Senior Benefits and Leave Specialist

The Senior Benefits and Leave Specialist administers employee benefit programs and manages requests for leave and workplace accommodations. This position serves as a primary resource for employees and managers regarding benefits, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), other leaves of absence (LOA), Workers Compensation and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) interactive process. The role maintains accurate and confidential records, coordinates with benefit carriers and internal partners, and supports consistent administration in accordance with organizational policies and applicable federal, state, and local requirements.

• Administer employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, wellness, and related offerings.
• Support new-hire enrollment, annual open enrollment, qualifying life event changes, benefit terminations, and employee communications.
• Review benefit enrollments and carrier files for accuracy; research and resolve eligibility, enrollment, billing, and claim-escalation issues.
• Reconcile benefit invoices and payroll deductions in partnership with Payroll and Finance.
• Respond to employee benefit questions clearly, promptly, and with appropriate confidentiality.
• Assist with benefit plan documentation, required notices, audits, reporting, and vendor relationships.
• Manage FMLA and other leave requests from initial notice through return to work, including eligibility review, required communications, designation, certification tracking, recertification, and status updates.
• Coordinate company-provided leaves and applicable state or local leave programs, Workers’ compensation-related absences, military leave, parental leave, personal leave, and disability benefits, as applicable.
• Track leave timelines, intermittent leave usage, available balances, documentation deadlines, and return-to-work requirements.
• Communicate with employees, managers, Payroll, benefit carriers, and third-party administrators to support timely and consistent leave administration.
• Maintain regular, appropriate contact with employees on leave while protecting confidential medical information.
• Facilitate the ADA interactive process by receiving accommodation requests, gathering job-related information, coordinating documentation, and supporting individualized assessments of reasonable accommodations.
• Partner with HR and operational leaders to evaluate accommodation options, document decisions, implement approved accommodations, and monitor effectiveness.
• Recognize potential requests for leave or accommodation and provide timely guidance to employees and managers.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and confidential benefit, leave, and accommodation records in designated systems and separate medical files.
• Monitor changes in applicable requirements and help update procedures, forms, communications, and training materials.
• Prepare reports and identify trends related to benefit participation, leave usage, case volume, timelines, and service levels.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Administer Workers’ compensation claims from initial incident report through claim closure, ensuring timely intake, documentation, communication, and follow-up.
• Coordinate with injured employees, managers, medical providers, insurance carriers, third-party administrators, legal counsel, and other partners throughout the claims process.
• Review workplace injury and illness reports for completeness, submit required claim information within applicable deadlines, and monitor claim status, treatment plans, work restrictions, and anticipated return-to-work dates.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for employees and managers regarding Workers’ compensation procedures, benefits, documentation…