordance with company policies and legal requirements.
• Coordinate with employees, managers, and third-party administrators to ensure timely documentation and communication of leave requests and return-to-work plans.
• Prepare and distribute required benefits communications such as Summary Plan Descriptions and annual regulatory notices.
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee benefits and leave records within HR systems.
• Monitor benefits and leave data, analyze trends, and prepare reports for HR leadership to support decision-making.
• Conduct market research and benchmark analyses to ensure benefits offerings remain competitive and aligned with industry standards.
• Partner with leadership to evaluate and implement new benefits programs that enhance employee experience and retention.
• Support wellness initiatives and employee engagement activities related to benefits and well-being.
• Collaborate across departments to assess employee needs and recommend improvements to benefits programs.
• May travel to other CLS clinic locations as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental Insurance
• Disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance 
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• HR certifications such as SHRM-CP, PHR, or Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) are preferred.
• Typically requires 2-4 years of experience in HR with a focus on benefits administration.
• Experience with HR software, such as Paylocity or Ease, is beneficial.
• Familiarity with ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, and other benefits-related laws.
• Ability to interpret data, conduct cost analysis, and make recommendations based on findings.
• High accuracy in managing benefits information and documentation.
• Strong verbal and written skills to communicate complex benefits information clearly.
• Empathy and responsiveness to employee questions and concerns.
• Capable of handling multiple tasks simultaneously and meeting deadlines.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems, Excel, and benefits administration software.