The Benefits and Leave Specialist is responsible for managing and administering company-wide benefits plans and leave of absence programs. This role will serve as the subject matter expert in the health and welfare of our employees across a variety of areas including, but not limited to, medical, dental, pharmacy, vision, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, life, disability, voluntary plans, retirement plans, employee wellbeing, emergency back-up care, leave of absence, and worker's compensation. This role ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, provides exceptional support to employees, and collaborates with various stakeholders to optimize benefits offerings and leave management. This role is based out of the corporate office in Fort Worth, Texas.
Essential Functions • Benefits Management: Oversee the sourcing, implementation, and maintenance of company-wide benefits plans, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure timely completion and compliance of regulatory filings and employee communications, including Form 5500, SPD, SAR, and annual disclosures. • Policy Administration: Interpret and administer leave programs (FMLA, ADA, etc.) and workers' compensation claims, ensuring adherence to applicable laws and regulations. • Liaison with Vendors: Collaborate with insurance carriers and benefits vendors to ensure compliance, effective claim processing, and timely data exchanges. • Case Management: Provide extensive case management for leave and workers' compensation claims, including tracking hours used and coordinating return-to-work processes. • Employee Support: Counsel team members on benefits plan provisions, eligibility, and claims, facilitating informed decision-making. • Open Enrollment: Plan and lead annual open enrollment activities, ensuring clear communication and support for employees. • Data Integrity: Assist in maintaining data integrity related to benefits and leave policies, ensuring accurate records and reporting. • Reporting and Analysis: Produce and manage reporting metrics for benefits utilization and leave cases, presenting findings to management as needed. • Training and Development: Assist in creating and facilitating training programs related to leave administration and workers' compensation. • Customer Service: Maintain a high level of customer service and responsiveness to employee inquiries and needs. • Additional Duties: Perform other duties as assigned by management.
Qualifications
Education and Experience • Bachelor's degree in business, human resources, or a related field. • 3-5 years of experience in benefits administration and leave management. • Experience with managing complex leave cases (FMLA, STD) and workers' compensation claims.
Preferred Qualifications • Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification. • Prior experience leading a team.
Skills and Abilities • Strong knowledge of employee benefits, COBRA, ERISA, FMLA, and ACA regulations. • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP). • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. • Ability to manage confidential information and maintain employee privacy. • Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to customer service.
Physical Requirements • Ability to sit for prolonged periods and work on a computer. • Must be able to lift at least 15 pounds.