Benefits Specialist

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

📋 Description

• Provide guidance and support to employees regarding their leave of absence and modified work schedule requirements.

• Assist in managing leave requests and accommodations in adherence to federal and state laws.

• Oversee FMLA, CFRA, SDI, PFL, Paid Parental Leave, and other state and federal leave processes across various states.

• Collect and complete necessary documentation, assess leave eligibility, and designate qualifying FMLA leave.

• Manage the return-to-work process for employees.

• Facilitate communication among employees, managers, and integrated partners throughout leave periods.

• Coordinate supplemental pay by integrating benefits with PFL, short-term disability, paid parental leave, sick leave, and vacation.

• Interpret leave laws and clarify their interaction with paid time off, workers’ compensation, and disability benefits.

• Process accommodation requests under the ADA and manage other time-off programs.

• Keep accurate records of leaves and accommodations while ensuring the confidentiality of medical documentation.

• Stay informed about relevant leave and accommodation laws and contribute to policy revisions for compliance.

• Assist with insurance premium billing and collection during unpaid or reduced-pay leaves.

• At the H01.2 level: support the implementation of benefits programs, provide advice on complex benefits policies, research and resolve benefits issues, conduct training and orientation sessions, participate in annual Open Enrollment, analyze audit reports, and generate basic management reports.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business, Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Fundamental knowledge and experience with various employee benefits programs, including application of benefits practices, techniques, standards, processes, and systems.

• Experience in providing benefits information and support to employees and their families.

• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and relevant state and federal laws related to leave management.

• Excellent customer service abilities.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Basic knowledge and experience with automated business tools and specialized applications, including MS Office.

• At the H01.2 level: extensive experience in providing one-on-one and/or group benefits counseling in areas such as retirement, survivor benefits, disability, leave of absence, group insurance plans, or financial savings plans.

• Strong interpersonal skills for advising, counseling, recommending, and making decisions on benefits-related issues.

• Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.

• Ability to work effectively with limited guidance and as a part of a team.

• Experience with online HRIS/benefit data systems.

• External candidates selected for this role must pass a post-offer pre-employment drug test.

• Applicants must be eligible to access the Laboratory in accordance with NDAA Section 3112.

• Assignments extending beyond 179 days will require a federal background investigation.

🏝️ Benefits

• Flexible Benefits Package.

• 401(k) plan.

• Relocation Assistance.

• Education Reimbursement Program.

• Flexible work schedules (subject to project needs).

• Employee Referral Bonus: Not applicable.

• Career Indefinite position.