Leave & Benefits Specialist

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

📋 Description

• Manage employee leave programs, which include FMLA, ADA, state paid family and medical leave, pregnancy and parental leave, military leave, and jury duty or other statutory leaves.

• Evaluate medical certifications and accompanying documentation.

• Facilitate the interactive process for workplace accommodations in collaboration with HR leadership.

• Create leave designation notices, approval and denial letters, documentation for accommodations, and communication for return-to-work.

• Monitor leave balances, return-to-work dates, recertifications, and follow-ups on leave.

• Work with Payroll to address leave pay, benefit deductions, premium payments, and timekeeping matters.

• Provide guidance to employees and managers on leave expectations, required documentation, and subsequent steps.

• Oversee medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, HSA, and retirement plans.

• Manage new-hire enrollments, qualifying life events, terminations, and the annual Open Enrollment process.

• Keep employee benefit records updated in Paylocity/B-swift, benefits platforms, and carrier portals.

• Liaise with insurance carriers and vendors to resolve issues related to eligibility, enrollment, and claims.

• Draft benefit communications, organize employee meetings, and develop educational materials.

• Assist with ACA reporting, benefits audits, and compliance-related initiatives.

• Safeguard confidential medical and benefits records and stay informed on legislative changes.

• Aid in HR audits and fulfill documentation requests.

• Create and sustain SOPs, templates, and resources for employees.

• Suggest improvements for processes.

• Provide general HR support, address employee inquiries, update employee records, and contribute to team initiatives.

• Adhere to HIPAA regulations and 42 CFR Part 2.

• Ensure confidentiality and maintain consistent attendance.

• Undertake additional projects and responsibilities as assigned.

⛳️ Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in administering employee leave programs, including FMLA, ADA, and various federal/state-specific leave types.

• Solid understanding of HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, and other employment regulations.

• At least 2 years of direct experience with benefits administration.

• Knowledge of multi-state leave laws and compliance requirements is preferred.

• Strong understanding of FMLA, ADA, HIPAA, and state-specific leave mandates.

• Capability to interpret and apply employment laws and company policies effectively.

• Proficiency in HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Teams, and Excel.

• Excellent skills in time management, problem-solving, critical thinking, judgment, attention to detail, organization, written and verbal communication, and customer service.

• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion.

• Capacity to work independently and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

• Must be reliable and trustworthy.

• Must have a dedicated home office setup and reliable high-speed internet access.

• Availability during core business hours and flexibility to accommodate multiple time zones.

• A quiet, professional home office environment is essential.

• Familiarity with Paylocity and/or Pulpstream is preferred.

• PHR, aPHR, SHRM, or other HR certifications are preferred.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive employee benefits administration, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, HSA, and retirement plans.

• Paid family and medical leave programs.

• Maternity and parental leave provisions.

• Military leave options.

• Jury duty and other statutory leave support.

• Assistance with workplace accommodations.

• Annual Open Enrollment opportunities.

• Remote work flexibility.

• Dedicated home office setup.

• Reliable high-speed internet access.

• Occasional travel for team meetings or special projects.

• Opportunities for professional development through HR and benefits certifications encouraged by the employer.