Benefits & Leave Specialist, Operations Center, Onalaska WI

Benefits & Leave Specialist, Operations Center, Onalaska WI


At Altra Federal Credit Union , benefits are more than just a package, they are a reflection of how we care for our people. For over 95 years, we've believed that when we invest in our employees' well-being, growth, and financial security, they are empowered to better serve our members and communities.
Our benefits philosophy is rooted in our people-first culture. We strive to create a supportive environment where employees feel valued, cared for, and confident in every state of life from health and wellness to family needs and long-term financial planning. Guided by our commitment to teamwork, engagement, and employee development, we know our employees are our most important asset and essential to our continued success.
The Benefits and Leave Specialist plays a critical role in supporting our employees through comprehensive benefits administration and leave management. This position ensures benefit programs and leaves processes are administered accurately, compliantly, and with a high level of care and confidentiality.
Key Responsibilities

• Administer employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement plans, and voluntary benefits.
• Manage employee leave programs such as FMLA, state leave, ADA accommodations, military leave, short-term disability, and other approved leaves.
• Manage life event benefits changes, ensuring timely processing, accurate documentation, and full compliance with qualifying event rules and deadlines.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for employee benefits and leave inquiries, providing clear guidance and support.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to benefits and leave.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation in HRIS and benefit systems.
• Administer open enrollment activities, benefits communication, and employee education.
• Partner with HR team members to improve processes and enhance employee experience.
• Prepare reports, audits, and documentation as needed.
• Serve as backup for wellness program, payroll and HRIS reporting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma (or equivalent) required.
• Associate's degree (or higher) in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field is required.
• Minimum three (3) years of benefits administrations required.
• Minimum one (1) year of experience in leave of absence required.
• SHRM-CP or PHR are preferred.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage confidential information.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Good organizational, planning and time management skills.
• Empathetic and have the ability to get along and work with staff at all levels in all departments.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams).
• Proficient in HRIS and benefits administration systems.

Availability

• This position is hourly, full-time, 40- hours per week, Monday through Friday.
• Working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. there may be times when working outside of these hours is necessary.
• Must have the ability to travel locally (WI and MN) and nationally (TN and TX) as needed.

Work Environment

• This position will be located at Altra's Operations Center in Onalaska, WI.
• Work from home / hybrid work opportunities can be available after 3 to 6 months of employment, with manager approval.
• This position is mostly sedentary, working at a desk, sitting or standing majority of the workday.
• You may be required to occasionally lift, push, or pull items weighing up to 25 pounds.

Pay & Benefits

• Competitive starting hourly pay, based on previous experience.
• When bilingual in Spanish or Hmong, receive a $1.00 per hour pay premium after completing and passing the language exam.
• Comprehensive benefits package that includes medical / dental / vision coverage, group life insurance, and supplemental life insurance options.
• Up to a 6% Employer-matched 401(k) + additional 3% employer contribution.
• Two-weeks paid sabbatical every five years worked, plus four-week paid sabbatical at twenty years!
• Paid time off, volunteer time off, paid holidays, and your birthday off (paid)!
• Employee-only perks and discounts

At Altra Federal Credit Union , you'll be part of a team that values people over profits and puts members at the heart of everything we do. We believe in creating a supportive and collaborative workplace where employees are empowered to grow, develop their careers, and make a real impact in the lives of others. By joining Altra, you'll not only gain the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with members and coworkers, but you'll also be contributing to a mission-driven organization that is dedicated to improving the financial well-being of our members and the communities we serve.
Altra is proud to be a Great Place to Work certified company seven years in a row; 92% of our employees say Altra is a great place to work! At Altra, we invest in each other and work together to make a difference in the communities we serve and to help people live their best lives! We support diversity in the workplace and are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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