Benefits Specialist Jobs in New York
Benefits Specialist jobs in New York are among the most active in the country, concentrated in financial services, healthcare, and large corporate headquarters with demand from entry-level benefits coordinators through senior benefits managers and directors. The deepest hiring is in New York City, with secondary markets in Buffalo and Albany, where employers like JPMorgan Chase, New York-Presbyterian, and IBM have long-standing benefits teams. The most in-demand specializations are health and welfare plan administration, 401(k) and retirement plan compliance, and leave management under New York State and City leave laws. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 18+ Benefits Specialist jobs
SALARY RANGE: $23.50-$28.00
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Associate’s degree in business, Human Resources or related field and three years of Human Resources experience is required; bachelor’s degree with a minimum of two years of Human Resource experience is preferred. Preferred experience includes: managing leave cases (FMLA, STD, NYS PFL) and workers’ compensation claims.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Demonstrates sensitivity to and respect for the cultural diversity of others, advancing best practice regarding cultural competence.
Supports the administration of employee leave programs including paid and unpaid leaves of absence, FMLA, short term disability, long term disability, NYS paid family leave and workers’ compensation.
Interprets and administers Mary Cariola policies and procedures and educates and counsels employees and managers on policy and legal compliance related to employee leaves and return to work requirements.
Interfaces with the employee, insurance carrier and third-party administrators and vendors, attendance office, nursing staff and the employee’s supervisor as necessary to make sure all required information is reported.
Assist employees with benefits questions and provides them with benefits transactional support.
Supports Benefits Manager with monthly vendor invoices, audits, and administration.
Assists in the enrollment administration procedures for medical, dental and vision insurance plans, processing enrollments and de-enrollments quickly and accurately. Assists with other benefit plan enrollment procedures as needed.
Maintains Employee Discipline spreadsheet; creates and distributes reports to Supervisors as needed.
Performs and tracks all Motor Vehicle Record checks for Agency and School Program as required.
Assists with the implementation and sustainability of Mary Cariola wellness/wellbeing initiatives as identified.
Interfaces with appropriate supervisors and managers to ensure proper light duty assignments are secured for employees who are returning to work with restrictions/accommodations.
Maintains data in Human Resources Information System (UKG) and Time and Attendance system (Workforce Management) and leave tracking as appropriate and in timely manner, meeting required deadlines.
Maintains working knowledge and keeps current with regulatory changes concerning various leave program laws and regulations.
Provides support to the HR Supervisor for unemployment claims.
As needed/requested, pre-screens direct care candidates from both UKG and Indeed, identifying those to move forward for interview. May communicate with potential candidates to dialogue about the hiring process.
Process and manage background checks for interns, volunteers and new hires.
Provide onboarding backup to the Human Resource Specialist for onboarding appointments.
Understands and uses relevant vendor systems for all required background screening (MetroData, Criminal Background, LENs, etc.).
Interfaces with hiring managers and recruiters with results of background screenings.
Maintains current driving status for all relevant employees and sends monthly lists of drivers to program heads.
Supports the communication of any agency increase or compensation adjustments.
Responsible for turnover reporting and tracking.
Supports HR projects as assigned.
Maintains documentation as required and creates and distributes reports as necessary.
Demonstrates flexible and efficient time management and ability to prioritize workload.
Maintains confidentiality of all Human Resource records and information; ensures that all rules and regulations concerning confidentiality and retention of documents are followed. Adept in understanding HRIS system (UKG) and other vendor technology systems and/or a willingness to learn.
Additional duties as assigned.
Education
Required- Associates or better in Human Resource Administration or related field
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
SALARY RANGE: $23.50-$28.00
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Associate’s degree in business, Human Resources or related field and three years of Human Resources experience is required; bachelor’s degree with a minimum of two years of Human Resource experience is preferred. Preferred experience includes: managing leave cases (FMLA, STD, NYS PFL) and workers’ compensation claims.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Demonstrates sensitivity to and respect for the cultural diversity of others, advancing best practice regarding cultural competence.
Supports the administration of employee leave programs including paid and unpaid leaves of absence, FMLA, short term disability, long term disability, NYS paid family leave and workers’ compensation.
Interprets and administers Mary Cariola policies and procedures and educates and counsels employees and managers on policy and legal compliance related to employee leaves and return to work requirements.
Interfaces with the employee, insurance carrier and third-party administrators and vendors, attendance office, nursing staff and the employee’s supervisor as necessary to make sure all required information is reported.
Assist employees with benefits questions and provides them with benefits transactional support.
Supports Benefits Manager with monthly vendor invoices, audits, and administration.
Assists in the enrollment administration procedures for medical, dental and vision insurance plans, processing enrollments and de-enrollments quickly and accurately. Assists with other benefit plan enrollment procedures as needed.
Maintains Employee Discipline spreadsheet; creates and distributes reports to Supervisors as needed.
Performs and tracks all Motor Vehicle Record checks for Agency and School Program as required.
Assists with the implementation and sustainability of Mary Cariola wellness/wellbeing initiatives as identified.
Interfaces with appropriate supervisors and managers to ensure proper light duty assignments are secured for employees who are returning to work with restrictions/accommodations.
Maintains data in Human Resources Information System (UKG) and Time and Attendance system (Workforce Management) and leave tracking as appropriate and in timely manner, meeting required deadlines.
Maintains working knowledge and keeps current with regulatory changes concerning various leave program laws and regulations.
Provides support to the HR Supervisor for unemployment claims.
As needed/requested, pre-screens direct care candidates from both UKG and Indeed, identifying those to move forward for interview. May communicate with potential candidates to dialogue about the hiring process.
Process and manage background checks for interns, volunteers and new hires.
Provide onboarding backup to the Human Resource Specialist for onboarding appointments.
Understands and uses relevant vendor systems for all required background screening (MetroData, Criminal Background, LENs, etc.).
Interfaces with hiring managers and recruiters with results of background screenings.
Maintains current driving status for all relevant employees and sends monthly lists of drivers to program heads.
Supports the communication of any agency increase or compensation adjustments.
Responsible for turnover reporting and tracking.
Supports HR projects as assigned.
Maintains documentation as required and creates and distributes reports as necessary.
Demonstrates flexible and efficient time management and ability to prioritize workload.
Maintains confidentiality of all Human Resource records and information; ensures that all rules and regulations concerning confidentiality and retention of documents are followed. Adept in understanding HRIS system (UKG) and other vendor technology systems and/or a willingness to learn.
Additional duties as assigned.
Education
Required- Associates or better in Human Resource Administration or related field
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
See All 18 Benefits Specialist Jobs in New York
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Find Benefits Specialist JobsBenefits Specialist Jobs by City in New York
Where New York roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Benefits Specialist Job Market in New York
A snapshot from current New York openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Law & Legal Services
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What New York Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in benefits specialist jobs across New York.
- Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) designation recognized by New York employers
- Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field
- Hands-on experience administering health, dental, vision, and retirement plans
- Working knowledge of ERISA, ACA, and New York State Paid Family Leave regulations
- Proficiency with HRIS platforms such as Workday, SAP, or ADP Workforce Now
- Strong analytical skills for benefits data reporting, auditing, and open enrollment support
Benefits Specialist Jobs in New York: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a benefits specialist in New York?
Most benefits specialist roles in New York require a bachelor's degree in human resources, business, or a related field, followed by experience in HR or benefits administration. New York does not issue a state license for benefits specialists, but the Certified Employee Benefits Specialist designation through the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans is widely expected by New York employers, particularly in financial services and healthcare. Familiarity with New York State Paid Family Leave and New York City-specific leave ordinances gives candidates a meaningful edge.
How much do benefits specialists make in New York?
Benefits specialists in New York earn a median of about $83,200 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $58,740 for the lowest 10% to over $131,110 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire benefits specialists in New York?
Employers hiring benefits specialists in New York right now include DEEL, Meridio, and Parajax, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. New York's high concentration of financial institutions, hospital systems, and global corporate headquarters means hiring is consistent year-round across a wide range of organization sizes.
Which New York cities have the most benefits specialist jobs?
New York, Hauppauge, and Rochester have the most benefits specialist openings in New York. New York City dominates because it is home to the largest concentration of Fortune 500 headquarters, major hospital networks, and financial institutions in the state, while Buffalo and Albany reflect significant healthcare systems and state government employers that maintain dedicated benefits teams.
Are there remote benefits specialist jobs in New York?
Yes, and more than many HR roles, since benefits administration is largely analytical and systems-based work that does not require on-site presence. About 40% of benefits specialist openings tied to New York are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the desk-based nature of the role. Open enrollment support, plan auditing, and vendor management are the functions most frequently offered on a fully remote basis.
How can I get hired as a benefits specialist in New York with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an HR coordinator or HR assistant role at a large New York employer, where benefits administration is part of the broader generalist scope. Major hospital systems such as Northwell Health and NYC Health and Hospitals regularly post HR associate roles that include benefits exposure, and many large financial firms onboard HR professionals into rotational programs that include benefits. Completing the CEBS foundational coursework before applying signals commitment and is a practical differentiator for candidates without direct benefits experience.
Where can I find and apply to benefits specialist jobs in New York?
You can find and apply to benefits specialist jobs in New York on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across New York City, Buffalo, Albany, and the surrounding areas. Find roles that fit your experience and specialization and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 18 Benefits Specialist Jobs in New York
Find roles in New York that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Benefits Specialist Jobs