Benefit Specialist

Who We Are:Woda Cooper Companies, Inc is a rapidly growing development, construction, and property management organization dedicated to the creation of quality affordable housing to benefit those who need it most. We are an employee-owned, passion-driven group that changes each community of which we are a part. We manage over 16,000 housing units in 18 states, proudly serving seniors, veterans, and other economically challenged groups. We seek ambitious, talented individuals who want to grow with a rapidly expanding company whose success is not only measured in dollars and cents, but in lives changed. With a development portfolio of $1.5 billion, Woda Cooper consistently ranks among the top affordable housing developers and owners in the country by Affordable Housing Finance.Position Summary:The Benefit Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day administration and oversight of employee benefit programs, including health and welfare plans, 401(k), and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This role ensures benefits are administered accurately, competitively, and in full compliance with federal and state regulations, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The Benefit Specialist serves as a subject matter expert for employees and internal partners, supporting a positive employee experience while managing vendor relationships and data integrity.Who You'll Report To:The Benefits Specialist reports to the Director of People Operations. What You'll Own:Benefits AdministrationAdminister all health and welfare benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA/HSA, and voluntary benefitsManage annual open enrollment planning, communications, and executionServe as point of contact for benefit vendors, brokers, and carriersCoordinate benefit onboarding, life event changes, and terminationsReconcile benefit invoices and resolve discrepanciesSupport benefit audits and ensure accurate plan documentationOversee the yearly virtual wellness fair, coordinating vendors, scheduling sessions, and promoting participationDevelop and implement education and wellness initiatives that encourage healthy lifestyles and enhance overall employee well-beingOversee the company's professional development program, ensuring leadership approval is receivedRetirement & ESOP PlansAdminister the company's 401(k) plan, including enrollments, contributions, loans, distributions, and compliance testingPartner with plan fiduciaries, recordkeepers, and auditors to ensure plan compliance with ERISA and IRS regulationsSupport administration of the ESOP, including eligibility tracking, allocations, distributions, and coordination with trustees and third-party administratorsMaintain accurate participant records and ensure timely reportingACA Compliance & ReportingPerform regular quality checks on benefits-related data to ensure accuracy and compliance. Distribute enrollment materials and verify eligibility for all benefit programsEnsure compliance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA), including measurement and stability periodsPrepare, audit, and distribute Forms 1094-C and 1095-CMonitor full-time employee status and eligibility thresholdsRespond to IRS ACA notices and resolve discrepanciesStay current on ACA regulatory updates and ensure internal processes remain compliantEmployee Support & CommunicationEducate employees on benefit offerings, eligibility, and plan featuresRespond to employee inquiries and resolve benefit-related issues with a high level of serviceDevelop clear benefit communications and educational materialsSupport wellness initiatives and benefit engagement strategiesData, Compliance & Process ImprovementMaintain accurate benefits data in HRIS and payroll systemsEnsure compliance with ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, and other applicable regulationsSupport annual audits, nondiscrimination testing, and regulatory filingsIdentify opportunities to improve benefit processes, systems, and employee experienceManage benefit vendor invoicing and background invoicing --- collaborate with Accounts Payable to ensure timely payment. All other duties as assigned.Who You Are:Strong working knowledge of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), including reporting requirements Familiarity with ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, and IRS regulations Strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and ability to manage confidential information Excellent communication and problem-solving skillsWhat You'll Bring:Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience 3+ years of experience in benefits administration Hands-on experience administering health and welfare benefits, 401(k), and ESOPs Experience working with HRIS and benefits administration platforms Preferred experience with Paycom Must possess a valid driver's license and insurance.Travel with notice required.Must be able to safely lift up to 20 pounds.What You'll Get:We offer competitive wages and annual bonus opportunities. Benefits include:Medical, Dental and VisionShort Term Disability and Life Insurance401k with Company Match100% Employee-Owned Company with the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)12 Days Paid Time Off8 Paid Holidays & 2 Floating Holidays!Fitness Reimbursement

Created: 2026-05-08