The Benefits and Leave Specialist supports the development and execution of benefits and leave programs, managing the benefits and leave of absence process for employees, ensuring clear communication, organization, and problem-solving support throughout. Collaborating closely with field operations and vendors.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Manage and oversee all aspects of employee benefit plans, including health insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts and other employee benefits. Audit and oversee processing of monthly billings and prepare invoices for payment of group plans. Approves pending tasks in Ben Admin daily (life events, EOI, document request) to ensure timely enrollment and payroll deductions. Manages weekly vendors drop record reports and make corrections in HRIS system. Serves as the primary point of contact for all employees and manager inquiries regarding benefits, leaves of absence and accommodation requests. Oversee benefit communication for new hires, ensuring a smooth onboarding experience through presentations, employee meetings, and new hire orientation. Support the development and continuous improvement of training and resources for managers on benefits and leave processes. Assist employees with benefit enrollment, determine eligibility, and document calls under employee profile in Benefit Administration. Assists with the annual open enrollment process and end-of-year audits. Performs monthly vendor audits (HSA, Excellus, VSP, Delta, COBRA, Hartford, LBS) to ensure compliance. Works closely with Hartford on leave process and manages Hartford site. Manages Short Term Disability (STD)/Long Term Disability (LTD) programs and vendor relationships. Ensure that STD claims are coordinated with FMLA or general medical cases. Audit paid leave claims through Harford workability portal. Maintain accurate employee benefit records, including eligibility status, coverage details, and beneficiary information. Maintain primary responsibility for scanning of all documents, benefit and medical related paperwork in employees’ electronic files. Respond to employee questions regarding benefits, provide guidance on plan options, and resolve benefit-related issues. Interprets and administers leave programs and policies in accordance with the applicable federal and state employment laws (FMLA, ADA, USERRA, Pregnancy Discrimination Act, etc.). Independently approves and/ or denies Personal leave request. Monitor and track premiums employees’ pay towards their benefits during their leave. Submit available PTO to payroll to supplement employee’s unpaid medical leave. Works closely with the Benefits Manager to identify fraudulent leave activity and research and resolve matters. Partners closely with HR and Risk Management business partners on leave cases and Workers compensation claims as needed.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Performs all other duties as assigned or required. Travel as needed for benefits training and onboarding.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Associate’s degree required in business, human resources, or related field.  Bachelor’s degree preferred.  Two to Three years of experience with leave and benefits experience. Completion of Benefits Certification or other benefits or human resource related professional certification is preferred.

TECHNOLOGY, EQUIPMENT & TOOLS:

Proficient with standard office equipment i.e. computer, phones, scanner, fax and copier. Proficient with Microsoft Office including, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint. Strong understanding of Department database design, structure, function and process. Experience with database tools.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Strong understanding of employee benefits law and regulations Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with employees and vendors Detail oriented with strong organization skills to manage complex benefit plans Ability to analyze information and convert related activities into a comprehensive work plan Ability to identify basic problems and procedural irregularities, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions Ability to multi-task and drive multiple projects Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities Demonstrated ability to deal with confidential information, ensure HIPAA and Employee Privacy guidelines are closely monitored and effectively executed. Demonstrated problem solving, time management and priority setting skills. Strong understanding of processes and data.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:                                                         

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, an employee must regularly sit, stand for extended periods of time, reach and perform repetitive keystrokes. While performing the duties of this job, an employee must occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, and lift or move up to 25 pounds.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to an office environment.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but on some occasions may become louder.

COMPENSATION: $58,500 - $68,650

Lewis Services regularly evaluates our compensation and benefit packages to ensure we remain competitive. Starting pay will be based on a candidate’s experience, skills and education.