Description
This role is responsible for the administration, consultation, and continuous improvement of employee leave of absence programs and processes. This role serves as a subject matter expert for leave and disability programs, partnering with employees, managers, Human Resources, payroll, and third-party administrators to ensure leave programs are administered consistently, compliantly, and with a focus on employee experience. The Senior Leaves Specialist manages complex leave cases, provides guidance on applicable regulations and company policies, and identifies opportunities to enhance operational effectiveness and program delivery.
Here’s what you can expect from the job and what you need to be successful:
What You’ll Do :
Essential Functions:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Administer and support a broad range of employee benefit programs, including health and welfare plans, retirement programs, disability coverage, life insurance, paid time off, and other benefits offerings.
- Analyze benefits program performance, utilization trends, employee feedback, and market practices to identify opportunities for program improvements and enhanced employee experience.
- Partner with vendors, brokers, consultants, and internal stakeholders to support day-to-day benefits operations and ensure effective service delivery.
- Interpret benefits policies, plan provisions, and regulatory requirements, providing guidance and recommendations to employees, managers, and Human Resources partners.
- Assist in the evaluation, implementation, and enhancement of benefits programs, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and workforce needs.
- Coordinate and support annual enrollment activities, employee communications, educational materials, and benefits-related events.
- Monitor compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations and support required reporting, audits, and documentation processes.
- Conduct benchmarking, cost analysis, and reporting to evaluate program competitiveness and support decision-making related to benefits offerings.
- Investigate and resolve complex benefits issues, escalations, and inquiries while ensuring a high level of customer service.
- Contribute to benefits-related projects and initiatives, collaborating across functions to improve processes, strengthen program administration, and enhance operational effectiveness.
Role Specific Essential Functions:
- Administer and manage employee leave programs, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, state and local leave programs, parental leave, military leave, disability-related leaves, and other absence management programs.
- Serve as the primary subject matter expert for employees, managers, and HR partners, providing guidance on leave policies, eligibility requirements, regulatory obligations, and complex case situations.
- Manage complex leave and accommodation cases from intake through resolution, ensuring timely communication, accurate documentation, and compliance with applicable laws and company policies.
- Partner with third-party administrators, payroll, benefits, employee relations, and HR teams to coordinate leave administration activities and resolve issues effectively.
- Monitor regulatory developments and conduct audits of leave processes, case files, and transactions to ensure compliance, data accuracy, and policy adherence.
- Analyze leave metrics and trends, identify opportunities for process improvement, and support projects related to leave administration, system enhancements, and employee experience.
Typical Scope:
- Applies best practices and knowledge of internal/external business challenges to improve products, processes or services. Is accountable for small projects or programs with manageable risks and resource requirements. Resolves difficult and complex problems using judgment and analysis; contributes to problem solving in collaborative settings. Interprets policies and adapts them to new situations.
- Demonstrates judgment in selecting methods to solve problems that have cross-functional impacts or require balancing competing priorities. Applies advanced knowledge of job area with experienced understanding of functional area.
- Typically receives little instruction on daily work. Works independently within defined specialties; adapts methods and procedures for routine work with minimal oversight. Accountable for deliverables. May mentor others and coach or review their work.
Essential Skills:
Education & Experience:
- Required Education:Bachelors degree in field relevant to role (or 4 additional years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree)
- Required Experience:4 - 6 years of relevant experience
Role Specific Expectations and Qualifications:
- Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local leave laws and regulations, including FMLA, ADA, USERRA, paid family and medical leave programs, and workplace accommodation requirements.
- Experience administering complex leave of absence and disability programs, preferably in a multi-state environment.
- Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive employee situations with professionalism, discretion, sound judgment, and a customer-focused approach.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret regulations, assess risk, and develop practical solutions for complex cases.
- Experience collaborating with third-party leave administrators, disability carriers, payroll teams, and HR business partners to deliver effective leave management services.
- Proficiency with HRIS, leave management systems, case management tools, and Microsoft Office applications, along with strong communication and organizational skills.
Qualifications & Skills:
- Strong knowledge of employee benefits programs, including health and welfare, retirement, disability, leave, and insurance plans.
- Understanding of applicable benefits regulations and compliance requirements, including ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, and related legislation.
- Experience working with benefits vendors, brokers, consultants, and third-party administrators.
- Ability to analyze benefits data, identify trends, and develop recommendations that balance employee needs and organizational objectives.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to manage complex benefits-related issues independently.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to explain benefits programs and policies to diverse audiences.
- Proficiency with HRIS platforms, benefits administration systems, reporting tools, and Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing business needs, and effectively collaborate across departments.
Location:
Marlboro, MA
Target Compensation:
$83,000 - $99,500 annually
Schedule:
Monday - Friday 8-5
Who We Are:What makes First Tech different? Click here to learn more!Every great journey begins with a bold idea—and ours is no different. First Tech and DCU were founded on the belief that financial solutions should put people first. That belief has fueled decades of innovation and service, rooted in the tech sector and expanding to support members from all walks of life.
Employees are eligible for: • Traditional medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Generous 401(k) match
• Paid Time Off: You'll accrue up to 15 days in your first year. In addition, you'll receive 40 hours of sick time and 3 personal days, which refresh annually
• Paid federal holidays
• Special employee pricing on lending products such as mortgage, auto, and personal loans (eligibility subject to standard account requirements and underwriting criteria)
Employment Statements:First Tech is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity, inclusion, and equity at our company. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
If you're applying for a job and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an email to recruiters@firsttechfed.com and let us know the nature of your request and contact information. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.First Tech is not currently offering Visa transfer/sponsorship for this position.