Benefits Specialist, Leave Administrator

Benefits Specialist in the National Center office in Dallas, TX. The position will work in a hybrid setting (in office 2‑3 days a week). The Association offers many resources to help maintain work‑life harmonization through changing needs and life situations, and provides access to training and support such as Heart U, the award‑winning corporate university. Responsibilities Leave Administration & Case Management Serve as the primary point of contact for employees taking a leave of absence, providing clear guidance, timely communication, and end‑to‑end case management. Administer and track all leaves of absence, including FMLA, state leaves, medical, parental, military, ADA‑related leaves, and personal leaves. Coordinate closely with third‑party leave and disability administrators to ensure timely claim initiation, certification, approvals, and accurate leave designation. Confirm leave start and return‑to‑work dates and ensure all related actions are completed accurately and on time. Systems, Payroll & Benefits Coordination Maintain accurate leave records in Workday and related HR systems, including leave status updates, expected return dates, and documentation tracking. Partner with Payroll and Benefits to ensure correct pay treatment, PTO substitution, disability integration, and benefits continuation while on leave. Support compliance‑related workflows, including system updates tied to security access, task delegation, and employee status changes. Compliance & Risk Management Ensure all leave administration complies with federal, state, and local regulations (FMLA, ADA, state disability and paid leave laws). Maintain appropriate documentation and audit readiness for all leave cases. Provide guidance to managers and HR partners on compliant leave practices while maintaining employee confidentiality. Employee & Manager Support Proactively communicate with employees and managers about leave steps, timelines, and expectations using clear, supportive language. Educate managers on their role in the leave process and provide tools or checklists as needed. Respond to inquiries with professionalism, empathy, and consistency, helping employees feel supported during their leave. Process Improvement & Collaboration Identify opportunities to streamline and improve the leave experience, including automation, clearer communications, and better system integration. Partner with HR Shared Services, Benefits, HRBPs, and Technology teams to enhance leave processes and reporting. Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives related to employee experience, operational efficiency, and compliance. Qualifications High School Diploma or equivalent work experience. Five (5) years of hands‑on experience administering employee leaves of absence. Strong working knowledge of FMLA, ADA, and state leave regulations. Experience working with third‑party leave and disability administrators. Proficiency with Excel and HRIS platforms (Workday preferred). Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and follow‑through. Strong written and verbal communication skills with a high degree of professionalism and empathy. Compensation & Benefits The American Heart Association invests in its people. Here are the main components of our total rewards package. Compensation – Our goal is to ensure you have a competitive base salary, and we regularly review the market value and make adjustments as needed. Performance and Recognition – You are rewarded for achieving success through annual salary planning and incentive programs; eligibility for an incentive program is based on the type of position. Benefits – We offer a wide array of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, along with a robust retirement program that includes an employer match and automatic contribution. We also provide an employee assistance program, employee wellness program, telemedicine, and medical consultation. Professional Development – You can join one of our many Employee Resource Groups (ERG) or be a mentor/mentee in our professional mentoring program. Heart U is the Association’s national online university, with over 100,000 resources designed for your needs and busy schedule. Work‑Life Harmonization – The Association offers Paid Time Off (PTO) at a minimum of 16 days per year for new employees. The number of days increases with seniority level. You will have 12 paid holidays off each year, including several days at the end of the year. Tuition Assistance – We support the career development of all employees. This program provides financial assistance to employees who wish to further their education and career in relation to current duties and responsibilities, or for potential future positions in the organization. In accordance with local and state laws where applicable, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment. EOE/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities #J-18808-Ljbffr