Leave & Payroll Coordinator

Benefits, Leave & Payroll Coordinator

Main Campus - Staples, MN 56479

Salary Range $30.84 - $41.21 Hourly Level Experienced Position Type Full Time Job Shift Day Category Health Care

Lakewood Health System is a comprehensive rural healthcare system in central Minnesota. Leading the way in providing quality, personalized healthcare for a lifetime, Lakewood prides itself on remaining fiercely independent to prioritize its patients, staff, and communities in all decisions. Voted as one of Star Tribune's Top Workplaces for the sixth year in a row, we do rural healthcare differently at LHS by providing a solid foundation of family practice providers with access to best-in-class specialty services, all right here oss the spectrum of life, Lakewood Health System provides compassionate, quality care for the Brainerd Lakes region and beyond.

Our HR team connects with our 900+ dedicated staff, providers, and leaders, ensuring everyone is supported and thriving. They tackle challenges with creativity and collaboration, always striving for excellence. By working together and playing to each other's strengths, they make Lakewood a fantastic place to work for everyone!

The Benefits, Leave, and Payroll Coordinator supports a positive employee experience by providing accurate payroll administration, comprehensive benefits and leave management, and expert guidance on employment-related programs while ensuring regulatory compliance and operational excellence.

The Benefits, Leave, and Payroll Coordinator is responsible for the accurate, compliant, and efficient administration of payroll, employee benefits, and leave programs across Lakewood Health System. This role supports bi-weekly payroll processing, benefits administration, retirement plan activities, leave of absence management, disability claims, accommodations, and regulatory reporting. The coordinator serves as a subject matter expert and trusted resource for employees and leaders by interpreting payroll, benefits, and leave-related policies, providing education and guidance, and assisting with complex employment situations.

This position collaborates closely with Human Resources leadership, employees, managers, vendors, and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with federal and state employment laws while promoting a positive employee experience and maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.

This is a full-time position working, 80 hours per pay period. This is an on-site position, offering the opportunity to collaborate face-to-face with team members while making a meaningful impact every day.

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required.

• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or CEBS certification preferred.
• Leave Management Specialist (CLMS) or related leave administration certification preferred.

Minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible experience in payroll, benefits administration, leave management, human resources, or a related field.

• Demonstrated experience administering complex leave programs, including FMLA, MN PFL, ADA accommodations, disability claims, workers' compensation coordination, and state-specific leave requirements.
• Strong working knowledge of federal and state employment laws, including FMLA, ADA, PWFA, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, ACA, FLSA, Minnesota ESST, MN PFL, unemployment regulations, and payroll tax requirements.

Proven ability to interpret and apply employment laws, regulations, and organizational policies while maintaining compliance and mitigating organizational risk.

• Demonstrated experience with payroll software (e.g., Paycom) and benefits administration systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, with the ability to analyze data, identify trends, and prepare reports.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to manage confidential and sensitive information.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in payroll processing, benefits administration, and leave management.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize competing demands and meet critical deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain complex payroll, benefits, and leave concepts to employees and leaders.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and navigate sensitive employee situations with professionalism and discretion.

Must be able to meet payroll processing deadlines, primarily on Mondays

• Stays up to date on industry trends and legislation impacting payroll and benefits
• Thrives in a demanding, fast-paced environment
• Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to providing excellent service to employees
• Adapts to changes and interruptions with ease
• Works collaboratively with others in and outside of the HR department
• Handles confidential information with integrity and professionalism
• Possesses strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrates…