176 Best employee benefits specialist Jobs in San Diego, California (May 2026)

Full Time - Benefits Manager

11 days ago

San Diego

Job Description:\n\nJob Description COMPENSATION: Salary: $74,880–$91,520 annually This represents the good faith estimate of the annual salary range we reasonably expect to pay for this position upon hire, based on the selected candidate’s experience, education, skills, internal alignment, and overall business needs. In select cases, and depending on market conditions or exceptional candidate qualifications, compensation may exceed this range, provided it aligns with applicable law and our compensation policies. Additional information about our compensation scales is available at: . SUMMARY: Responsible for administering and ensuring compliance with the organization’s employee benefits programs. Oversees accurate and timely processing of health and welfare benefits, retirement plans, and leaves of absence, including FMLA, CFRA, PDL, and other legally mandated or company-provided leaves. Collaborates with the Safety Manager to file and report workers’ compensation claims. Requires strong knowledge of federal and California employment laws, CalPERS benefits administration, and regulatory reporting requirements. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES DEPENDING ON LOCATION: NOTE: The duties listed below are examples of the variety and general nature of those performed by employees in this job description. The list is descriptive only and should not be used for any other purpose. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. This is not an all-encompassing list and additional duties may be assigned based on business needs. The responsibilities listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Benefit Plan Administration Administer and coordinate all employee benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), flexible spending (FSA) and dependent care plans. Manage end-to-end benefits administration processes, including new hire enrollments, qualifying life events, and terminations, ensuring timely updates in systems, carrier portals, and the BCC and CalPERS databases. Lead the annual open enrollment process, including system configuration, employee communications, vendor coordination, and employee education sessions and benefit orientations. Act as the primary contact for employees regarding benefit eligibility, coverage, and claims resolution. Act as the primary liaison with CalPERS for pension plans ensuring compliance with CalPERS rules, regulations, and reporting requirements. Process new hire enrollments, qualifying life events, and terminations in the benefits system and with carriers. Administer voluntary and supplemental benefit programs such as 403(b), 457(b), and other deferred compensation plans, partnering with Financial Advisors and Plan Administrators to ensure compliance and fair plan offerings. Reconcile monthly billing statements, resolve discrepancies with carriers, and ensure accurate payroll deductions. Administer the tuition reimbursement program, including tracking participation, verifying eligibility, and validating receipts and coursework. Conduct periodic internal benefit audits to ensure data accuracy, regulatory compliance, and proper documentation. Maintain confidential benefits files consistent with retention and privacy requirements. Collaborate extensively with Auxiliary Organizations Association (AOA) and California State University Risk Management Authority (CSURMA)/Auxiliary Organizations Risk Management Alliance(AORMA), attend all AOA benefits meetings, and provide recommendations regarding benefit changes and enhancements. Regulatory Compliance and Reporting Ensure ongoing compliance with federal and state benefits regulations, including ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, and related reporting requirements. Manage Affordable Care Act (ACA) administration, including eligibility tracking, measurement and stability periods, and preparation and filing of form1095. Review and in coordination with Principal, file Form 5500 and all required schedules for applicable benefit and retirement plans. Conduct regular benefit and dependent eligibility audits to maintain plan accuracy, ensure cost control, and support regulatory compliance. Support audits, renewals, and actuarial studies by preparing reports, data analyses, and responding to data requests. Serve as Chair of the Benefits Oversight Committee, leading quarterly meetings, preparing agendas, minutes, and communications, and coordinating with financial advisors and third-party administrators. Monitor benefit trends, legislative updates, and regulatory changes to proactively recommend compliance and plan design improvements. Leave Management Administer and track all leaves of absence including FMLA, CFRA, PDL, ADA accommodations, and other statutory leaves in accordance with California and federal law, ensuring full legal compliance while ensuring employees are treated with dignity and respect. Process and manage leave activity in UKG, maintaining accurate records and ensuring all required forms and workflows are current. Communicate leave rights, responsibilities, and required documentation to employees and managers. Coordinate benefits continuation, return-to-work processes, and accommodation needs in collaboration with management. Maintain confidential leave records consistent with retention and privacy requirements. Workers’ Compensation/Unemployment Administer California Workers’ Compensation claims, coordinating with third-party administrators, medical providers, and internal stakeholders. Track, document, and report workers’ compensation claims, supporting interactive process meetings and return-to-work efforts as needed. Analyze claims data and trends to recommend safety, prevention, and risk mitigation initiatives. Manage unemployment claims for both campus and Snapdragon Stadium operations, ensuring timely and accurate submissions. Coordinate with Equifax to properly challenge unemployment claims, manage appeals, and resolve discrepancies. Other Must comply with and ensure continued, consistent compliance with all company policies, and federal, state, and local laws/regulations including but not limited to: employment, safety, and health. Other duties as assigned. Job Requirements MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Associates degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, or a related discipline, with at least 2 years of human resources experience in a similar role; prior management or supervisory experience preferred. Bachelor's degree preferred. Advanced knowledge of employee benefit programs, including health, dental, pension, Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliance, flexible spending accounts, and leaves of absence (including FMLA, CFRA, and PDL), as well as Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodation processes. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. HR certification (PHR, SPHR, or equivalent extended studies) is preferred. Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) or Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) certification is preferred; if not currently held, the ability to obtain certification within the first year of employment is preferred. Must possess excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail, with the ability to prioritize tasks and delegate when appropriate. Requires the ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality. Intermediate knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations is required. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace or similar software is required, along with proficiency in, or the ability to quickly learn HRIS and talent management systems, preferably UKG. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS LANGUAGE SKILLS: Must be able to read, write, and understand English; Spanish proficiency is helpful. Requires the ability to follow verbal and written instructions, guidelines, and objectives. Must be able to read, comprehend, analyze, and interpret general business information, governmental regulations, and technical or trade publications. Requires the ability to prepare reports and communicate effectively via verbal, written, and electronic means. Must be able to present information clearly, professionally, and respectfully in one-on-one, small group, and large group settings with customers, management, and employees. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required, along with strong interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills. MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Strong mathematical and analytical skills required. Must be able to calculate, analyze, and interpret figures related to benefits, costs, utilization, and trends. Requires the ability to apply concepts such as percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical business situations, and to read, analyze, and interpret financial and statistical data to support decision-making. REASONING ABILITY: Ability to define problems, collect and analyze data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and develop effective solutions and strategies. Must be able to interpret a wide variety of information or instructions involving both defined and undefined variables. Requires the ability to understand business and financial data and develop innovative, practical solutions. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential. MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to operate a computer. Must be able to use a variety of standard office machines and equipment to perform essential job functions. PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Must have the ability to talk/expressing and/or exchanging ideas and hear/perceiving sounds. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be able to operate computers, copy machines, and other general office equipment, including a 10-key calculator. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; handle or operate objects, keyboards, and documents; and reach. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk/move. Must be able to move, lift, or carry materials weighing up to 25 pounds. Specific visual abilities required include close, peripheral, and color vision to support extensive reading and interpretation of reports and documents. Occasional travel to Snapdragon Stadium may be required, including walking within a stadium environment and ascending and descending stairs. WORKING CONDITIONS AND HAZARDS The position may involve exposure to food fumes or airborne particles. The employee may occasionally work near moving mechanical parts and may be exposed to varying weather conditions including hot or humid conditions, cleaning chemicals, dust, allergens and other typical operational environments. The role may also require onsite work at Snapdragon Stadium for benefit-related matters, where conditions may include loud noise levels, fireworks, crowd noise, and extreme or flashing lighting. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act pursuant to California Penal Code Section 11166.5. BACKGROUND CHECK INFORMATION: A background check will be conducted after a conditional offer of employment is extended by the company and accepted by the applicant and must be satisfactorily completed prior to any applicant beginning work in a full-time, part-time non-student, or sensitive student capacity with Aztec Shops Ltd. Background checks will include, at minimum, verification of education and employment histories, criminal records, national sex offender registry check, and references. Additionally, based on the nature and scope of the position, the background check may also include a credit report, motor vehicle report, and verification of professional licenses. Failure to answer background check questions honestly, and satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the employment status of applicants or continued employment of current Aztec Shops employees who apply for promotional positions which require a background check. Aztec Shops Ltd. complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws, including California Fair Chance Act, when conducting background checks. Aztec Shops will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Aztec Shops is concerned about criminal history that is directly related to the job, you will be given notice and an opportunity to respond and provide additional information such as rehabilitation efforts or mitigating circumstances, or information pertaining to the accuracy of the background report. Aztec Shops will consider all evidence of rehabilitation and mitigating circumstances. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the Civil Rights Department Fair Chance Act webpage. Aztec Shops is a diverse community representing many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful culture that promotes open communication, mutual respect, and a sense of belonging, to support the success of both our employees and students. All Aztec Shops programs and activities are open and accessible to all individuals, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin, and other characteristics protected by law. Consistent with California and federal civil rights laws, Aztec Shops maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices. Aztec Shops is dedicated to providing equal opportunity in employment and ensuring that no employee or applicant faces unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin or any other characteristic protected by law. This commitment applies to all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, job assignments, disciplinary actions, and terminations. Our commitment to equal opportunity ensures that every employee has access to the resources and support needed to thrive and succeed. Aztec Shops complies with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws. For additional information about the SDSU campus policy please visit Affirming Equal Opportunity.

Employee benefits specialist jobs in San Diego, CaliforniaCreate job alerts

Popular jobs searches in San Diego, California

Popular employee benefits specialist jobs locations