Benefits and Leave Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits and Leave Specialist
Reports To : Director of Payroll & Benefits
Status: Full-time; Non-Exempt
Location: Hybrid – Los Angeles (Little Tokyo Office) or West Covina (SGV Office)
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM; occasional evenings or weekends as needed.
Hourly Range: $30.00 - $36.00 per hour (based on experience and qualifications)

 

Are you passionate about supporting a mission-driven organization by ensuring employees have access to the benefits, leave, and retirement resources they need — so they can focus on making a difference in the lives of young people?

 

Who We Are:

In 1922, Woodcraft Rangers opened its doors in Los Angeles and began its mission of guiding young people as they explore pathways to purposeful lives. As a progressive organization, Woodcraft has always been responsive to the evolving needs of the communities served, and is notably inclusive, youth-led, and rooted in the Woodcraft Way, a holistic framework that develops body, mind, spirit, and service. Continuously at the forefront of expanded learning opportunities, Woodcraft Rangers has a rich history of making a significant impact in the greater Los Angeles area, believing that all youth are innately good, deserve the opportunity to realize their full potential, and should be an active participant in defining their own path.

 
What We Do:
Woodcraft Rangers provides TK-12 expanded learning programs, including before and after school, specialty enrichment, and summer learning. In the past few years, Woodcraft has expanded its menu of services beyond traditional afterschool programs and summer camps to include early learning, environmental and social justice, college access, and inclusion services for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Additionally, we offer LifeCraft, a college and career advancement program to support the development of approximately 2,000 staff. Today, Woodcraft Rangers serves more than 30,000 youth ages 4 to 18 each year across 150 plus Title I schools in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties, and continues to expand its reach.

Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate brings a genuine enthusiasm for helping employees navigate their benefits and understand their total compensation, with a strong attention to detail and a high level of empathy.
They thrive in fast-paced environments, can manage a high volume of administrative responsibilities, and communicate with clarity and professionalism. This individual is comfortable balancing compliance, systems, and employee support, while continuously looking for ways to improve processes and the employee experience.
Above all, you treat every employee interaction with empathy, professionalism, and confidentiality, understanding that benefits and leave matters are often among the most personal and important issues for an employee.

Why Work for Woodcraft Rangers:

• Competitive salary – $30.00 - $36.00 per hour
• Paid vacation & sick time – generous time off to recharge
• Lifecraft program – free college & career advancement for all staff
• Upward mobility – promote-from-within culture
• Kaiser medical plans (majority employer-paid), dental & vision coverage
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions– invest in your future
• Pet insurance – because your whole family matters
• Mission-driven work – impact 30,000+ young people annually

Role Overview:

The Benefits & Leave Specialist supports the day-to-day administration of employee benefits programs and leave of absence processes. This role ensures accurate, timely, and compliant administration while serving as a trusted resource to employees and internal stakeholders.
This position partners closely with HR, payroll, and external vendors to deliver high-quality service and support positive employee experience. The Specialist also identifies opportunities to improve processes, workflows, and systems related to benefits and leave administration.

Responsibilities:

  Benefits Administration:

• Support employee enrollment in medical, dental, vision, life, and other benefit plans during onboarding, open enrollment, and qualifying life events.
• Maintain accurate benefits data in ADP and coordinate with vendors and carriers.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding eligibility, coverage, and claims.
• Assist with benefits, billing, reconciliation, and invoice processing.
• Support annual open enrollment planning, including communications, system setup, and employee education sessions.

403(b) Retirement Plan Administration:

• Assist employees with enrollment, contribution changes, and beneficiary updates.
• Coordinate with third-party administrators (TPA) and recordkeepers.
• Ensure accurate and timely contribution processing each payroll cycle.
• Support required notices, disclosures, Form 5500 preparation, and audits.
• Respond to employee questions regarding 403(b) plan features and options.
• Stay current on IRS regulations and non-profit-specific 403(b) plan requirements to ensure ongoing compliance.

Leave of Absence Administration:

• Administer FMLA, state leave, personal leave, and other leave programs in compliance with applicable laws and organizational policies.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for employees requesting leave, providing clear guidance on procedures and documentation requirements.
• Track and maintain accurate leave records, ensuring timely notifications and return-to-work coordination.
• Coordinate with managers and payroll regarding leave status and pay continuation.
• Maintain confidential leave files and ensure compliance with privacy regulations.
• Ensure compliance with California-specific leave laws including CFRA, PDL, and Paid Family Leave (PFL).

Compliance & Reporting:

• Ensure benefits and leave programs comply with federal and state regulations.
• Utilize HRIS systems (ADP) to maintain data integrity and generate reports.
• Support audits, compliance filings, and reporting requirements.

Employee Support & Communications:

• Develop and distribute clear, employee-friendly communications about benefits and leave programs.
• Support new hire orientation and onboarding processes and explain benefits and leave policies.
• Support in identifying opportunities to improve the employee experience related to benefits and leave.

Qualifications/Skills:

 

Required :

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3+ years of experience in benefits, HR operations, or related role
• Experience supporting high-volume or multi-site organizations
• Strong knowledge of benefits and leave laws (FMLA, CFRA, PDL, PFL)
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage sensitive, confidential information with discretion.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Experience with HRIS systems (ADP or similar) to maintain data accuracy and generate reports to support decision-making.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Experience working in a non-profit or mission-driven organization.

 

Physical Demands:
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the following physical demands may be essential for the effective performance of this position. Reasonable accommodation will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions:

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer, including frequent use of keyboard and mouse.
• Regular use of hands and fingers to operate office equipment and technology.
• Occasional standing, walking, and light movement within the office environment.
• Ability to lift and carry light items (e.g., files, documents, or office materials) up to 20 pounds, if needed.
• Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals to perform essential functions.

Work Environment:
We are committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and will actively consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals to effectively perform their roles. This position operates in environments typical of the following key aspects:

• Hybrid schedule with a combination of in-office work at the (TBD) headquarters and remote work, based on business needs and departmental expectations.
• Standard Monday-Friday schedule aligned with business operations, with occasional extended hours during payroll processing periods, audits, or year-end activities.
• Regular in-office presence required for collaboration, team leadership, and key meetings.
• Limited travel may be required for meetings, trainings, or cross-functional collaboration across Woodcraft Rangers sites.
• Work is primarily performed using computer systems and payroll software in both office and remote settings.
• Stable internet connection required for remote workdays.
• Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Woodcraft Rangers provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without discrimination with regard to race, religious belief, color, sex, sex stereotype, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions (including breastfeeding), age, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identification and expression, transgender status, transitioning status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics, genetic information, family care, marital status, enrollment in any public assistance program, status as military, a veteran or qualified disabled veteran, status as an unpaid intern or volunteer, or any other classification protected by law. We also prohibit discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.

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