Specialist - Benefits and Leaves

About the Role

The Benefits and Leave Specialist oversees employee benefits administration and manages leave requests and accommodations that require specialized attention. This includes handling cases under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), state and local laws, workers' compensation, military leave, and short-term or long-term disability plans.

Responsibilities

• Administer the day-to-day operation of benefits programs, ensuring employees receive exceptional service and support.
• Coordinate leave and accommodation claims from intake through resolution in partnership with UNUM, including employee and manager communication, claim tracking, accommodation coordination, pay and benefits coordination, return-to-work planning, and escalation of complex issues.
• Partner with employees, managers, healthcare providers, and third-party administrators to support benefits, leave, disability, and accommodation programs while promoting positive employee experiences and successful return-to-work outcomes.
• Support benefits administration and Total Rewards initiatives, including benefit enrollments, life event changes, COBRA administration, open enrollment activities, and HRIS data maintenance.
• Maintain accurate records, monitor claim activity, ensure compliance with company policies and applicable laws, and identify issues requiring escalation or additional review.
• Support the development and continuous improvement of processes, communications, training materials, and other Total Rewards programs and initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• At least five years of experience in Human Resources, Benefits Administration, Leave Administration, or Employee Relations.
• Experience using an HRIS/HCM platform to administer benefit enrollments, eligibility, life event changes, and open enrollment activities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to help employees understand their benefits and how to access them in plain language.
• Strong desire and ability to drive continuous improvement in processes and outcomes.
• Intermediate to advanced Excel knowledge, including reporting, auditing, and data analysis.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

• CEBS or CBP certification.
• Three or more years of experience administering FMLA and ADA accommodations.
• Three or more years of experience working with third-party leave administrators and insurance carriers.
• Experience leading open enrollment meetings or other training/public speaking experience.
• Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of employment laws and leave-related regulations.

Work Setting & Physical Demands

Employees in this position work primarily indoors but may be required to ambulate between locations within a large outdoor environment. The role is sedentary, however some administrative duties such as filing are required. This would require the ability to lift files, open cabinets, walk, bend, or stand, as necessary.

• Use a computer and other standard office equipment such as phones, copiers, and fax machines.
• Fluency in the English language and the ability to see, speak, hear, read, and write.
• Ability to travel by all means of transportation to meet business needs, such as driving and riding in a golf cart around the facility.
• Work hours may fluctuate to accommodate seasonal work requirements and occasional support and training for evening and/or weekend shift employees.
• The ability to lift up to 35 pounds unassisted is required.