Human Resources Specialist (Benefits and Payroll)

Dynamis is seeking a HR Specialist in Benefits and Payroll to administer federal benefits programs and provide counseling on retirement, health coverage, life insurance, and leave programs, while coordinating payroll-related actions.

Responsibilities:

• Advise employees on FEHB, FEGLI, FERS, TSP, and leave policies.
• Process benefits elections and payroll adjustments.
• Coordinate retirement packages.
• Resolve employee benefit inquiries.
• Ensure compliance with DHS and OPM benefits regulations.
• Benefits Administration
  • Administer employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA/HSA, retirement, and leave programs.
  • Manage open enrollment, employee eligibility, and benefit plan changes throughout the year.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for benefits-related inquiries and issue resolution.
  • Collaborate with insurance brokers and benefit vendors to ensure smooth operations and service delivery.
  • Coordinate benefits education sessions and communications to enhance employee understanding and engagement.
  • Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices in human resources management and make recommendations for continuous improvement.
  • Audit and maintain accurate benefit use and accruals. Facilitate audits by providing records and documentation to auditors.
  • Reconcile benefits invoices and payroll deductions monthly, including COBRA enrollments and terminations, 403b contributions, FSA accounts and others.
• Payroll Management
  •  Manage and process bi-weekly payroll for all employees, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with federal, state and local laws.
  • Maintain payroll records, deductions (for benefits, retirement, garnishments), and tax withholdings in accordance with legal requirements.
  • Reconcile payroll accounts and collaborate with Finance on reporting, audits, and budgeting.
  • Administer wage adjustments, retroactive pay, and off-cycle payments as needed.
  • Ensure compliance with FLSA, IRS regulations, and other applicable wage and hour laws.
  • Liaison with payroll vendors to ensure payroll tax returns are filed timely and maintain accurate payroll tax records.
  • Review and update payroll-related policies and procedures for clarity and compliance.
  • Assist People & Culture with onboarding/entry of the open enrollment processes for new employee benefits and payroll.
  • Special projects and tasks as assigned.
• Compliance and Reporting
  • Ensure all payroll and benefits programs comply with applicable laws (ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, etc.).
  • Prepare and file required reports such as ACA filings, 403(b) or 401(k) contributions, and benefits audits.

Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship
• 5+ years of experience
• Ability to successfully complete a DHS Public Trust background check.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration.
• A deep understanding of various employee benefits, including health, retirement, and insurance.
• Intermediate/expert skills in Excel required.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships at all levels across the organization.
• Monitors own work to ensure professional quality and punctuality.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) is highly preferred.