Benefits & Leaves Specialist

Summary: 

The Benefits & Leave Specialist is responsible for administering team member benefits programs, managing leaves of absence, and coordinating workers’ compensation processes to ensure compliance, accuracy, and a positive people experience. This role partners closely with team members, managers, insurance carriers, third-party administrators, and internal stakeholders to support benefits enrollment, leave administration, workplace injury claims, and accommodations. 

Benefits

• Pay Day every Friday (salary range $81,000 to $95,000)
• Medical & Dental Benefits
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays (7 per year)
• Regular Performance Appraisals and Wage Reviews
• Employee Discount for employee and immediate family.
• Using the Taco Time App, employees can purchase up to $40 worth of Taco Time food, 3 times per week (during non-prime hours)

Essential Functions and Key Position Accountabilities 

• Benefits Administration
  • Oversee day-to-day administration of all benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plans, wellness initiatives, and voluntary benefits.
  • Lead the design and execution of annual Open Enrollment, including system configuration, employee communications, and vendor coordination.
  • Ensure accurate and timely benefits data management, compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and state-specific regulations.
  • Manage benefit vendors, brokers, and third-party administrators, ensuring service level agreements and team member experience standards are met.
  • Develop and deliver clear, engaging communication materials to promote understanding and utilization of benefits programs.
  • Monitor benefits trends, utilization data, and program effectiveness, providing insights and recommendations to leadership.
  • Champion team member well-being initiatives (physical, mental, financial) and foster a culture of wellness.
• Leave & Accommodation Management
  • Coordinate leaves of absence including FMLA, ADA, state/paid leave programs, and other statutory leaves.
  • Track leave balances, submit required notices, and maintain compliance with federal and state regulations.
  • Partner with team members, managers, and providers to facilitate smooth return-to-work processes.
  • Coordinate the interactive process for team member accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Workers’ Compensation Management
  • Manage all workers’ compensation claims from initial report through resolution, including communication with team members, managers, and third-party administrator.
  • Ensure proper documentation, reporting, and compliance with state and federal regulations.
  • When applicable, administer SAW and KOS for workers’ comp claims.
  • Partner with Safety/Operations teams to identify and mitigate workplace risks.
  • Support return-to-work programs and accommodations as needed.
• Special Projects
  • Lead or support cross-functional People & Culture initiatives such as systems management/integrations, policy development, or process improvement.
  • Collaborate with P&C leadership on strategic projects that enhance team member experience and operational efficiency.
  • Conduct research, gather data, and prepare reports to support decision-making and compliance.
  • Performs other related duties and projects as assigned by Manager.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION

1. A Bachelor’s degree in human resources management, or related, is preferred. 
2. Relevant work experience can be considered and substituted for academic requirements. 

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION

1. PHR designation, SHRM-CP or equivalent preferred.

EXPERIENCE

1. Minimum of three years’ experience in benefits administration.
2. Minimum of three years' experience in leave administration, completion of specialized certification or training on FMLA/leave administration preferred.
3. Solid understanding of employment laws and regulations including ADA, FMLA, HIPAA, ERISA, and workers' compensation laws.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Demonstrated experience administering complex benefits and leave processes accurately and independently.
• Ability to work in a fast paced and at times ambiguous environment. 
• Solution oriented and proactive in identifying issues.
• Strong relationship building and interpersonal skills, i.e., diplomacy, consideration, sensitivity, confidentiality, and the ability to collaborate with employees at all levels.
• Excellent written and verbal skills.
• Highly organized, dependable, and able to maintain accuracy under deadlines and shifting priorities.
• Ability to work successfully as a team member and independently.
• Intermediate to advanced skills in Outlook, Word, Excel, MS Project, Power Point, and other comparable software programs.
• Skill working with an HRIS system (ADP Workforce NOW preferred)
• Knowledge of various types of benefits plans, including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, life, FSA, and voluntary benefit programs.
• Knowledge of COBRA, and ability to administer effectively and in compliance with regulations
• Knowledge and experience with application of health and welfare regulations including but not limited to HIPAA, ACA, GINA, ADA(AA), ERISA
• Strong understanding of federal and WA state leave and benefits regulations (FMLA, ADA, ERISA, WAPFML etc.), with the ability to interpret and apply policy accurately and consistently.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain strict confidentiality.