Senior Benefits Specialist

LaSalle Network is seeking a Senior Benefits Specialist for a 18-month consulting opportunity with a prominent Chicago educational institution. This role is responsible for supporting the administration of employee benefits programs while providing excellent customer service to faculty, staff, and retirees. The ideal candidate will bring strong benefits knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to manage a high volume of inquiries in a fast-paced environment.

Senior Benefits Specialist Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for high-volume benefits inquiries from staff.
• Administer and support medical, dental, vision, and other health and welfare benefit plans.
• Respond to general questions related to 403(b) retirement plans and assist with enrollment and changes.
• Support the Open Enrollment process, including responding to employee questions, processing corrections, conducting audit reviews, and ensuring data accuracy.
• Provide clear communication and high-quality customer service to employees regarding benefit programs.
• Maintain and update benefits information within current legacy HRIS system.
• Process and reconcile benefits-related data files with a high level of accuracy.
• Ensure alignment with three payroll deadlines each cycle.
• Conduct data audits, resolve errors, and maintain accurate documentation.
• Utilize SSRS or similar reporting tools when needed (experience preferred but not required).
• Support and monitor paid leave cases through MetLife.
• Assist with vendor escalations and help resolve benefit-related issues.
• Ensure consistent and timely communication between HR, payroll, and external benefits partners.
• Provide occasional support to the Compensation team as needed.

Senior Benefits Specialist Required Experience:

• Minimum 3 years of hands-on benefits administration experience.
• Strong understanding of health and welfare benefit plans.
• Working knowledge of 403(b) or retirement plan administration.
• Experience supporting a large employee population and handling a high volume of benefits inquiries.
• Strong attention to detail with experience in data accuracy, auditing, and file management.
• Excellent communication skills and a customer-service focused mindset.
• HRIS proficiency required

Job Location: Downtown Chicago, 5 days per week on-site
Pay: $30-40/hr
Benefits: LaSalle Consultants are eligible for benefits including health, dental, vision
Employment type: Contract, ~18 months

If you are interested in learning more and meet the minimum requirements, apply today!

Rachel Holmes
Principal, LaSalle Network
#LI-RH1