Senior Benefits Specialist & Leave Coordinator

Senior Benefits Specialist & Leave Coordinator

Job Category: Administrative / Clerical
Requisition Number: SENIO
001276
Posted: December 18, 2025
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Monmouth University Main Campus, West Long Branch, NJ
Rate: $78,000 USD per year

The Senior Benefits Specialist & Leave Coordinator supports the administration, communication, and compliance of employee health and welfare benefit programs and leave management processes within a higher education environment. The role serves as the primary point of contact for faculty, staff, and administrators regarding benefits enrollment, plan provisions, leave entitlements, and related HR policies, ensuring accurate documentation, regulatory compliance, and high‑quality customer service.

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Professional References

• Coordinate daily administration of employee health and welfare benefits including medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, short‑ and long‑term disability programs, EAP, Telehealth and retirement programs as well as ancillary benefits and COBRA administration.
• Conduct weekly new employee orientations and provide follow‑up to new employee inquiries; deliver benefit presentations to special employee populations, retirement and long‑term disability retirement consultations, and quarterly retirement seminars.
• Support annual open enrollment activities by preparing materials, hosting informational sessions, and assisting employees with elections.
• Participate in auditing activities on a regular basis.
• Collaborate with the enrollment and administration teams to document processes and maximize efficiencies where possible.
• Maintain accurate benefits data in the HRIS; process qualifying life events, new hires, terminations, and plan changes.
• Reconcile monthly benefit invoices and ensure timely payment and accuracy.
• Assist employees in understanding benefit options, plan provisions, and eligibility guidelines.
• Coordinate with vendors, brokers, and carriers to resolve benefit‑related issues.

• Serve as the primary contact for all leave programs including FMLA, ADA/504 workplace accommodations, sick leave, parental leave, workers' compensation, temporary disability and institution‑specific leave programs.
• Review, track, and process leave requests; ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies.
• Communicate leave entitlements, required documentation, timelines, and return‑to‑work expectations to employees and supervisors.
• Maintain accurate and confidential leave files and tracking systems.
• Collaborate with the ADA/504 Coordinator, HR leadership, and supervisors to support interactive process discussions and reasonable accommodations.

• Ensure all benefits and leave processes adhere to federal, state, and local regulations (FMLA, ADA, NJLAD, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, state leave laws).
• Prepare regular reports on benefits utilization, leave trends, and compliance metrics.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of regulatory changes affecting benefits and leave management.
• Ensure accurate and timely compliance with governing statutes and regulations including non‑discrimination testing pursuant to Section 125, ACA, 403(b), APBO and PCORI.
• Maintain OSHA records. Submit and post required logs and reports in accordance with established procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Review medical documentation and work‑related accident reports for completeness and clarity of data to ensure compliance with policy and regulatory requirements, obtain claim numbers and update all information on the OSHA log.
• Assist with audits, accreditation reviews, and compliance documentation.

• Provide high‑quality assistance to employees regarding benefits, leaves, and HR‑related inquiries.
• Conduct new‑hire benefits orientations and onboarding sessions.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with employees, supervisors, and external stakeholders.
• Assist with developing and updating benefits and leave‑related policies, procedures, and resources.

• Colla…