Ensuring that employee benefits are administered effectively and efficiently is the key role that benefits clerks play in organizations today. You will help manage company benefits plans for all employees within your organization and provide administrative support to the benefits administrator and other senior HR staff members. Part of your role involves ensuring that paperwork is filed and employee benefits records are updated and accurate. You may also be involved in processing applications and other tasks to ensure your benefits program runs smoothly.
Above all, you will be the go-to person for benefits-related questions and inquiries from employees, and you will effectively assist employees with benefits claim submissions. If you enjoy working with people, are a strong communicator and want to advance your career in HR, start exploring opportunities with Randstad right now.
Average salaries for benefits clerks vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including where you’re located, the company you work for, the scope of your responsibilities and more. With that in mind, average salaries for benefits clerks range from $38,000 to $57,000 annually. Performance bonuses may also be included in your overall compensation package.
Benefits clerks commonly work within the human resources department. You will work normal business hours and spend most of your time working on a computer. You will work closely with the benefits administrator and report to them. You may be required to attend meetings, provide information sessions for employees and communicate with insurance companies, vendors and other organizations involved in your company’s benefits program.
A benefits clerk is responsible for ensuring all files, benefits forms and processes are in good working order. That means you will assist with the day-to-day operations of the company’s group benefits plans for group health, dental, vision, disability, worker's compensation, life insurance, travel insurance, health spending accounts, retirement and more.
Here are some of your common day-to-day tasks that you can expect to be part of your role:
Benefits clerks commonly work for large organizations that offer benefits as part of their employee compensation plans. As a result, you can work for companies across the U.S. in all industries. Common industries include retail, business services, manufacturing, healthcare, finance and more. Some benefits clerks work directly for benefits plans providers or third-party benefits companies.
Benefits clerks need to have diverse skills as well as in-depth knowledge related to benefits administration and payroll. Some of the many skills that are required for benefits clerks include:
You will probably be required to have a high school diploma or the equivalent in order to work as a benefits clerk, but some hiring companies today require you to have an undergraduate degree in human resources or a related field as well.
Other business and computer skills and certificates will be an asset. Ongoing training may also be required to ensure you have up-to-date knowledge of relevant benefits laws and legislation.
Benefits clerks in the U.S. have a number of options in terms of next steps in their careers. The natural next step is to take on a more senior role in benefits administration, but many also move into other human resources jobs, such as payroll management. Ultimately, you will find a wide variety of opportunities to move up and grow, both internally and externally.
If you are exploring your options for benefits clerk jobs in the U.S., start browsing opportunities with Randstad right now.
Alternatively, if your company is looking for skilled benefits clerks, get in touch with us to learn how we can help you attract and hire today’s most in-demand candidates.