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 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.

( The first 6-months is in office with the potential to move to a Hybrid model of 3-days a week in office. )

Please no outside staffing agencies, we use our own internal recruiting team.

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.