The benefits specialist is responsible for the administration of leave benefits to include FMLA, applicable state leave plans, personal leave, bereavement, jury duty, military leave and wellness programs. Other duties will include assistance with the medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short- and long-term disability programs. Duties/Responsibilities: Ensures the accuracy of all benefits enrollments in the HRIS to provide vendors with accurate eligibility information. Assists with new-hire orientations. Performs quality checks of benefits-related data. Assists employees regarding benefits claim issues and plan changes. Distributes all benefits enrollment materials and determines eligibility. Enrolls employees with carriers and process life status changes. Responds to benefits inquiries from managers and employees on plan provisions, benefits enrollments, status changes and other general inquiries. Processes and administers all leave-of-absence requests and disability paperwork: medical, personal, disability and FMLA. Effectively interprets FMLA and ADA implications as they relate to leaves of absences/disabilities. Develop and implement comprehensive wellness programs that improve employee health, wellness, and productivity. Assists with the open enrollment process. Provides necessary reports for allocation/billing charges. Maintain and update leave policies. Coordinate and meet with employees to discuss leave, benefits and timesheets. Responds to inquiries from managers and employees on leave provisions, benefits and eligibility, status changes and other general inquiries. Qualifications Required Skills/Abilities: Extensive knowledge of employee benefits, leave and applicable laws. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Excellent organizational and time management skills. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software. Education and Experience: Required: Associate’s degree in HR or related field. Three or more years of experience in HR and/or benefits administration. Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field of study. SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification credential. Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time. Overview Exclusively focused on the Government, Kearney & Company provides financial services, including auditing, consulting, and technology services. Our commitment to our employees and clients as well as to dedication and trust, critical values to our Firm, have led to Kearney’s recognition as one of the leading accounting firms in the country. Based on our employees’ feedback, we are also consistently rated a Best Place to Work. Employment at Kearney means a flexible, collaborative, and open-minded work environment. We hope it is your “first easy decision.” Learn more at www.kearneyco.com/careers. The expected salary range for this position is between $80,000 and $90,000. This range is representative of base pay only and does not include straight time pay for hours worked over 40 per week, company contributions towards paid benefits, and/or bonuses. Actual compensation (meeting or exceeding the range) will be determined based on specific experience, education, work location, clearance level, and other factors permitted by law. This position is eligible for bonuses (when applicable). We also offer a competitive benefits package that includes: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, and Disability Insurance 401(k) Retirement Plan and 529 Education Savings Plan Flexible Spending & Health Savings Account Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity Insurances Legal Insurance and Pet Insurance Employee Assistance Program, fitness and wellness benefits, and other firm benefits. Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time EEO Notice Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws EEO Notice Work location is subject to change based on client requirements. Kearney & Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, genetic information, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender; gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, age, disability or handicap, servicemember status, relationship or association with a protected veteran, and any other category protected by Federal, state, or local law. Click here to learn more. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, regarding accessibility of our website, a modification or adjustment of the job application or interview process due to a disability, please call 703-236-2391 or email accommodations@kearneyco.com. Please be advised that this contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of an application. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) FMLA is designed to help employees balance their work and family responsibilities by allowing them to take reasonable unpaid leave for certain family and medical reasons. Kearney & Company provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year. Military family leave is available for up to 26 weeks under FMLA. Click here to learn more. Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) The EPPA prohibits most private employers from using lie detector tests either for pre-employment screening or during the course of employment. Kearney & Company adheres all provisions of the EPPA. Click here to learn more.