Benefits & Leave Specialist

The Benefits and Leave Specialist administers team member benefit programs and manages leave of absence processes in compliance with company policy and applicable laws. This role ensures accurate benefits enrollment, maintains team member records, supports team member inquiries, and provides guidance on federal and state leave policies (including FMLA, ADA, and state-specific programs). 

Primary Responsibilities 

Benefits 

• Administer team member benefit programs such as health, dental, vision, disability, HSA and life insurance. 

• Communicate benefit offerings, policy changes, and manage the open enrollment process assuring information is clearly and effectively communicated to team members. 

• Reconcile benefit invoices and support audits for accuracy and compliance. 

• Investigate areas of concern regarding benefits, communicate internally or with benefit providers to resolve specific questions on behalf of team members and convey resulting information and resolutions, following up to ensure matters are fully resolved or escalated appropriately. 

• Manage the ACA process in HRIS system to ensure compliance and accuracy of data. 

Leave 

• Manage full cycle leave of absence requests (FMLA, ADA, PFL, DBL, STD, and other State Leave Programs including those outside of NYS, personal, military, workers’ compensation, etc.) following legal and policy requirements. 

• Serve as the primary point of contact for team members and managers regarding benefits and leave processes. 

• Track and document leave status, eligibility, and return-to-work processes while maintaining confidentiality and record accuracy. 

Additional 

• Partner with payroll and HRIS teams to ensure correct benefit deductions and leave pay processing. 

• Maintain knowledge of current legal requirements and industry trends related to benefits and leaves of absences. 

• Contribute to continuous process improvement within the HR department. 

• Maintain confidentiality of all pertinent HR information in accordance with HIPAA, and other federal and state privacy laws, as well as our established HR and Company policies governing confidential information. 

• Provide payroll back up when needed. 

• Demonstrated excellence in listening, speaking, and writing skills, with proven ability to communicate clearly and effectively at all levels of the organization. 

• Demonstrated depth of understanding of employment regulations, standards, processes, and general business acumen. 

• Knowledge of FMLA, ADA, HIPAA, and state leave laws. 

• Ability to establish a high level of trust and credibility in the organization. Demonstrates keen awareness of and care in maintaining confidentiality and discretion. 

• Strong interpersonal, customer service and teamwork skills, with the ability to interface with all levels of the organization both internally and externally. 

• Excellent attention to detail reflected through the accuracy of results. 

• Demonstrated ability in problem-solving: able to identify issues, assess, troubleshoot, recommend appropriate solutions, and improve processes. 

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office software and HRIS systems required with a preference for Paycom experience. 

• Results driven and action oriented, solves problems, and can be counted on to consistently meet or exceed goals. 

Education/Experience Requirements 

• Bachelors in business or other related field required.  

• HRCI/SHRM or CEBS/CBP certifications highly preferred. 

• Minimum of 3 years experience with benefit administration, some experience with leave of absences and payroll required. 

• Multi-state employer experience strongly preferred. 

• Prior experience working with a New York employer with more than 100 team members strongly preferred. 

Salary : $70,000 - $85,000