Benefits and Leave Administrator

Job Title: Benefits and Leave Administrator Department: People Operations Reports to: Director of Human Resources Exemption: Non-Exempt Location: Covington, LA (Onsite, Hybrid) Position Summary The Benefits & Leave Administrator proactively manages and optimizes the organization’s total rewards and leave programs to support a healthy, thriving workforce. This role moves beyond passive administration to actively drive the strategic health and financial sustainability of our benefits. Key responsibilities include collaborating closely with insurance brokers and 401(k) carriers to market and shop plans, analyzing utilization trends, and ensuring competitive, cost-effective coverage. Additionally, this position serves as a trusted internal resource, delivering clear, empathetic guidance to employees navigating benefit selections and leave processes, while maintaining flawless compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations. Essential Functions Strategic Benefits Strategy & Broker Partnership: Proactively collaborate with external brokers and vendors to design, market, and shop for competitive health, wellness, and voluntary benefit programs that balance fiscal sustainability with comprehensive care for our team. Active Retirement Plan Management. Proactive Plan Optimization. Dynamic Renewal & Open Enrollment Ownership. End-to-End Leave Ownership. Employee Advocacy & Guidance. Data Integrity & HRIS Management. Rigorous Legal Compliance. Cross-Functional Payroll Collaboration. Onboarding & Resource Development. Job Role Expectations 1 Strategic Partnership & Plan Health Proactive Strategy: Partner closely with brokers and 401(k) carriers to shop for competitive, cost-effective plans and suggest improvements before renewal deadlines. Plan Sustainability: Monitor usage trends and costs to ensure our benefit packages remain financially healthy for the company and highly valuable for the team. 2. Operational Excellence & Compliance Accurate Administration: Keep HRIS data, payroll deductions, and vendor systems perfectly aligned and free of errors. Total Compliance: Stay on top of all changing laws (ACA, FMLA, COBRA, ERISA) to keep our plans completely compliant and audit-ready. Smooth Leave Management: Handle all leave cases efficiently, ensuring clear tracking and seamless coordination with payroll. 3. Employee Advocacy & Communication Responsive Support: Serve as a compassionate, trusted resource for employees, answering benefits and leave questions clearly and within 24–48 hours. Clear Communications: Translate complex insurance and retirement jargon into simple, engaging guides for new hire orientations and annual open enrollment. Performs other duties and projects as assigned. Organizational Expectations Embodies LOPA’s core values: Selfless, Authentic, Passionate. Uses constructive, respectful, and inclusive communication. Completes all assigned training and SOP reviews in a timely manner. Holds self and others accountable. Contributes to a strong, team-oriented culture. Work Environment & Physical Demands Primarily sedentary with use of hands, fingers, and visual focus. Occasional lifting of materials up to 50 pounds. Possible exposure to packaged organs or tissues during office or hospital coordination. Occasional in-state travel may be required. Work Hours Full time position. Typical work hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm with flex time available at the discretion of the direct supervisor. Requirements Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field. Minimum 3 years of experience in benefits administration and/or leave management, with 5+ years preferred. PHR, SPHR, or SHRM-CP certification preferred. Experience with HRIS systems and benefits administration platforms. Experience with self-insured health insurance programs strongly preferred. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Diversity-oriented with a focus on creating an inclusive environment. In-depth understanding of general human resources policies and procedures, particularly benefits and leave laws. Strong organization and time management skills. Superior communication skills—both verbal and written. Ability to apply common sense understanding and solve problems effectively. Proficiency with Google Suite, Adobe, and HRIS systems. Respectful and collaborative demeanor. Timely completion of all required educational training, tasks, and SOP reviews by the assigned due date. #J-18808-Ljbffr