Benefits & Leave Specialist

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process. Benefits & Leave Specialist Full Time Frederick, MD, US Salary Range: $70,000.00 To $85,000.00 Annually ThompsonGas is the nation’s fastest growing propane retailer, and we are looking for innovative, outside of the box thinkers who want to make an impact. We are rethinking the way we do business and, as a result, our employees are empowered to take an idea and run with it. If you are looking for an environment that will allow you the freedom to drive change, create an unrivaled customer experience and have fun while you’re doing it – then ThompsonGas is for you! Position Summary: The Benefits & Leave Specialist is responsible for the administration of the Company's employee benefits, leave of absence, disability, and workers' compensation programs. This role serves as the primary point of contact for employees, managers, vendors, and carriers regarding benefit plans, leave administration, and workplace injury claims. The position ensures compliance with applicable federal and state regulations while delivering exceptional employee support and maintaining the integrity of benefit and leave-related data and processes. This position reports to the Human Resources Manager. Benefits Administration Serve as the primary point of contact for employees, managers, and vendors regarding benefits, retirement plans, and wellness initiatives. Notify employees of benefit eligibility and assist with benefit enrollment during onboarding and life events. Administer and process all qualifying life events, benefit changes, and terminations. Manage monthly benefit billing reconciliations and coordinate issue resolution with vendors and carriers. Maintain accurate employee benefit records and conduct regular audits of HRIS and benefit systems. Coordinate annual Open Enrollment activities, employee communications, and benefit renewal processes. Prepare and support annual compliance reporting, including ACA, 401(k), and other required benefit-related filings. Develop and promote employee wellness initiatives and related programs. Reconcile third-party sick pay and coordinate payroll-related benefit adjustments. Leave Administration Administer all aspects of FMLA, ADA accommodations, short-term disability, paid and unpaid leave programs, and other leave benefits in accordance with applicable laws and company policies. Serve as the subject matter expert for leave-related matters and provide guidance to employees, managers, and HR team members. Coordinate employee communications, certifications, approvals, extensions, and return-to-work requirements. Maintain confidential leave records and ensure accurate documentation within HRIS and related systems. Monitor leave-related legislation and recommend policy or process updates to ensure compliance. Workers' Compensation & Compliance Manage workers' compensation claims from initial injury reporting through claim closure and return-to-work. Coordinate with insurance carriers, medical providers, legal counsel, and internal stakeholders to facilitate effective claim management. Partner closely with the Safety team to identify, report, and track OSHA recordable incidents and lost-time cases. Coordinate transitional duty and return-to-work programs with department leadership. Analyze trends in leave utilization, workers' compensation activity, and benefit program performance, providing recommendations to HR leadership. Training, Reporting & HR Support Present employee benefits information during new hire orientation, Open Enrollment, and other company events. Develop and deliver training for managers and HR personnel regarding leave administration, benefits programs, and regulatory requirements. Partner with Payroll, HR Business Partners, Safety, and leadership teams to ensure accurate administration of employee programs. Assist with broader HR initiatives, projects, onboarding activities, and departmental support as assigned. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; equivalent experience may be substituted for education. Five or more years of progressive experience in benefits administration, leave management, workers' compensation, or related HR functions. Strong working knowledge of FMLA, ADA, ADAAA, workers' compensation regulations, ACA requirements, and employee benefits administration. Experience supporting a multi-state workforce and ensuring regulatory compliance. Proficiency with HRIS platforms and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Outlook, and Word. Excellent customer service, communication, organization, and analytical skills. Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and professionalism. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Preferred Qualifications CEBS, SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP, PHR/SPHR, or related certification. Experience with payroll, HR compliance reporting, and leave management systems. The intended base pay range for this role is $70,000 to $85,000. The actual base pay offered may vary based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to job-related qualifications (such as knowledge, skills, education, and experience), location, and/or schedule. Depending on the position offered, incentive plans, bonuses, and/or other forms of compensation may be offered. ThompsonGas provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, ThompsonGas complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. #J-18808-Ljbffr Propane Northwest Inc