Benefits and Leave Specialist

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Oversee and manage employee benefit programs, which include medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, wellness initiatives, and additional offerings.

• Facilitate benefits office hours for new hires, providing onboarding support and enrollment assistance.

• Keep benefits resources and the knowledge base up to date and well-maintained.

• Lead the annual open enrollment process, which involves system configuration, plan setup, communication, employee education, and enrollment support.

• Act as the primary subject matter expert on benefits for employees.

• Ensure the accuracy of benefit data and maintain data integrity across all systems.

• Manage weekly vendor file interfaces, validate errors, and resolve any discrepancies.

• Collaborate with benefit carriers, vendors, and consultants to improve offerings.

• Partner with internal communications to create employee-facing benefits materials and engagement campaigns.

• Lead the implementation of new benefit programs and enhancements.

• Prepare and analyze reports related to benefits.

• Conduct monthly audits of benefits.

• Complete regulatory reporting, including ACA and 1095 forms.

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local benefit regulations.

• Administer and manage employee leave programs, including FMLA, ADA, STD/LTD, personal leaves, and company-sponsored leave programs.

• Serve as the main contact for employees, managers, HR business partners, Payroll, Employee Relations, and third-party leave administrators.

• Provide support to employees throughout the entire leave lifecycle.

• Track, monitor, and document leaves and accommodations.

• Work with Payroll on leave-related pay and benefits matters.

• Audit leave records for accuracy and compliance.

• Document and track accommodation requests and engage in the interactive process.

• Create and deliver training and communication regarding leave and accommodations.

• Provide support to employees during significant life events.

• Analyze Total Rewards workflows and suggest enhancements.

• Document processes, procedures, and best practices for reference.

• Identify opportunities for improvements in systems, processes, and data flows.

• Contribute to the strategies and operational plans for Total Rewards.

• Develop internal resources, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and training materials.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in benefits administration and leave management.

• Previous experience supporting compensation processes is preferred.

• Strong knowledge of health & welfare benefits, retirement programs, and Total Rewards fundamentals.

• Familiarity with federal, state, and local regulations related to benefits and leave, including ERISA, ACA, FMLA, ADA, and COBRA.

• Excellent organizational and time management abilities.

• Must be flexible and adaptable to the changing needs of the business and timelines.

• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and maintain confidentiality.

• Strong analytical, auditing, and problem-solving skills.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

• Advanced Excel skills are strongly preferred.

• Experience with data reporting or analytics in HRIS or Excel is preferred.

• Familiarity with HRIS and benefits administration systems is preferred.

• Experience collaborating with third-party leave administrators is preferred.

🏝️ Benefits

• Flexible and remote work arrangements.

• A commitment to equity in the workplace.

• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

• Flexible paid time off policy.

• 5% 401K matching program.

• Opportunities for equity participation.

• Incentive and bonus programs available.

• Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave.

• Flexible spending accounts offered.

• Comprehensive health benefits with full funding for base employee coverage.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance included.

• Life insurance provided.

• Short and long-term disability coverage available.

• Income protection benefits included.