Leave & Benefits Specialist
Overview
Foley & Lardner LLP is a dynamic law firm committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where employees can thrive. Our firm values diversity, innovation, and excellence, and we believe that every individual brings unique strengths and perspectives that contribute to our success.
Responsibilities
Administer leave of absence and salary replacement programs, including FMLA, state and local leave programs, personal, military, bereavement, short-term disability, paid parental leave, PTO, and vacation.
Advise employees, HR, and leadership on eligibility, policy interpretation, and process.
Manage leave cases end-to-end, from initial request through return-to-work/closure, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Act as primary liaison with third-party leave and disability vendors, monitoring case activity, resolving escalations, and ensuring timely and accurate communication and claim processing.
Escalate issues to the Benefits Manager or Sr Manager, Benefits & Compensation as necessary.
Coordinate leave-related impacts across employee relations, payroll, benefits, and operations, including pay calculations, benefits continuation, premium handling, and billable hour considerations.
Monitor regulatory developments and assess impact to leave programs, contributing to policy updates, process enhancements, and compliance initiatives.
Support annual Open Enrollment activities, including system testing, data validation, employee communications, and issue resolution.
Develop and deliver training for managers and HR partners on leave of absence and benefits processes, including roles, responsibilities, and key compliance considerations.
Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree required
Minimum of three (3) years of related experience with day-to-day administration of all health and welfare benefits as well as leave administration to include FMLA, Short Term Disability and Leaves of Absence required
Previous HRIS experience strongly preferred