Total Rewards Specialist

DEPARTMENT: People Operations 

JOB TITLE: Total Rewards Specialist

JOB CODE: POTRS

REPORTS TO: Total Rewards Manager

FLSA STATUS: Exempt 

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full-Time

JOB PURPOSE: 

The People Partner I – Total Rewards provides administrative and operational support across payroll, benefits, leave administration, and compensation. This role is responsible for accurately processing routine transactions, maintaining employee and system records, completing audits and reconciliations, responding to employee inquiries, and coordinating day-to-day tasks with internal partners and vendors. The position supports timely, consistent, and compliant service delivery by following established procedures, escalating complex matters as appropriate, and assisting with other People Operations administrative needs as assigned. This is an execution-focused role rather than a strategic advisory role.

DEPARTMENTAL EXPECTATION OF EMPLOYEE 

• High level of integrity and confidentiality in handling sensitive employee matters. 
• Adheres to AF Policies, Procedures, IPAAL values, and TRI Model.
• Performs duties as workload necessitates 
• Maintains positive and respectful attitude.
• Open and honest communication with departmental leaders.
• Demonstrates flexible and efficient time management and ability to prioritize workload.

• Consistently reports to work on time to perform duties of the position.
• Meets department documentation/process guidelines.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Payroll Administration

• Process day-to-day and biweekly payroll administration tasks, including reviewing time and attendance information, entering approved changes, and coordinating routine payroll updates.
• Complete payroll audits and reconciliations; research discrepancies and coordinate corrections with the appropriate internal partners or payroll vendor.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and supporting documentation in accordance with established procedures.
• Respond to routine payroll questions and escalate complex or sensitive matters as appropriate.

Benefits Administration

• Process benefit enrollments, qualifying life event changes, terminations, and other routine benefit transactions.
• Support open enrollment through employee communications, system updates, data review, and vendor coordination.
• Audit benefit deductions and invoices, identify discrepancies, and assist with corrections and reconciliation.
• Respond to routine employee benefit questions and coordinate with carriers or vendors when additional support is needed.
• Maintain benefit records, notices, and supporting documentation.

Leave and FMLA Administration

• Provide administrative support for FMLA and other leave processes, including intake, recordkeeping, tracking, and coordination with employees, managers, and the leave administrator.
• Monitor required documentation, deadlines, reported hours, and available leave balances; follow up on missing or inconsistent information.
• Update applicable systems and records to reflect approved leave, return-to-work information, and related changes.

• Respond to routine leave process questions and escalate eligibility, compliance, or employee relations concerns as appropriate.

HRIS, Records, and General Administration

• Maintain accurate employee data and documentation in the HRIS and other People Operations systems.
• Prepare standard and ad hoc reports, complete routine data audits, and correct or escalate identified issues.
• Manage assigned People Operations inboxes, files, forms, trackers, and recurring administrative tasks.
• Document processes and follow established workflows, controls, and service standards.
• Support departmental projects and employee programs through scheduling, data preparation, communications, tracking, and other administrative coordination.
• Perform other duties and administrative tasks as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS 

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Experience providing administrative or operational support in People Operations (HR), payroll, benefits, leave administration, or related functions.
• Strong attention to detail and demonstrated ability to process time-sensitive transactions accurately.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive employee information with discretion.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, ADP – Workforce Now and the ability to learn benefits and leave administration systems.
• Experience with FMLA administration
• Ability to manage recurring tasks, shifting priorities, and deadlines in a remote work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

• Strong organizational, follow-up, written communication, and customer service skills.
• Experience working with benefit carriers, payroll providers, or leave administration vendors.
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local requirements related to payroll, benefits, and leave administration.

Core Competencies and Skills