Benefits Analyst

The Senior Benefits Analyst – ADA & Leave is responsible for managing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) interactive process and all leave of absence programs for shoreside North American Carnival Corporation Brand employees. This role serves as the primary subject matter expert on ADA accommodations, FMLA, PWFA, state and local leave laws, and company leave policies. The position requires independent decision-making, the ability to review medical documentation, assess reasonable accommodations, and provide written communications on accommodation and leave decisions in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. This role partners closely with employees, HR Business Partners, supervisors, Legal, and the company's leave of absence administrator to ensure consistent, compliant, and timely case management. Benefits administration experience is a plus and may be leveraged to support the broader team on a limited basis. Essential Functions: Provides end-to-end leave and accommodation case management oversight, including assessing employee needs, answering complex questions, and ensuring accurate application of benefits and policies Manages cases from initiation through return to work, adjusting plans based on changing employee circumstances Leads all administrative aspects of leave cases, including: Tracking leave usage and entitlements, Coordinating PTO/sick/vacation integration, Partnering with Payroll and third-party administrators to ensure accurate leave dates and pay Administers and oversees all leave of absence programs, including FMLA, PWFA, USERRA, state and local leave programs (including emerging paid family and medical leave laws), disability coordination, and company leave policies Serves as internal liaison with the leave administrator to ensure accurate case setup, certifications, tracking, and return-to-work processes Leads group and individual consultation sessions on leave, disability, and accommodation programs, as needed Communication / Stakeholder Management Serves as the primary point of contact for employees, managers, and HR Business Partners throughout the leave and accommodation lifecycle Engages proactively with stakeholders, providing guidance, answering questions, and ensuring a consistent and supportive experience Promotes a collaborative, consultative approach between employees, HR, Legal, Payroll, and the leave administrator Serves as a subject matter expert for leave and accommodation programs, providing real-time support on complex cases Provides guidance and education to employees, managers, and HR Business Partners on leave and accommodation programs, ensuring understanding of available options, processes, and responsibilities Assists HR in administering the ADA interactive process, including coordinating with employees, managers, HR Business Partners, and Legal, and supporting discussions related to reasonable accommodations Builds and maintains strong cross-functional relationships with internal stakeholders and external vendors Provides clear, timely communication of leave determinations, accommodation decisions, and next steps to employees and stakeholders Compliance Ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including ADA, FMLA, PWFA, USERRA, and emerging state leave programs Manages and documents the full ADA interactive process, including review of medical documentation and evaluation of reasonable accommodations (e.g., modified schedules, remote work, leave extensions, job modifications) Exercises independent judgment to balance legal requirements, employee needs, and business considerations when determining accommodations Monitors leave and accommodation cases for compliance risks and escalates complex or high‑risk situations to Legal as needed Drafts and delivers clear, professional written communications, including leave determinations, accommodation decisions, return-to-work requirements, and other case-related correspondence in alignment with legal and company policy standards Ensures all leave and accommodation documentation, correspondence, and case files are accurate, complete, and maintained in accordance with record‑keeping requirements Maintains strict confidentiality and sensitivity when handling medical information and employee situations Partners with third‑party administrators to ensure compliant leave designations, certifications, and return-to-work processes Stays current on changes in federal, state, and local leave and accommodation laws and communicates impacts to stakeholders to support compliant and consistent practices General Benefits Administration Support And Other Duties As Assigned Provide cross‑functional support to the Benefits team as needed, including assisting with benefits enrollment inquiries, compliance notices, wellness activities, open enrollment events, and other benefits‑related tasks. This is a secondary responsibility to be performed on a limited basis in support of the broader team's operational needs. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Scope: Manages the end-to-end ADA interactive process and all leave of absence programs for shoreside employees, serving as the organization's primary subject matter expert on accommodation and leave compliance. Works independently with minimal supervision and exercises significant judgment in case decisions. Problem Solving: Analyzes complex medical documentation, accommodation requests, and overlapping leave entitlements to determine compliant and practical solutions. Navigates ambiguous situations by applying knowledge of ADA, FMLA, PWFA, state leave laws, and company policies, and collaborates with Legal, HR Business Partners, and supervisors to resolve high‑risk or sensitive cases. Impact: Directly reduces organizational legal risk and ensures compliance with federal, state, and local accommodation and leave laws. Decisions on accommodations and leave administration affect employee retention, workplace equity, and the company's reputation as a fair and compliant employer. Leadership: Operates independently with minimal supervision, exercising sound judgment and discretion on accommodation and leave decisions. Serves as a trusted advisor to HR Business Partners, supervisors, and the Benefits team. Guides employees through complex and sensitive processes with professionalism, empathy, and confidentiality. Essential/Minimum qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field OR equivalent combination of education and 5–7 years of experience in leave of absence and ADA/accommodation administration Strong working knowledge of federal, state, and local leave and accommodation laws, including ADA, FMLA, PWFA, and USERRA Proven ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast‑paced, evolving environment Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and make decisions with minimal supervision Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex leave and accommodation concepts clearly Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion, professionalism, and integrity Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, including the ability to review and interpret medical documentation Effective problem‑solving skills with the ability to navigate complex and sensitive employee situations Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with HR Business Partners, managers, Legal, and external vendors High level of professionalism, including diplomacy, patience, and tact Proficiency in HRIS systems and leave management platforms Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint Essential Experience Required 5+ years of experience in benefits, leave administration, and/or ADA accommodation management. Direct experience managing the ADA interactive process and administering FMLA and state leave programs is strongly preferred. Benefits administration experience is a plus. Travel: Less than 25% with shipboard travel likely Work Conditions: Work primarily in a climate‑controlled environment with minimal safety/health hazard potential. Physical Demands. Must be able to remain in a stationary position at a desk and/or computer for extended periods of time. This position is classified as “in‑office.” As an in‑office role, it requires employees to work from a designated Carnival office in South Florida Monday through Thursday each week. Employees may work from their homes on Fridays. Candidates must be located in (or willing to relocate to) the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area. Offers to selected candidates will be made on a fair and equitable basis, taking into account specific job-related skills and experience. At Carnival, your total rewards package is much more than your base salary. All non‑sales roles participate in an annual cash bonus program, while sales roles have an incentive plan. Director and above roles may also be eligible to participate in Carnival’s discretionary equity incentive plan. Plus, Carnival provides comprehensive and innovative benefits to meet your needs, including: Health Benefits: Cost‑effective medical, dental and vision plans Employee Assistance Program and other mental health resources Additional programs include company paid term life insurance and disability coverage Financial Benefits: 401(k) plan that includes a company match Employee Stock Purchase plan Paid Time Off: Holidays – All full‑time and part‑time with benefits employees receive days off for 8 company‑wide holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays to be taken at the employee’s discretion. Vacation Time – All full‑time employees at the manager and below level start with 14 days/year; director and above level start with 19 days/year. Part‑time with benefits employees receive time off based on the number of hours they work, with a minimum of 84 hours/year. All employees gain additional vacation time with further tenure. Sick Time – All full‑time employees receive 80 hours of sick time each year. Part‑time with benefits employees receive time off based on the number of hours they work, with a minimum of 60 hours each year. Other Benefits: Complementary stand‑by cruises, employee discounts on confirmed cruises, plus special rates for family and friends Personal and professional learning and development resources including tuition reimbursement On‑site Fitness center at our Miami campus #Corp Remote About Us Carnival Corporation & plc is the world’s largest leisure travel company, our mission to deliver unforgettable happiness to our guest through our diverse portfolio of leading cruise brands and island destinations, including Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Seabourn in North America and Australia; P&O Cruises and Cunard Line in the United Kingdom; AIDA in Germany; Costa Cruises in Southern Europe. Join us and embark on a career that offers not only the chance to grow professionally but also the opportunity to be part of a global community that makes a difference. In addition to other duties/functions, this position requires full commitment and support for promoting ethical and compliant culture. More specifically, this position requires integrity, honesty, and respectful treatment of others, as well as a willingness to speak up when they see misconduct or have concerns. Carnival Corporation & plc and Carnival Cruise Line is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. In this regard, it does not discriminate against any qualified individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, mental, physical or sensory disability, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, federal, and/or international law. #J-18808-Ljbffr