Associate Benefits Consultant (HR)

At Franklin Templeton, we’re advancing our industry forward by developing new and innovative ways to help our clients achieve their investment goals. Our dynamic firm spans asset management, wealth management, and fintech, offering many ways to help investors make progress toward their goals. Our talented teams working around the globe bring expertise that’s both broad and unique. From our welcoming, inclusive, and flexible culture to our global and diverse business, we provide opportunities to help you reach your potential while helping our clients reach theirs. Come join us in delivering better outcomes for our clients around the world! About the department The Global Benefits team is part of Global Total Rewards and is responsible for the implementation and administration of employee benefits and services including Health & Welfare benefits, time off, and other employee programs/offerings. What is the Associate Benefits Consultant responsible for? Manage all US, Bahamas and Latin America leave of absences and intermittent Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) partnering with outsourced administrator to ensure compliance with company policies and Federal/State regulations (FMLA, CFRA, PFL, and ADA). Function as liaison between employee, their leader, internal HR partners, and vendor to problem-solve and provide guidance for escalated and complex claims. Collaborate with HR partners and employees’ leaders on return to work, accommodation requests and unauthorized time off. Coordinate company paid time off programs, and integration with state paid family leave benefits, with payroll. Develop and provide ad hoc reports for analysis to business units and senior leaders as needed. How you will add value Leave of Absence Administration Manage the day-to-day administration, including directing and guiding management of complex LOA cases. Interprets policies and procedures to ensure leaves are administered consistently and in compliance with federal and state regulations and company policies. Research and analyze Federal and State regulatory changes to ensure company leave policies and corresponding LOA and Intermittent FMLA packets are up to date and compliant. Collaborate on the development and implementation of policies/procedures (new and updates to current) Perform monthly audits to monitor leave status and identify when to draft and send leave of absence exhaust letters. Collaborate with internal partners on non-standard LOA and intermittent FMLA, including analysis of case history, review of accommodation requests and recommendations on next steps. Manage unauthorized time off and Return to Work process (including maintaining a weekly LOA/Intermittent FMLA report to identify action items for RTW, exhaust letter generation) Maintain internal leave tracking and HR system, calculate partial wage percentages for integration with paid family leave benefits which varies by state and coordinate paid time off with payroll. Partner with payroll benefit premium arrears process to ensure fiscal responsibility is met. Complete verification requests from the applicable agencies for employees receiving Short Term Disability or Paid Family Leave benefits through a State program. As needed, prepare ad hoc reports for analysis to internal HR partners and business units based on their needs. Examples include individual usage, specific department trends, etc. General Benefits Administration Function as a liaison for employees and vendors to resolve escalated employee eligibility and claim issues. Calculate and process benefit invoices as needed. Assist employees with benefits questions and procedures as well as mid-year enrollments/changes for health insurance and other benefits. Ensure MyFT is reviewed and updated on an on-going basis. Time off Policy and Procedures Includes but not limited to leave of absence, sick time, vacation, BEN time, bereavement: Provides support with the development and implementation of policies/procedures (new and updates to current), partnering with various HR groups as necessary. Assist with the communication of changes which includes notification to client facing groups, Business Units, HRD and any other applicable party, updating materials and the company intranet site. Voluntary Benefits/Discounts Work with Discounts and Conveniences vendor on implementation and maintenance of discount offerings. Work with voluntary benefits vendors on coordination of offerings and payroll deductions. Additional duties as assigned Lead special projects as needed (e.g., open enrollment; assistance with rollout of new programs; and work on HR and Benefits-related initiatives) Develop and lead employee and leader training sessions on assorted topics as needed (e.g., LOA and Benefits-related initiatives) What will help you be successful in this role? Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent experience required Experience in Leave of Absence Administration including multi-state law and administration preferred. General benefits knowledge is desirable. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Experience using Workday or similar HR information systems Ability to navigate HR systems for reporting, tracking, and data management This role is based in St Petersburg, FL and will work a hybrid schedule. Franklin Templeton offers employees a competitive and valuable range of total rewards—monetary and non-monetary — designed to support their well-being and recognize their time, talents, and results. Along with base compensation, employees are eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, a 401(k) plan with a generous match, and recognition rewards. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a range of competitive healthcare options, insurance, and disability benefits, employee stock investment program, learning resources, career development programs, reimbursement for certain education expenses, paid time off (vacation / holidays / sick / leave / parental & caregiving leave / bereavement / volunteering / floating holidays) and a motivational wellbeing program. We expect the annual salary for this position to range between $68,000 - $75,000, depending on location and level of relevant experience, plus discretionary bonus. #ASSOCIATE #LI-Hybrid Experience our welcoming culture and reach your professional and personal potential! Our culture is shaped by the variety of perspectives and experiences brought by talent from around the world. Regardless of your interests, lifestyle, or background, there’s a place for you at Franklin Templeton. We provide employees with the tools, resources, and learning opportunities to help them excel in their career and personal life. By joining us, you will become part of a culture that focuses on employee well-being and provides multidimensional support for a positive and healthy lifestyle. We understand that benefits are at the core of employee well-being and may vary depending on individual needs. Whether you need support for maintaining your physical and mental health, saving for life’s adventures, taking care of your family members, or making a positive impact in your community, we aim to have your needs covered. Learn more about the wide range of benefits we offer at Franklin Templeton. Highlights of our benefits include: Three weeks paid time off the first year Medical, dental and vision insurance 401(k) Retirement Plan with 85% company match on your pre-tax and/or Roth contributions, up to the IRS limits Employee Stock Investment Program Tuition Assistance Program Purchase of company funds with no sales charge Onsite fitness center and recreation center* Onsite cafeteria* *Only applicable at certain locations Learn more about the wide range of benefits we offer at Franklin Templeton Franklin Templeton is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees, and we evaluate qualified applicants without regard to ancestry, age, color, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, or gender expression, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation. If you believe that you need an accommodation or adjustment to search for or apply for one of our positions, please send an email to accommodations@franklintempleton.com. In your email, please include the accommodation or adjustment you are requesting, the job title, and the job number you are applying for. It may take up to three business days to receive a response to your request. Please note that only accommodation requests will receive a response. When you become part of Franklin Templeton, you’ll join a company dedicated to progress. A company that doesn’t settle. One where we pursue our ambitions with energy and persistence. That’s why it’s so important that we empower and encourage the progress of our employees. From our welcoming, inclusive, and flexible culture – to our global and diverse business, we provide opportunities to help you reach your potential while contributing to ours. At Franklin Templeton, we embrace individual differences and value experience and perspectives brought by talent from around the world. And, although we are all different, we all have one thing in common – we are dedicated to what we do. So whether you’re just starting your career journey, are well on your way, or are seeking a new direction, you’'ll find the support you need to grow your career with us. Come, join us, and help us shape the future of the global asset management industry!

Salary : $68,000 - $75,000