The Benefits and Leave Specialist administers team member benefit programs and manages leave of absence processes in compliance with company policy and applicable laws. This role ensures accurate benefits enrollment, maintains team member records, supports team member inquiries, and provides guidance on federal and state leave policies (including FMLA, ADA, and state-specific programs). 

Primary Responsibilities 

Benefits 

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  Administer team member benefit programs such as health, dental, vision, disability, HSA and life insurance. 

  
  

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  Communicate benefit offerings, policy changes, and manage the open enrollment process assuring information is clearly and effectively communicated to team members. 

  
  

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  Reconcile benefit invoices and support audits for accuracy and compliance. 

  
  

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  Investigate areas of concern regarding benefits, communicate internally or with benefit providers to resolve specific questions on behalf of team members and convey resulting information and resolutions, following up to ensure matters are fully resolved or escalated appropriately. 

  
  

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  Manage the ACA process in HRIS system to ensure compliance and accuracy of data. 

  
  

Leave 

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  Manage full cycle leave of absence requests (FMLA, ADA, PFL, DBL, STD, and other State Leave Programs including those outside of NYS, personal, military, workers’ compensation, etc.) following legal and policy requirements. 

  
  

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  Serve as the primary point of contact for team members and managers regarding benefits and leave processes. 

  
  

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  Track and document leave status, eligibility, and return-to-work processes while maintaining confidentiality and record accuracy. 

  
  

Additional 

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  Partner with payroll and HRIS teams to ensure correct benefit deductions and leave pay processing. 

  
  

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  Maintain knowledge of current legal requirements and industry trends related to benefits and leaves of absences. 

  
  

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  Contribute to continuous process improvement within the HR department. 

  
  

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  Maintain confidentiality of all pertinent HR information in accordance with HIPAA, and other federal and state privacy laws, as well as our established HR and Company policies governing confidential information. 

  
  

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  Provide payroll back up when needed.