People and Culture Benefits Partner

Job Title: People & Culture Benefits Partner

Industry : Non-Profit / Social Services

Location : Chicago, IL

Assignment Type : Direct Hire

Pay : $75,000 – $80,000

Work Schedule : 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM or 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM. Hybrid schedule

Benefits : This position is eligible for medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).

About The Company:

Our client is an established non-profit organization dedicated to providing essential services and resources to individuals, families, and communities throughout the Chicago area. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, community engagement, and an inclusive workplace, the organization offers a collaborative environment where HR professionals can make a meaningful impact.

Job Description:

We are seeking an experienced People & Culture Benefits Partner to join a collaborative Human Resources team. This individual will oversee key functions related to employee benefits, leave administration, workplace accommodations, and employee engagement initiatives.

The ideal candidate brings a strong background in benefits administration and employee relations, along with hands-on experience developing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. This position requires someone who is approachable, detail-oriented, and comfortable navigating sensitive employee matters while maintaining a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.

This is an excellent opportunity for an HR professional who enjoys balancing operational responsibilities with initiatives that enhance workplace culture and the overall employee experience.

Key Responsibilities:

Benefits Administration

• Manage day-to-day employee benefits activities, including new enrollments, qualifying life events, coverage updates, and employee inquiries.
• Provide guidance on available benefit offerings, including health insurance, retirement plans, wellness programs, and additional employee resources.
• Coordinate annual open enrollment activities, including employee communications, informational sessions, enrollment materials, and system updates.
• Maintain accurate benefit information within HRIS and payroll platforms, ensuring employee elections and deductions are properly reflected.
• Oversee COBRA and retiree benefit processes in partnership with internal departments and external administrators.
• Serve as a primary contact for benefit providers, addressing eligibility concerns, enrollment discrepancies, and employee issues.
• Review benefit invoices, vendor reports, and payroll deductions to identify and resolve inconsistencies.
• Prepare recurring benefits reports and ensure required employee notices are distributed appropriately.
• Identify opportunities to streamline benefits processes and improve the employee experience.

Leave of Absence & Workplace Accommodations

• Coordinate employee leave requests, including FMLA, medical, parental, personal, and military leave.
• Guide employees through leave eligibility, required documentation, benefit continuation, and return-to-work procedures.
• Monitor leave cases from initial request through completion, maintaining accurate records and timely communication.
• Collaborate with managers, payroll, benefits providers, and third-party administrators to ensure leaves are processed correctly.
• Assist with workplace accommodation requests and participate in the interactive accommodation process.
• Coordinate approved accommodations, modified work arrangements, and return-to-work plans.
• Maintain confidential documentation and ensure leave and accommodation practices align with applicable regulations.
• Escalate complex employee matters to appropriate HR leadership when necessary.

Employee Engagement, Culture & DEI

• Support the development and execution of workplace initiatives focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and employee belonging.
• Coordinate employee committees and help establish clear responsibilities, goals, and communication practices.
• Assist with creating and expanding Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), including employee education and participation efforts.
• Organize employee engagement activities, educational programming, and internal events that promote a positive workplace culture.
• Partner with HR leadership to identify opportunities to strengthen employee satisfaction and organizational engagement.
• Gather employee feedback and recommend improvements to workplace programs and internal processes.
• Build strong relationships across departments and serve as an accessible HR resource for employees and leadership.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field.
• 3 – 5 years of professional HR experience, including benefits administration, leave management, and employee relations.
• Demonstrated experience administering employee benefit programs, coordinating open enrollment, and managing vendor relationships.
• Working knowledge of FMLA and other applicable federal, state, and local leave regulations.
• Experience supporting employee accommodation requests and navigating sensitive workplace situations.
• Hands-on experience developing or coordinating DEI initiatives, Employee Resource Groups, employee engagement events, or workplace culture programs.
• Experience working with HRIS platforms; familiarity with UKG is preferred.
• Strong customer service skills with the ability to communicate complex information clearly and professionally.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple employee cases and competing deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive employee information.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with employees, managers, and external partners.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HR technology platforms.

Additional Details:

• Onsite Requirements: Two days per week
• This position will work closely with HR leadership, payroll, employees, and external benefits administrators.
• The role combines hands-on benefits and leave administration with employee engagement and organizational culture initiatives.

Perks:

• Collaborative and supportive HR team environment.
• Meaningful opportunity to contribute to employee well-being and workplace culture.
• Exposure to a broad range of HR functions, including benefits, employee relations, leave administration, and DEI programming.
• Opportunity to help develop and expand employee engagement initiatives within a mission-driven organization.

Addison Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Addison Group provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Addison Group complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities, upon request.

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