The Benefits and Leave Manager plays a critical role in administering and managing employee benefits programs and leave policies within the organization. This position requires a deep understanding of employee benefits regulations, including healthcare, retirement, disability, and other related programs, as well as expertise in managing various types of leave such as vacation, sick leave, and parental leave. Manage a team of benefits and leave specialists.

The Benefits and Leave Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring that employees receive competitive benefits packages and have access to the leave they need while maintaining compliance with relevant regulations. This position requires a combination of technical expertise, attention to detail, and excellent interpersonal skills to effectively manage benefits programs and leave policies for the organization.

Responsibilities:

Benefits Administration:

• Oversee the administration of employee benefits programs, including health insurance, dental and vision plans, retirement plans, life insurance, and other voluntary benefits.

• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations governing benefits programs, such as ERISA, ACA, and HIPAA.
• Coordinate open enrollment periods, communicating benefit options to employees, and assisting them with enrollment processes.
• Handle inquiries from employees regarding their benefits coverage, claims, and eligibility

Leave Management:

• Drives the development of system strategy for leave and accommodation programs in partnership with Director
• Develop, implement, and manage policies and procedures related to various types of leave, including vacation, sick leave, personal leave, and parental leave.
• Accountable for the decision-making process for determining leave and accommodation eligibility under federal and state laws and Company policies
• Responsible for the efficiency of leave management and the coordination of leaves with all applicable departments, such as Operations and Risk Management.
• Respond to claims and attend hearings related to disability matters with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and other federal and/or local agencies
• Respond to inquiries related to unemployment insurance matters and disability/leave claims
• Oversees leave of absence and accommodations programs for all locations, providing subject matter expertise and leadership for the Human Resources department
• Maintain leave records and ensure leave programs comply with federal and state legal and regulatory requirements; recommends changes to leave programs based on legislative changes and business trends
• Interfaces with internal contacts and third-party leave administrator to follow up and resolve any eligibility and/or paperwork questions or concerns; manages leave consulting and vendor relationships;
• Partners with Management, third party vendors, and team members to process requests for accommodation
• Process leave requests, ensuring accurate documentation and adherence to company policies and legal requirements.
• Provide guidance and support to employees and managers on leave-related matters, including eligibility, entitlements, and return-to-work processes
• May coordinate return to work process with department manager, scheduling, training, and other areas as needed with regards to accommodation

Compliance and Reporting:

• Stay abreast of changes in benefits and leave regulations, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Prepare and submit required reports to regulatory agencies, such as Form 5500 filings for retirement plans or ACA reporting.
• Conduct periodic audits of benefits and leave records to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Stays current on new leave laws and regulations; revises internal forms and makes recommendations on policy changes and communications as necessary
• Develops and generates reports to analyze leave data and trends to ensure the company is positioned well in both Leave of Absence and Unemployment Insurance (UI) administration

Vendor Management:

• Manage relationships with benefits vendors, including insurers, third-party administrators, and other service providers.
• Evaluate vendor performance, negotiate contracts, and recommend changes or enhancements to benefits programs as needed.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for benefits vendors, resolving issues and escalating concerns as necessary.

Employee Education and Communication:

• Provide content and partner with internal communications to deliver employee communications related to benefits programs, leave policies, and any changes or updates.
• Conduct informational sessions or workshops to educate employees on their benefits options, leave entitlements, and related topics.
• Provide personalized assistance to employees with questions or concerns about their benefits or leave benefits.
• Oversees leave communications and training for leadership and colleagues; assists with the creation and facilitation of training regarding the leaves policies and procedures
• Establishes and maintains strong, collaborative relationships within cross-functional work teams (i.e., Payroll, HR, Benefits, Operations, Risk Management, etc.) to ensure a coordinated and cohesive work effort and consistent approach to managing policies and procedures; routinely interfaces with manager/supervisor, and external 3rd party administrators;

Department Management:

• Partners with Director to provide financial oversight of the department
• Partners with third party administrator to provide ongoing department summary reports, and trend reports
• Manages, coaches, mentors, and directs the activities of staff members

Performs other duties as assigned