Leave and Benefits Specialist

The Benefits Administrator position is responsible for adjudicating leave of absence requests for PCC Structurals Portland and Schlosser facilities. This position also works closely with the Benefits Manager regarding PCC Structurals benefits packages and will focus on Wellness initiatives.

• Communicates with employees regarding their needs for leave. Ensures that employees are aware of their responsibilities and of any documentation and notice required to qualify for and to take leave.
• Handles the FMLA leave administration process from the employee’s initial notice of the need for leave to return to work. This includes gathering and completing all required paperwork, determining leave eligibility, designating leave as FMLA-qualifying, requesting medical certification as needed, and accounting for intermittent and reduced schedule leave use.
• Maintains reasonable communication with employees on leave to facilitate smooth and timely return to work.
• Communicates with employees as needed concerning leave, paid time off, STD & LTD.
• Facilitates other leave requests.
• Administers other company time‑off programs as assigned in accordance with internal policy and applicable laws.
• Focuses on wellness initiatives to improve usage and reduce claims.

• Provides customer service support to internal and external customers, specifically the Plant HR teams and PCC Structurals employees. Develops communication tools to enhance understanding of the company’s benefits package.
• Serves as contact for plan vendors and third‑party administrators.
• Evaluates and revises internal processes to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
• Documents and maintains administrative procedures for assigned benefits processes.
• Coordinates daily benefits processing. Handles enrollments, COBRA, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, disability, accident and death claims, rollovers, QDROs, QMCSOs, distributions, loans, hardships and compliance testing.
• Maintains group benefits database.
• Designs and distributes materials for benefits orientations, open enrollment and summary plan descriptions. Provides training and support to group benefits associates, home office associates and the field staff.

• Experience managing in‑house leave programs and working with leave software (preference for Absence Tracker).
• Knowledge of all pertinent federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements, both adopted and pending, affecting employee benefits programs, including the ACA, ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125, workers' compensation, Medicare, Social Security and DOL requirements, with particular understanding needed for Oregon Leave Act/Paid Leave.
• Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to use Microsoft products, including PowerPoint and Excel.
• Experience with Workday, Canva, WEX, Frances Online and other benefits databases preferred.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment with associates while also working independently and driving tasks to completion.
• Effective planning and priority setting. Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills and a thorough knowledge of benefits, plan design theory and experience.
• Knowledge of benefits plan contract language.
• Excellent communication and organization skills.

• Bachelor’s degree in human resource management or related field, and three to five years of related benefits or employee benefits administration experience.
• SHRM‑CP or SHRM‑SCP and CEBS professional designations preferred.

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time.