Benefit & Leave Specialist

Benefit Leave Specialist

The Benefit Leave Specialist will administer all aspects of ADA accommodations, transitional duty program and leaves of absence including the development and implementation of processes and procedures in compliance with related rules and regulations including the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Uniformed Services Rights Readjustment Act (USERRA), state and local leave laws, and return to work programs.

Role and Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary contact for employees requesting FMLA leave, providing guidance, and explaining the process to ensure understanding of their rights and responsibilities.
• Receive and review FMLA leave requests, ensuring complete and accurate documentation is provided by employees and supervisors.
• Assess and determine eligibility for FMLA leave, considering factors such as medical certifications, duration of leave requested, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Coordinate and communicate with employees, supervisors, and HR team members to facilitate the timely and smooth processing of FMLA leave requests.
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee files related to FMLA leave, ensuring proper documentation is collected and stored in accordance with company policies and legal requirements.
• Monitor and track FMLA leave usage, ensuring compliance with leave entitlements and any applicable state or federal regulations.
• Collaborate with HR team members to develop and update FMLA policies, procedures, and related documents to ensure alignment with current laws and best practices.
• Provide ongoing training and education to managers and employees on FMLA leave policies, procedures, and compliance requirements.
• Remain updated on changes in FMLA regulations and industry trends, ensuring the organization's compliance and recommending any necessary adjustments to policies or procedures.
• Coordinate and partner with external vendors, such as healthcare providers and legal professionals, as needed to support the administration of FMLA leave.
• Conduct job site analysis and make determinations on accommodations, work with departments to implement and monitor outcomes.
• Oversee return-to-work process for employees returning from extended leave.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities

Required Skills & Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of FMLA regulations and compliance requirements.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities and deadlines.
• Exceptional attention to detail to ensure accuracy and completeness of documentation.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively explain complex information to employees and stakeholders.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and maintain a high level of professionalism.
• Proficient in using HRIS (Human Resources Information System) and other software applications for managing employee records and leave tracking.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to independently research and analyze leave-related issues.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and build effective relationships with employees, supervisors, and HR team members.
• Knowledge of other leave laws and regulations, such as ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), is required.
• Strong customer service orientation, with the ability to provide empathetic support to employees during challenging times.
• Valid driver license, reliable transportation and ability to drive to various worksites to meet with team member as needed.
• Ability to work a flexible work schedule to accommodate team members schedule.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift to 15 pounds at times.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, and talk or hear.
• The ability to cope with and tolerate moderate levels of stress is also a necessity. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status. Pre-employment background check is required to ensure applicant meets all eligibility requirements for the assigned customer/location. Alternative work locations may be offered as appropriate.