Benefits and Leave Specialist

Summary: The Benefits Specialist & Leave of Absence Manager is responsible for administering and managing the company’s employee benefits programs and overseeing all aspects of leave of absence (LOA) requests. This dual role ensures employees receive accurate, timely, and supportive guidance on benefits and leaves, while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The position works closely with employees, HR, payroll, and external vendors to provide excellent service and seamless program administration.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Benefits Administration:

· Administer health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, wellness, and voluntary benefits programs.

· Administer transactions of the 403(b) plan and processes employee requests for loans and/or distributions

· Serve as the primary contact for employee benefits questions, enrollment, changes, and issue resolution.

· Maintain accurate benefits data in HRIS systems and ensure timely coordination with payroll for deductions.

· Manage vendor relationships, escalating and resolving benefit-related issues as needed.

· Support annual open enrollment, including employee communications, presentations, and system updates.

· Conduct benefits audits and reporting to ensure accuracy, compliance, and cost-effectiveness.

· Stay informed on benefit trends and regulations to recommend improvements and best practices.

Leave of Absence (LOA) Management:

· Oversee all LOA requests (FMLA, ADA, personal, parental, workers’ compensation, military, and other leaves).

· Provide employees with clear communication on eligibility, requirements, and return-to-work procedures.

· Partner with managers, HR, and third-party administrators to ensure compliance and consistency.

· Track leave cases, document communications, and maintain confidential records.

· Coordinate and track FMLA

· Ensure compliance with applicable laws (FMLA, ADA, HIPAA, state leave laws) and internal policies, procedures and regulations.

· Monitor intermittent leaves and coordinate accommodations when required.

· Educate employees and leaders on leave processes, rights, and responsibilities.

· Assist employees with benefit claims as needed

· Demonstrates knowledge of and supports Westbrook Health Services mission, vision, values, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards and code of ethical behavior.

Qualification Requirements:

· Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).

· 3–5 years of experience in benefits administration and/or leave management.

· Strong knowledge of employment laws and compliance requirements (ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, FMLA, ADA, state leave laws).

· Proficiency with HRIS and benefits/leave management systems.

· Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

· Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

· Detail-oriented with strong follow-through to manage multiple priorities.

· Ability to communicate clearly and accurately with a variety of individuals and work well in a team environment.

· Work with staff, consumers and others in a professional, cooperative, ethical, respectful and effective manner.

· Must pass Criminal Investigation Background and DHHR background check as well as post offer drug screen.

Preferred Qualifications:

• · HR certification (SHRM-CP, PHR, or CEBS) strongly preferred
• · Experience working with third-party benefit and leave administrators

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.   Mobility and ability to sit for long periods of time, use a standard computer keyboard, bend, reach and lifts up to 10 pounds are required in this position.

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Qualification Requirements:

· Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).

· 3–5 years of experience in benefits administration and/or leave management.

· Strong knowledge of employment laws and compliance requirements (ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, FMLA, ADA, state leave laws).

· Proficiency with HRIS and benefits/leave management systems.

· Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

· Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

· Detail-oriented with strong follow-through to manage multiple priorities.

· Ability to communicate clearly and accurately with a variety of individuals and work well in a team environment.

· Work with staff, consumers and others in a professional, cooperative, ethical, respectful and effective manner.

· Must pass Criminal Investigation Background and DHHR background check as well as post offer drug screen.

Preferred Qualifications:

· HR certification (SHRM-CP, PHR, or CEBS) strongly preferred

· Experience working with third-party benefit and leave administrators

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.   Mobility and ability to sit for long periods of time, use a standard computer keyboard, bend, reach and lifts up to 10 pounds are required in this position.