Benefits and Leave Specialist

About the role

We're seeking a detail oriented, service driven Benefits & Leave subject matter expert who will play a critical role in the day-to-day administration of our employee benefits and leave programs. This person will ensure accuracy, compliance, and a seamless employee experience from enrollment and life event changes to leave management and everything in between.

Responsibilities

• Own and coordinate the day-to-day administration of employee benefits programs, including enrollments, qualified life event changes, terminations, leave and disability claims, COBRA administration, and other related benefits activities as needed.
• Administer all leave of absence programs (FMLA, state leaves, personal leaves, disability-related leaves) including tracking, documentation, employee communication, vendor coordination, and return-to-work processing.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees regarding benefits questions, coverage issues, eligibility, plan rules, and claim resolution.
• Maintain and update employee benefit information in the HRIS and benefits administration systems, ensuring data accuracy, system integrity, and timely processing of deductions and enrollments.
• Care for the coordination of benefits data to external vendors for eligibility files, payroll deductions, premiums, contributions, and plan administration.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and partner with internal/external teams to resolve system errors or discrepancies.
• Generate and review regular benefits reports, audits, and reconciliations to ensure accurate billing, contributions, and enrollment data.
• Act as the operational liaison with benefits vendors and third-party administrators, escalating issues when needed to the Chief People Officer.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state regulations (ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125, etc.) and maintain required benefits documentation, including notices, summaries, and other compliance materials.
• Support annual open enrollment activities including system testing, file preparation, materials distribution, and assisting employees with enrollment questions.
• Identify opportunities to improve day-to-day processes, increase efficiency, and enhance the employee experience.
• Assist with benefits communications, employee education materials, and onboarding support.
• Process monthly benefit invoices, verify accuracy, reconcile discrepancies, and prepare payments for finance approval.
• Maintain benefits files, audits, and documentation for compliance, accuracy, and internal reporting.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Experience

• Meticulous, detail-oriented, and highly organized
• Able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong administrative and coordination skills
• Solid technical aptitude with HRIS, benefits systems, file feeds, and data auditing
• Knowledge of benefits regulations, plan rules, and compliance requirements (ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, etc.)
• A solutions-oriented approach, with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues
• Bachelor’s degree required with degree in human resources, business administration, or related field preferred
• At least 3–5 years of hands-on benefits and/or leave administration experience
• Strong technical experience with HRIS and benefits systems (ADP a plus)
• Previous healthcare or HR operations experience preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft and Google productivity tools