Benefits & Leave Specialist

This role is 100% on site in our Raleigh, NC Headquarters; after 90 days you would be eligible for a hybrid schedule. Easterseals PORT Health (ESPH), our mission is rooted in empowering individuals and strengthening communities. We are seeking a full-time Benefits and Leave Specialist to join our team and help administer employee benefits and leave programs. This is more than just a job — it’s an opportunity to create meaningful impact by supporting equitable pay, informed decision‑making, and workforce excellence across the organization. Your Role In Our Mission The Benefits & Leave Specialist helps administer employee benefits and leave programs and ensures employees and managers receive clear, supportive guidance. This role provides expertise on complex benefit and leave questions, maintains compliant processes, and contributes to wellness initiatives and continuous improvement through audit efforts to strengthen processes and efficiency. Why Join Us? As part of our mission, we help our team members embrace their potential, build resilience, and thrive. You will have opportunities for ongoing growth while working alongside HR leaders committed to your success and development. This position follows a full-time, Monday through Friday schedule. To support onboarding and training, the selected candidate will be expected to work onsite at our headquarters five days per week initially. After approximately 90–120 days, the role will transition to a hybrid schedule of three days onsite and two days remote. Occasional travel to various worksites may be required. We offer a full benefits package for benefits‑eligible positions. Competitive Salary for this exempt position: $68,000–$75,000 Paid time off and paid holidays Full benefits package including Medical, Dental, and Vision Company‑paid Life and Disability Insurance 403(b) Retirement Plan Employee Assistance Program and legal services support Benefits Operations Support day-to-day administration of employee benefit and retirement plans, ensuring accuracy, consistency across programs, and a positive employee experience. Troubleshoot enrollment, eligibility and claims issues with carriers and vendors; expedite and escale complex issues to manager where appropriate. Monitor benefit data in HRIS and work with manager to ensure timely updates and corrections. Support benefit education across onboarding and throughout the employee lifecycle. Develop and update benefit guides, FAQs, communication materials and department SOP’s. Leave of Absence Coordination Administer leave of absence programs, serving as a main point of contact for employees and managers. Review leave documentation, track timelines, and ensure consistent, compliant communication. Coordinate with Employee Relations to provide guidance on complex leave or accommodation situations. Provide clear, empathetic support to employees navigating leave challenges. Partner with benefit team members to ensure adequate cross training and support for leave administration across the organization. Compliance, Audit & Quality Assurance Conduct periodic audits on benefit eligibility, payroll deductions, and vendor file accuracy. Support compliance of ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA and state regulations, including retirement plan requirements. Assist with ACA reporting, non‑discrimination testing, and documentation for internal and external audits. Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, reduce manual work and improve the employee experience. Assist with planning and execution of annual open enrollment, including communications, employee education and system readiness. Review enrollment data for accuracy and coordinate corrections in HRIS and with vendors. Support vendor and broker collaboration throughout the Open Enrollment cycle. Wellness & Engagement Support Assist in the implementation and maintenance of a robust wellness & engagement program for staff. Coordinate wellness initiatives and promote available resources. Track participation and assist with evaluating program effectiveness; identify and recommend areas for improvement. Support employee engagement and recognition initiatives. Additional Responsibilities Collaborate with Payroll and other internal HR team members on cross‑training and shared processes to ensure adequate backup and continuity of operations. Participate in special projects, system updates, and process improvement initiatives as needed. Maintain an up-to‑date knowledge of benefit and leave regulations, plan changes, and internal procedures. Perform other duties as assigned. What We Are Looking For Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related field; equivalent experience considered. 3-4 years of hands‑on experience in benefits administration, including health/welfare plans, retirement plans and leave of absence coordination. Experience using an HRIS to manage benefit data and reporting, perform audits, and troubleshoot discrepancies. Strong communication and customer service skills with the ability to explain complex benefit concepts clearly and empathetically. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, solve problems independently, and maintain a high level of accuracy. Preferred experience with a 403(b) or 401(k) plan administration, open enrollment cycles and vendor coordination. Valid unrestricted North Carolina driver’s license, reliable transportation, and current vehicle insurance. Equipment Used Standard Office & Communications Equipment: computer, printer, copier, phone, fax, Microsoft Office, SharePoint, HRIS Essential Physical Requirements Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time while working at a computer. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in person, over the phone, virtually and in writing. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. About Easterseals PORT Health Easterseals PORT Health is a trustworthy and compassionate partner, providing exceptional services in disability, mental health, and substance use to help our neighbors live their best lives. Purpose, dedication, and empathy drive our in‑person and telehealth service delivery. Our 2,600‑member team provides more than 10.2 million hours of meaningful support to 40,200 individuals across 11,000 homes, facilities, and community locations in North Carolina and Virginia. Easterseals PORT Health is an IDEAL organization — Inclusive Culture, Different Voices, Embracing Potential, Authentic Self, Learning & Growing. Applicants of all abilities are encouraged to apply! Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr Easterseals PORT Health