Benefits Manager Jobs for OPT Students
Benefits Manager jobs are open to F-1 OPT students with degrees in human resources, business administration, or a related field. Most roles qualify as specialty occupations for H-1B sponsorship. Your 12-month OPT window, or 24-month STEM extension if eligible, gives you time to prove your value and secure long-term sponsorship.
See All Benefits Manager JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 272+ Benefits Manager jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 272+ Benefits Manager jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Benefits Manager roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
We want you to join our team! We need deeply compassionate, committed, and highly talented staff. The Woods System of Care is a health management organization transforming how care is delivered to individuals with behavioral and emotional challenges, intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and medical complexities. We are committed to helping them achieve their highest potential and independence through innovative and individualized approaches that promote learning and personal fulfillment.
BENEFITS
- Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
- Life and Disability Insurance
- PTO - Paid time off
- On-site FREE medical center
- 403b retirement plan
- Continuing education programs
- Tuition-assisted program
- Career growth opportunities
SALARY
Starting at $80000 / annually - depending on education / experience.
JOB SUMMARY
The Benefits Manager oversees all benefit related matters concerning Woods System of Care employees.
- Participates in benefit proposals/plan assessments for Agency Open Enrollments
- Schedules, organizes and conducts Open Enrollment periods, including education, enrollment, assistance and necessary follow-up
- Evaluates plan performance, cost analysis and usage trends to optimize offerings
- Initiates on-going eligible employees enrollment in all lines of benefits including medical, dental and vision coverage, including obtaining proper supporting documentation and required documentation for those opting to waive coverage
- Schedules, coordinates and promotes educational meetings associated with all lines of employee benefits
- Initiates eligible employee participation in 403(b) Plans
- Follows-up and transmission of benefits files to vendors for timely enrollment and required deduction(s)
- Responsible for on-going Affordable Care Act compliance, as well as annual auditing for generating 1095C Forms and filing 1094C Forms to the IRS
- Collaborates for annual completion and submission of 5500s as needed
- Provides guidance and escalation support for complex employee benefits inquiries and claims issues
- Schedules and hosts meetings for ongoing staff education
- Coordinates and schedules annual Broker meeting for retirement plans review to ensure Plans are operating effectively and maintains appropriate minutes as needed
- Maintenance of 403(b) Plans as needed and participation in annual audits
- Oversees the process for employee requests for Family and Medical Leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act
- Ensures compliance under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
- Oversees the interactive process under the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Ensures compliance regarding Medicare regulations
- Administration of New Jersey Sick Leave
- Completion and audit of bi-weekly payroll file for changes/maintenance
- Audits invoices for accuracy and initiates requisitions for payment for benefits such as medical, dental, life insurance, Employee Assistance Program
- Responsible for maintaining on-going training related to State and Federal changes to ensure compliance with benefit administration
- Distributes approved Tuition Reimbursement Applications and receives supporting/required documentation to execute eligible payments
- Responsible for scanning and indexing documentation for various HR files to be maintained in database
- Provides follow-up on all outstanding documentation to ensure that required information for Personnel Files is received timely, is accurate and up-to-date
- Conducts audits, at least quarterly, to ensure department compliance and consistency
- Assists in maintaining, educating and applying Agency HR Policies
- Oversees necessary payroll database maintenance
- Assists employees with benefit and leave related requests
- Supervises and coaches a team of Generalists that are responsible for the administration of benefits across the system of care
- Acts as the subject matter expert for all things related to benefits, retirement plans, leaves and compliance
- Individual must maintain confidentiality of all subject matter as appropriate
- Assists Director and Vice President, Employee Support Services as needed
- Other duties as assigned
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required.
Minimum of 4 years of progressive HR experience required, with at least 2 years of experience leading or managing benefits and leave functions.
Experience in process design, system implementation (HCM/HRIS), and multi-site or affiliate-based organizations strongly preferred. Supervisory experience preferred.
Employee must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to drive to various across the system of care.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
- Working knowledge of Federal, Pennsylvania and New Jersey labor and employment laws and regulations, including relevant regulations like ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA and ACA, ADA, PWFA, FMLA.
- Strong computer competence with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and HR technology systems.
- Ability to operate a copier, fax, scanner and telephone.
- Ability to concentrate, to have initiative, to cope with stress and use independent judgment to accomplish results.
- Must demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Must be able to sit, stand, bend, push pull and lift up to 20 pounds.
- Sits for extended periods to input information.
- Cognitive, verbal, and manual skills necessary.
- Hearing and visual acuity necessary; corrective devices are acceptable.
- Must be able to work under required deadline schedules, while being flexible to special requests and projects.
- Must be able to professionally handle stressful situations.
ABOUT WOODS SYSTEM OF CARE
Woods System of Care (WSOC) is a forward-thinking nonprofit population health management organization transforming how care is delivered to individuals with behavioral and emotional challenges, intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and medical complexities. As a dynamic network of 12 affiliate agencies, WSOC champions a holistic, life cycle-oriented model of care that meets clients where they are, while driving innovation in access, outcomes, and cross-sector collaboration.
At WSOC, we value creativity, teamwork, continuous learning, and bold ideas that redefine what’s possible in integrated care. Our staff are mission-driven professionals who continually expand their expertise through professional development, conferences, and thought leadership opportunities.
Our diverse services include integrated healthcare, behavioral health, residential care, community-based programs, vocational services, crisis response, substance use services, special education, and supportive case management — delivering a truly comprehensive and remarkable safety net for our region’s most vulnerable.
INTRODUCTION
We want you to join our team! We need deeply compassionate, committed, and highly talented staff. The Woods System of Care is a health management organization transforming how care is delivered to individuals with behavioral and emotional challenges, intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and medical complexities. We are committed to helping them achieve their highest potential and independence through innovative and individualized approaches that promote learning and personal fulfillment.
BENEFITS
- Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
- Life and Disability Insurance
- PTO - Paid time off
- On-site FREE medical center
- 403b retirement plan
- Continuing education programs
- Tuition-assisted program
- Career growth opportunities
SALARY
Starting at $80000 / annually - depending on education / experience.
JOB SUMMARY
The Benefits Manager oversees all benefit related matters concerning Woods System of Care employees.
- Participates in benefit proposals/plan assessments for Agency Open Enrollments
- Schedules, organizes and conducts Open Enrollment periods, including education, enrollment, assistance and necessary follow-up
- Evaluates plan performance, cost analysis and usage trends to optimize offerings
- Initiates on-going eligible employees enrollment in all lines of benefits including medical, dental and vision coverage, including obtaining proper supporting documentation and required documentation for those opting to waive coverage
- Schedules, coordinates and promotes educational meetings associated with all lines of employee benefits
- Initiates eligible employee participation in 403(b) Plans
- Follows-up and transmission of benefits files to vendors for timely enrollment and required deduction(s)
- Responsible for on-going Affordable Care Act compliance, as well as annual auditing for generating 1095C Forms and filing 1094C Forms to the IRS
- Collaborates for annual completion and submission of 5500s as needed
- Provides guidance and escalation support for complex employee benefits inquiries and claims issues
- Schedules and hosts meetings for ongoing staff education
- Coordinates and schedules annual Broker meeting for retirement plans review to ensure Plans are operating effectively and maintains appropriate minutes as needed
- Maintenance of 403(b) Plans as needed and participation in annual audits
- Oversees the process for employee requests for Family and Medical Leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act
- Ensures compliance under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
- Oversees the interactive process under the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Ensures compliance regarding Medicare regulations
- Administration of New Jersey Sick Leave
- Completion and audit of bi-weekly payroll file for changes/maintenance
- Audits invoices for accuracy and initiates requisitions for payment for benefits such as medical, dental, life insurance, Employee Assistance Program
- Responsible for maintaining on-going training related to State and Federal changes to ensure compliance with benefit administration
- Distributes approved Tuition Reimbursement Applications and receives supporting/required documentation to execute eligible payments
- Responsible for scanning and indexing documentation for various HR files to be maintained in database
- Provides follow-up on all outstanding documentation to ensure that required information for Personnel Files is received timely, is accurate and up-to-date
- Conducts audits, at least quarterly, to ensure department compliance and consistency
- Assists in maintaining, educating and applying Agency HR Policies
- Oversees necessary payroll database maintenance
- Assists employees with benefit and leave related requests
- Supervises and coaches a team of Generalists that are responsible for the administration of benefits across the system of care
- Acts as the subject matter expert for all things related to benefits, retirement plans, leaves and compliance
- Individual must maintain confidentiality of all subject matter as appropriate
- Assists Director and Vice President, Employee Support Services as needed
- Other duties as assigned
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required.
Minimum of 4 years of progressive HR experience required, with at least 2 years of experience leading or managing benefits and leave functions.
Experience in process design, system implementation (HCM/HRIS), and multi-site or affiliate-based organizations strongly preferred. Supervisory experience preferred.
Employee must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to drive to various across the system of care.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
- Working knowledge of Federal, Pennsylvania and New Jersey labor and employment laws and regulations, including relevant regulations like ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA and ACA, ADA, PWFA, FMLA.
- Strong computer competence with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and HR technology systems.
- Ability to operate a copier, fax, scanner and telephone.
- Ability to concentrate, to have initiative, to cope with stress and use independent judgment to accomplish results.
- Must demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Must be able to sit, stand, bend, push pull and lift up to 20 pounds.
- Sits for extended periods to input information.
- Cognitive, verbal, and manual skills necessary.
- Hearing and visual acuity necessary; corrective devices are acceptable.
- Must be able to work under required deadline schedules, while being flexible to special requests and projects.
- Must be able to professionally handle stressful situations.
ABOUT WOODS SYSTEM OF CARE
Woods System of Care (WSOC) is a forward-thinking nonprofit population health management organization transforming how care is delivered to individuals with behavioral and emotional challenges, intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and medical complexities. As a dynamic network of 12 affiliate agencies, WSOC champions a holistic, life cycle-oriented model of care that meets clients where they are, while driving innovation in access, outcomes, and cross-sector collaboration.
At WSOC, we value creativity, teamwork, continuous learning, and bold ideas that redefine what’s possible in integrated care. Our staff are mission-driven professionals who continually expand their expertise through professional development, conferences, and thought leadership opportunities.
Our diverse services include integrated healthcare, behavioral health, residential care, community-based programs, vocational services, crisis response, substance use services, special education, and supportive case management — delivering a truly comprehensive and remarkable safety net for our region’s most vulnerable.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Benefits Manager
Target employers with HR infrastructure
Large and mid-size companies with dedicated HR departments are far more likely to sponsor Benefits Managers than small businesses. Look for organizations with 500 or more employees, where benefits administration is a defined, ongoing function requiring specialized expertise.
Emphasize your specialty occupation fit
Benefits Manager roles qualify as H-1B specialty occupations when a degree in HR, business, or finance is a genuine requirement. Make sure your resume connects your specific degree field to the technical demands of the role, not just general business experience.
Get SHRM certified before applying
A SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credential signals professional seriousness and strengthens your specialty occupation case for future H-1B sponsorship. Many employers see certification as a proxy for long-term commitment, which matters when they're evaluating sponsorship risk.
Raise sponsorship early in the process
Bring up OPT work authorization and your sponsorship timeline in the first substantive conversation with a recruiter. This filters out employers unwilling to sponsor and saves both parties time before an offer is extended and expectations are set.
Highlight compliance and regulatory knowledge
Benefits Managers must navigate ERISA, ACA, and FMLA compliance. Demonstrating familiarity with U.S. benefits regulations in your cover letter and interviews signals you can handle the role's legal complexity, which strengthens your case for employer investment in sponsorship.
Build relationships in total rewards teams
Many Benefits Manager hires come through internal referrals within compensation and total rewards functions. Connecting with benefits analysts and HR operations professionals in your network can surface sponsorship-friendly openings before they are posted publicly.
Benefits Manager jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Benefits Manager JobsSee all 272+ Benefits Manager jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Benefits Manager roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do Benefits Manager jobs qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes. Benefits Manager roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT when they are directly related to your degree field, such as human resources, business administration, or finance. Your employment must be at least 20 hours per week and in a role that USCIS would recognize as consistent with your major area of study.
Can F-1 OPT students get H-1B sponsorship for Benefits Manager roles?
Benefits Manager positions generally meet the H-1B specialty occupation standard because the role requires at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field like HR or business. Employers with established HR and legal teams are most likely to sponsor. Search Migrate Mate to find Benefits Manager openings at companies with a demonstrated history of sponsoring OPT workers.
Do Benefits Manager jobs qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
Most Benefits Manager roles do not qualify for the STEM extension on their own because HR and business administration are not STEM-designated fields. However, if your undergraduate degree was in a STEM field and the Benefits Manager role involves significant data analytics, compensation modeling, or HR technology, a case could be made. Verify your degree's CIP code against the official STEM OPT list with your DSO.
What types of employers are most likely to sponsor Benefits Managers on OPT?
Employers in healthcare, financial services, technology, and professional services tend to have the HR infrastructure and legal resources needed to support OPT and H-1B sponsorship for Benefits Managers. Companies with 500 or more employees and a dedicated total rewards or benefits function are the strongest candidates. Smaller organizations rarely have the bandwidth or experience to manage sponsorship.
When should I start looking for Benefits Manager jobs on OPT?
Begin your search at least three to four months before your OPT start date. Benefits Manager roles often involve longer hiring timelines due to seniority and compliance responsibilities. Starting early gives you time to find sponsorship-friendly employers without the pressure of an expiring authorization window. Migrate Mate filters jobs by OPT eligibility, which makes the process more efficient.
See which Benefits Manager employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Benefits Manager Jobs