Leave Specialist

Position Summary

The Benefits & Leave Specialist, reporting to the Payroll Manager, is responsible for ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant administration of the Dover Company’s employee benefit programs and leave administration. This role serves as a primary point of contact for benefits, COBRA, and 401(k). The Specialist also manages all aspects of leave administration, including FMLA, state-specific leave policies, and internal policies, ensuring proper documentation, communication and compliance with applicable regulations.

This position ensures adherence to federal, state, and local regulations; collaborates with HR, Finance, and external vendors; and supports employees with a high level of customer service. Additionally, the position contributes to process improvements, audits, reporting, and the overall effectiveness of leave and benefits operations.

• At Cedarhurst, our core values guide how we work together and how we care for those we serve. We expect every team member to be passionate, trustworthy, empathetic, positive, respectful, and approachable. Being part of Cedarhurst means making a meaningful difference every day.
• We believe our team is our greatest strength. That’s why we invest in comprehensive training, as well as opportunities for both personal and professional growth. We’re committed to promoting from within and supporting team members who want to build their careers with us.
• Cedarhurst offers a competitive benefits package, including medical insurance, life insurance, long-term disability coverage, and a 401(k) plan with company match (after one year of service) for eligible employees.
• Additional Benefits Include:
• Work that makes a difference in the lives of our residents and community
• An on-site gym with brand-new equipment
• A personal trainer offering daily group classes, stretching sessions, and one‑on‑one training
• Catered lunches twice a week, prepared by our on‑site chef
• Monthly team events and more

The following duties are normal for this position. This list is not to be construed as exclusive or all‑inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Manage the day‑to‑day administration of health, wellness, retirement, and other employee benefit programs
• Oversee new hire enrollments, life event changes, and open enrollment activities
• Assist employees with benefit and leave questions
• Conduct routine benefits audits to ensure accuracy in payroll and the HRIS systems
• Support compliance with ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, and other regulatory requirements
• Administer all employee leave programs, including FLMA, parental leave, and state specific paid leave
• Partner with Third Party Administrator and coordinate the full leave lifecycle: intake, eligibility verification, documentation collection, tracking, communication, and return to work coordination.
• Partner with managers to ensure compliance and provide training, as necessary
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees regarding leave rights, responsibilities, and timelines
• Manage disability claims in partnership with carriers and third‑party administrators
• Maintain deduction records and reconcile payables
• Partner closely with payroll to ensure accurate deductions, premium payments, and leave‑related pay
• Oversee the COBRA process and serve as a point of contact for questions
• Reconcile benefit deductions and resolve payroll discrepancies
• Maintain benefits and leave data in HRIS and related systems
• Coordinate with third‑party vendors and brokers; prepare necessary reports
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, increase accuracy, and improve the employee experience
• Develop employee educational opportunities to help create awareness about opportunities provided through benefits
• Other duties as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, finance, or related field is required
• Two (2)+ years of hands‑on experience administering employee benefits in an HR, People Ops, or Payroll environment
• Direct experience managing leave of absence programs,…