Benefits Specialist

Under general direction, the Benefits Specialist oversees the administration and management of all types of leaves, including short-term disability (STD), long-term disability (LTD), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), California Family Rights Act (CFRA), California paid leave, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), military leaves, and other leave types. This role also performs a variety of human resource functions within benefits administration.

Responsibilities

• Leave Administration:
  • Administer all employee leave programs, including FMLA, ADA, parental leave, medical leave, personal leave, and other leave types.
  • Manage full-cycle reasonable accommodation processes in collaboration with HR and legal teams.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for employees and managers regarding leave eligibility, documentation requirements, and return-to-work procedures.
  • Coordinate with HR, payroll, benefits, and third-party leave administrators to ensure accurate leave processing.
  • Maintain up-to-date and confidential records of leave requests, approvals, and communications.
  • Track leave balances, pay time reporting, timelines, and deadlines; provide regular updates to management.
  • Assist in developing and updating leave-related policies, procedures, and employee communications.
  • Conduct audits to ensure leave records are accurate and compliant.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local leave laws, as well as company policies.
• Benefit Administration:
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefits inquiries, providing guidance and support.
  • Maintain and update benefits data within the HRIS system; ensure accurate recordkeeping and reporting.
  • Support the preparation and distribution of required benefits documentation (Summary Plan Descriptions, compliance notices, benefits statements).
  • Support audits, filings, and other regulatory reporting requirements.
  • Assist in planning and executing annual open enrollment, including employee communication, website, and system updates.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, etc.).
  • Serve as backup for daily administration of a designated benefit plan portfolio, such as health, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance, FSA/HSA, disability, and wellness programs.
  • Serve as backup for billing and invoicing.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree. (Two years of full-time experience in the same/similar position is equivalent to one year of completed post-high school education coursework.)
• One year of experience in HR leave administration, benefits administration, or a related HR function.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong working knowledge of leave administration and laws (e.g., STD, LTD, FMLA, CFRA, and related job protection rights laws).
• Excellent customer service skills with strong compassion and empathy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task to meet deadlines.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Banner and Argos experience.
• Positive attitude, proven ability to work successfully with diverse populations, and demonstrated commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity and inclusion.
• Experience and sensitivity in working with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Demonstrated experience in advancing social justice, equity, and inclusion in a university setting.
• Ability to engage and integrate culturally responsive practices and knowledge in their work.

Schedule

Work performed during standard business hours. Additional time may be required to meet business needs and deadlines.