Benefits Consultant

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in District of Columbia, +4 more states.

📋 Description

• Act as the subject matter expert for leave, disability, and accommodations programs.

• Oversee the complete administration of FMLA, ADA, disability, and workers’ compensation leave programs.

• Ensure adherence to regional, local, and federal regulations.

• Monitor and collaborate in employee support, including concierge services and coordination with external vendors.

• Address intricate benefits issues and provide guidance to employees regarding benefit plan interpretations.

• Work in partnership with senior management, IT, payroll, and change management teams.

• Facilitate leave-of-absence workflows, encompassing offboarding and reasonable accommodations.

• Execute change management initiatives for significant benefits alterations.

• Create and disseminate benefits communications, updating intranet pages, benefits guides, support platforms, and annual state communications.

• Analyze data related to leave, disability, and accommodations to identify trends and enhance program efficacy.

• Utilize AI tools to boost productivity, content engagement, and process enhancements.

• Manage program budgets and review and authorize vendor invoices.

• Investigate and rectify payment discrepancies.

• Supervise business reporting, internal controls, data integrity, and financial precision.

• Manage auditing obligations associated with disability program processes.

• Take responsibility for additional related benefit programs, including life, disability, and survivor support.

⛳️ Requirements

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

• Over 5 years of experience in benefits administration, focusing on leave, disability, and accommodations.

• Extensive knowledge of FMLA, ADA, ERISA, HIPAA, and regional/state-specific leave laws.

• Capability to manage relationships with third-party vendors and external partners.

• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, including VLOOKUP and pivot tables.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, comprising Word, PowerPoint, and Visio.

• Ability to quickly adapt to and effectively use online vendor portals and benefits administration systems.

• Familiarity with HRIS systems such as Workday and case management tools.

• Preferred professional certifications include CEBS, PHR, or SHRM-CP.

• Experience in managing benefits programs within a large, multinational technology organization is preferred.

• Background in leading process improvement initiatives for complex HR programs is preferred.

• Experience with disability plans and coordination of workers’ compensation is preferred.

• Demonstrated use of AI technologies to enhance HR workflows is preferred.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution.

• Paid parental leave.

• Short- and long-term disability coverage.

• Basic life insurance.

• Potential Cisco restricted stock unit grants, subject to eligibility and continued employment.

• 10 paid holidays per full calendar year.

• 1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees.

• 1 paid day off for the employee's birthday.

• Paid year-end holiday shutdown.

• 4 paid days off for personal wellness.

• 16 days of paid vacation per full calendar year for non-exempt employees.

• Flexible vacation time off program with no defined limit for eligible exempt employees, subject to availability and business limitations.

• 80 hours of sick time off provided upon hire and each January 1st thereafter.

• Up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward annually.

• Additional paid time off for critical or emergency family matters.

• Optional 10 paid volunteer days per full calendar year.

• Annual bonuses for non-sales roles, subject to Cisco policies.

• Incentive compensation for sales roles, subject to applicable Cisco plans.