Human Resource Benefits Specialist - Leaves and Disability

About the Role:

Administers and coordinates employee leave and benefits programs (e.g., FMLA, disability, Workers’ Compensation, paid time off, and parental leave) while ensuring compliance with laws and company policies. Facilitates cross-functional collaboration to resolve leave and accommodation matters. This position is pivotal in ensuring the delivery of exceptional customer service and consultation with leaders and employees throughout the leave process. Provides employee support, manages ADA accommodations, and is a primary contact for vendor relationships. May perform other duties as assigned to support HR organization.

Role Qualifications (Required) & (Preferred):

Education:  BS/BA (R); Master’s degree or PHR/SPHR (P); manufacturing environment (P).

Experience:

Knowledge of FMLA, ADA, and other relevant employment laws (R). Experience working with third-party leave and disability vendors and managing multi-state policies (P). Experience with HRIS and/or leave management systems (e.g., ADP, Workday, UKG) (P). Evidence of ability to analyze information, interpret data, conduct policy analyses, and make impactful recommendations (R). Effective problem-solving skills to resolve benefit, leave and accommodation issues (R). Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) (R). Familiarity with disability and workers’ compensation coordination (R).

Skills:

Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. High-level of accuracy and attention to detail. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with employees, leaders, and external vendors while maintaining a focus on creating positive employee experiences and service delivery. Ability to manage sensitive and confidential matters with tact and discretion.

Role Responsibilities:

Leave Administration:

• Administers end-to-end leave processes including intake, eligibility determination, documentation, tracking, and return-to-work coordination.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for employees and managers regarding leave policies and procedures.
• Maintains accurate records of leave cases and ensures timely communication with employees.

ADA Accommodations:

• Coordinates and administers workplace accommodations under the ADA.
• Collaborates with employees, managers, HR business partners, legal, and occupational health to assess accommodation requests and implement reasonable solutions.
• Maintains documentation and ensures compliance with ADA requirements.

Benefits Administration:

• Administers and maintains various benefit and leave plans, (e.g., Short & Long-term Disability plans, Parental Leave, workers compensation, Paid Time Off (PTO), Identity Theft, and Life insurance programs), ensuring accurate tracking, compliance with policies and regulations, and timely resolution of employee and manager inquiries.
• Provides exceptional customer service and collaborates with stakeholders to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and enhance the overall employee experience.
• Monitors program effectiveness and recommends updates to policies and systems to support organizational goals and regulatory requirements.

Compliance & Documentation:

• Stays informed and ensure compliance with evolving federal (e.g., FMLA, ADA), state, and local leave laws and regulations, proactively updating policies and practices as needed.
• Prepares and maintains required documentation, notices, and certifications.
• Monitors, analyzes, and prepares reports on leave trends, utilization, and compliance risks.

System & Data Management:

• Enters and updates leave information in HRIS or leave management systems.
• Monitors leave balances and coordinates with payroll for accurate compensation during leave periods.
• Generates reports and metrics related to leave trends, usage, and compliance.
• Identifies opportunities to better utilize systems to create efficiencies in processes.

Vendor Relationships:

• Serves as the primary liaison with third-party leave, workers compensation and disability vendors, ensuring compliance and optimal service delivery.
• Monitors vendor performance and service levels; escalate issues as needed.
• Participates in vendor selection, implementation, and ongoing evaluation.

Employee Support & Communication:

• Provides clear, empathetic guidance to employees navigating leave and accommodation options.
• Educates employees and managers on leave policies, eligibility, documentation requirements, processes, and timelines.
• Coordinates with benefits and wellness teams to support employees during leave.

Process Improvement:

• Identifies opportunities to streamline leave, workers compensation and accommodation processes and improve employee experience.
• Advises on company policies and ensure adherence to benefit, leave and disability regulations, proactively recommending updates to policies as needed.
• Develops, implements, and maintains policies and best practices related to leave of absence and accommodations.