There are primarily two steps to take to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become a benefits specialist:
Education. Many benefits specialists have a post-secondary education, often with an associate or bachelor’s degree in human resources, human resources management, or a similar field, like business administration or finance. Some companies may even require benefits specialists to have a master’s degree.
Classes you may take include business ethics, compensation, and benefits systems, communications, human resource management, finance, and accounting.
Additionally, there are some certifications you can take to help improve your opportunities for career advancement.
Throughout years of working as a benefits specialist, you’ll be able to perfect skills and continue to learn about benefits packages and offerings available to companies and employees, have an increased understanding of how benefits and compensation work, and know-how to better answer questions and assist employees.
Important qualities and skills
There are several qualities and skills a good benefits specialist will have to be successful including:
Understanding of benefits processes. To best assist employees, you should have an understanding of benefits processes. For example, for health insurance, in particular, this includes how to submit a claim, get prior authorization, pay a claim, find an in-network provider, etc.
You should also be prepared to work directly with contacts at the benefits provider companies to ensure you have the information necessary to communicate to employees and have the ability to answer any questions.
Knowledge of benefits plans. Do you know what a deductible, copay, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum are? Can you describe them to an employee who has questions? What about 401(k) or other retirement savings plans options? Do you know how to explain a pension, when an employee is eligible, and how they get it? These are all key answers to have as a benefits specialist since you’ll be helping to answer questions and provide information to employees about the benefits a company offers.
Vendor management. You or your team may be responsible for helping to select appropriate vendors and plans for benefits plans. You may then have to work closely with these vendors to understand the plans and ensure all benefits, changes, or updates are communicated appropriately to employees. Perhaps you’ll have to work with them on behalf of employees. Regardless, vendor management skills can be key in ensuring a successful and productive relationship for all stakeholders.
Database/technology knowledge. You may be using benefits enrollment software, software storing employee records, or benefits or vendor databases. Demonstrating knowledge of some of the most commonly used systems is a great skill.
Communication. Benefits specialists are often the go-to person to provide direction and counseling to employees regarding benefits offered by the company, answer questions about benefits and plans, and communicate with both employees and vendors. You’ll also be working with management and others within the company to provide recommendations and plans for benefits packages.
Organization. Because you’ll be working with a variety of benefits plans and vendors, organization skills will help you keep all of the information straight. This helps ensure you can quickly resolve issues, answer questions, and provide information to employees and management.
Customer service. Health insurance, pension, or retirement benefits, and plans can be confusing, so you’ll often have to work with employees who have questions or concerns. Strong customer service skills, such as the ability to listen well, communicate, and resolve problems will help ensure your interactions with employees are positive.
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