Leave of Absence Specialist

Job Description

One Year Contract

Summary of Position:

The Benefits Analyst is a skilled and detail-oriented team player who plays a role in the management and administration of Associates’ benefits and well-being programs. This position specializes in Leave Administration and is responsible for managing and analyzing the Company’s leave programs to ensure they comply with legal requirements and meet Associate’s needs. This job requires exceptional attention to detail, organized, supports implementation of programs, and proficiency Microsoft Office suite, especially PowerPoint, Excel and Vizio among others.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

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• Leave Program Management : Oversee the administration of various types of leave, including but not limited to, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), short-term and long-term disability, parental leave, military and personal leave. Ensure these programs comply with federal, state, and local regulations. Coordinate closely with leave and disability vendor partners to ensure a seamless Associate experience.
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• Associate Communication and Support : Serve as the primary point of contact for Associates and managers regarding leave inquiries and the interactive return to work process. Provide guidance and “white glove” support to Associates on leave options, policy details, and the application process.
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• Policy Development & Implementation : Assist to create and update leave policies and guidelines. Ensure that policies are up-to-date with the latest laws and best practices, and effectively communicated to Associates and managers.
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• Data Integrity : Ensure the accuracy and integrity of benefits data by meticulously reviewing and reconciling data from different sources and resolving discrepancies as needed. Analyze leave data to identify trends, forecast leave costs, and assess the impact on staffing. Prepare reports for management on leave usage, compliance issues, and program effectiveness.
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• Compliance : Stay updated on relevant laws, regulations, and industry trends related to employee benefits to ensure the company's benefits programs remain compliant and competitive.
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• Documentation and Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and confidential records of all leave requests, approvals, ongoing cases and the interactive return to work process. Ensure all documentation complies with legal requirements.
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• Process Improvement : Continuously identify opportunities for process enhancements and automation within benefits administration, aiming to streamline workflows and improve efficiency.
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• Training and Development : Provide training to HR and people managers on leave policies and procedures. Develop educational materials and conduct informational sessions for Associates, HR and people managers.
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• Problem Resolution : Address and resolve complex leave cases and ensure a fair and consistent application of policies. Work closely with legal, HR, Associate Relations and people managers to handle sensitive or exceptional cases.
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• Benefits Knowledge : Solid understanding of employee benefits programs, regulations, and industry best practices.
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• Analytical Thinking : Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, capable of translating data into actionable insights.
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• Communication Skills : Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain benefits concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
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• Team Collaboration : Able to work collaboratively within cross-functional teams, liaising with Payroll, HR, People Managers, Legal, and other departments.
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Qualifications:

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• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field. Relevant certifications (e.g., CEBS, CLMS, PHR, SHRM-CP) are a plus.
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• Strong Excel Proficiency: Demonstrated expertise in Excel, including the ability to manipulate and analyze large datasets, create complex formulas, and generate meaningful visualizations.
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• Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough in reviewing data and documentation, with a commitment to maintaining the highest level of accuracy.
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• Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience in benefits administration, data analysis, or a related field.
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Education and Experience Requirements:

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• BA/BS/Bachelor’s degree preferred
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• 4+ years’ experience
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