Benefits Specialist

Maintain in-depth knowledge of leave programs. Manage inter-reliant processes and benefits to ensure administrative compliance on FMLA, and short term and long term disability programs. Take independent action as necessary to solve employee issues within the confines of plan and company policies. Provide a high level of customer service and support.
Essential Responsibilities

1) Partner with disability/leave vendor on leave and short-term disability absences and act as a liaison between the vendor and management. Ensure proper integration of vendor medical FMLA administration with short term and long-term disability programs and claims. Handle short term disability (STD) and long term disability (LTD) claim escalations referred by vendor.
2) Monitor vendor STD, LTD and FMLA claim approvals and administration to ensure applicable written and verbal communications are provided to employees and managers throughout the leave process. Maintain expertise regarding FMLA regulations to ensure Company practices and disability/leave vendor administration to remain compliant with FMLA.
3) Establish set-up of STD payments and maintain accuracy of payments through the applicable systems, including accurate payroll reporting of those eligible for specialized STD benefit. Support the reconciliation and monitoring of the collection of over/underpayments for STD benefits.

4) Partner with LTD vendor and assist in the maintenance of accurate LTD records including current status, level of pay, eligibility for Medicare and Social Security disability, benefits billing/deduction accuracy and FAS actuarial reporting. Partner with vendor to ensure applicable written and verbal communications are provided to employees and managers throughout the leave, LTD claim, and return-to-work administration.

5) Process department timekeeping and employee changes and other administrative duties as assigned.

1. Explain what the scope of the work/project is? Project Overview, deliverables (what is this person responsible for).

This contractor will sit within the Leave Administration team and provide back-end administrative support related to leave and accommodation requests. The role focuses on state statutory leaves (e.g., Colorado Family Leave, Minnesota Paid Leave). Responsibilities include:

Managing timekeeping systems

Moving employees on and off leave in systems

Completing required state paperwork

Supporting pay processing and lookbacks

Managing shared inboxes

This is not a case-management or customer-facing role; it is primarily administrative support.

1. What are the top 3-5 skills and qualifications (technology/application/software, etc.) required?

Strong data entry accuracy

Experience with or ability to learn Workday, UKG, ServiceNow

HR or benefits knowledge, especially leave administration

High attention to detail

System navigation across multiple platforms

2. What non-technical skills are necessary (i.e., such as communication, problem solving, team player)?

Written communication skills

Attention to detail

Efficiency and consistency

Ability to work well within a team

3. Ideal candidate background and how many years required?

Entry-level to early-career

Prior experience with leaves, accommodations, or benefits preferred but not required

4. Are there any specific companies you like to see on a candidate's resume?

N/a

5. Are there any certifications that the candidate must possess?

N/a

6. Are there any preferred or "nice to have" skills?

Prior experience with statutory leaves

Experience in HR benefits or accommodations

Familiarity with payroll processes (nice to have, not required)