JENNIFER BENNETT
Clemons,IA
Summary
Benefits administration specialist with regulatory compliance experience, employee engagement, and employee relations. Designs cost-effective benefits packages aligned with workforce needs using HRIS systems. Improves employee satisfaction through benefits program implementation and continuous optimization.
Contributed significantly to enhancing employee satisfaction rates by implementing strategic benefits programs. I have a high level of productivity and rate of efficient task completion. Specializing in benefits administration, compliance management, and employee relations. Notable strengths include problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and knowledge of HRIS systems. Also excel in negotiation, problem-solving, and communication, ensuring smooth operation of benefits programs and enhancing employee satisfaction.
Overview
1
1
Certification
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Human Resources Benefits Specialist
State Of Vermont
Montpelier, VT
09.2022 - Current
- Administered state employee health, dental, and retirement benefits for State of Vermont workforce.
- Coordination of Benefit program invoices for Blue Cross Blue Shield, life insurance claims, FSA, dental, FMLA, Workers Compensation and related claims for accuracy and payment processing.
- Maintained compliance with applicable laws including HIPAA Privacy regulations, COBRA requirements, FMLA regulations and ERISA guidelines.
- Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local regulations affecting benefits programs, including ACA and ERISA.
- Applied strong knowledge of benefits regulations, program options, and technology solutions to support plan integration and process improvement.
- Explained eligibility rules, enrollment changes, and coverage options to employees and retirees.
- Supported open enrollment communication, employee notices, and benefits presentations.
- Communicated effectively via email, phone and face-to-face with plan participants to resolve issues pertaining to health and welfare benefits.
- Communicated with vendors regarding plan design, pricing, enrollment issues.
- Collaborated with child/elder care program team on annual review process and facilitated employee award approvals for benefit programs.
- Implemented wellness initiatives aimed at improving employee health and reducing healthcare costs.
- Researched and analyzed benefit trends within the industry.
- Prepared HRIS trend reports to support development and refinement of operational programs and policies.
- Maintained system compliance with data security and privacy requirements by monitoring activity and correcting deficiencies.
- Coordinated employee tuition program, managing application process, liaising with appointing authorities, finance, and university contacts for documentation and financial review.
Town Treasurer
Town of West Haven
West Haven, VT
04.2014 - Current
- Collection of all town property taxes, including recording and tracking of the individual properties' obligations and payments, and distribution of tax bills
- Developed and maintained town budgets, tracking expenses, revenues, and grants to ensure fiscal responsibility throughout the year.
- Oversaw financial record keeping for town funds, ensuring accurate tracking and reporting of all financial transactions.
- Accounts Payable & Accounts Receivable: All town's accounts and obligations including but not limited to the General Fund, the Roads/Highway funds, the School accounts
- Administered payroll and benefits for the town's highway department and other employees, including payroll tax reporting and health insurance deductions.
- Established town tax rate and calculated impacts of education funding on overall budget, presenting findings at annual and town meetings.
- Development of the town Report
Human Resource Coordinator
Slate Valley Unified Union School District
Fair Haven, VT
05.2005 - 09.2022
- Selected and interviewed candidates for open positions.
- Initiated background checks for potential hires to verify qualifications and suitability. for potential new hires.
- Coordinated communication for employee orientation and benefits open enrollment to ensure smooth transitions.
- Supported employee onboarding through internal and external training in online and classroom settings.
- Organized training sessions by scheduling dates, securing facilities, and coordinating with subject matter experts.
- Clarified HR policies and procedures for employees to enhance understanding and compliance.
- Resolved personnel concerns related to HR submissions, corrections, and clarification needs.
- Advised leadership and staff on HR policies, union negotiations, and business strategy rollout.
- Partnered with HR staff to update policies for corporate accountability and workplace health.
- Aligned HR policies with federal and local regulations.
- Acted as liaison between management and employees, effectively communicating work updates, adjustments, and grievances to foster a collaborative environment.
Education
M.D. - Human Resource Management
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ07-2026
Bachelors of Science - Human Resource Management
Phoenix University Of
Phoenix, AZ03-2026
Associate of Science - Business Administration, Human Resources Concentration
Community College of Vermont
Rutland, VT06-2023
Skills
- Benefits administration and payroll processing
- HR compliance and labor laws
- Employee relations and engagement
- Talent acquisition and onboarding
- Compensation analysis and open enrollment
- HRIS management and systems integration
- Team building and collaboration
- Payroll processing
- Labor law compliance
- Open enrollment
- HRIS systems
- Onboarding coordination
- Talent acquisition
- Employee relations
- HR compliance
Certification
- SHRM Member
Timeline
Human Resources Benefits Specialist
State Of Vermont
09.2022 - Current
Town Treasurer
Town of West Haven
04.2014 - Current
Human Resource Coordinator
Slate Valley Unified Union School District
05.2005 - 09.2022
M.D. - Human Resource Management
University of Phoenix
Bachelors of Science - Human Resource Management
Phoenix University Of
Associate of Science - Business Administration, Human Resources Concentration
Community College of Vermont