Specialist - Benefits and Leaves

Position Summary

The Benefits & Leave Specialist serves as a trusted resource for employees and managers by administering leave, accommodation, and benefit programs while providing timely, accurate, and compassionate support. Success in this role requires a hands-on, service-oriented approach, strong follow-through, curiosity, and a passion for solving problems, improving processes, and supporting employees.

Job Description

• Coordinate leave and accommodation cases from intake through resolution in partnership with UNUM, including employee and manager communication, claim tracking, accommodation coordination, pay and benefits administration, return-to-work planning, and escalation of complex issues.
• Partner directly with employees and managers to answer questions, explain leave programs in plain language, and guide them through challenging situations with empathy, professionalism, and confidence.
• Partner with healthcare providers, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators to support leave, disability, accommodation, and benefit programs.
• Support benefits administration and Total Rewards initiatives, including benefit enrollments, life event changes, COBRA administration, open enrollment activities, and HRIS data maintenance.
• Assist with new hire benefits orientations, open enrollment meetings, and employee education sessions to help employees understand and maximize their benefits.

• Maintain accurate employee records and leave documentation, support compliance reporting and audits, and assist with ACA-related tracking and data validation activities.

• Take ownership of improving processes, employee communications, training materials, and program effectiveness by identifying opportunities, solving problems, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Three to five years of experience in Human Resources, Leave Administration, Benefits Administration, Employee Relations, or a related employee-support function.
• Experience providing direct, employee-facing support to employees and managers in an HR, benefits, leave, or employee relations environment.
• Experience using an HRIS/HCM platform to support leave administration, benefits processes, employee record maintenance, ACA compliance, reporting, and data auditing.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain benefits, leave programs, and policies in plain language.
• Demonstrated curiosity, initiative, and problem-solving skills, with a track record of identifying opportunities to improve processes, employee experiences, or program outcomes.
• Intermediate to advanced Excel knowledge, including reporting, auditing, and data analysis.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy, confidentiality, and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• PHR, SHRM-CP, CEBS, CBP, or other relevant HR, benefits, or leave administration certification.
• Experience administering or coordinating FMLA, ADA accommodations, and other protected leave programs.
• Experience working with third-party leave administrators and insurance carriers.
• Experience leading open enrollment meetings, employee training sessions, or other group presentations.
• Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of employment laws, leave regulations, and benefits compliance requirements.

• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of projects, work independently, exercise sound judgment, and identify opportunities to improve employee programs and processes.

Job 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. To perform the job successfully the candidate must be able to use a computer and other standard office equipment such as phones, copiers, fax machines, etc. Fluency in the English language and the ability to see, speak, hear, read, and write are required. The ability to travel by all means of transportation to meet business needs is required, 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.