Benefits Specialist

Summary

The Benefits Specialist supports the administration of employee benefit programs and leave of absence processes while delivering responsive, knowledgeable service to employees and HR partners. This role serves as a key point of contact for benefits and leave-related questions, helping employees understand available programs, eligibility requirements, required documentation, timelines, and next steps. The position also supports day-to-day benefits administration, vendor coordination, employee communications, data accuracy, reporting, and issue resolution.

Success in this role requires strong attention to detail, sound judgement, excellent communication and customer service skills, and the ability to handle sensitive employee matters with professionalism and confidentiality. The Benefits Specialist collaborates closely with employees, HR Payroll, benefits vendors, and other internal partners to deliver an accurate, consistent, and positive employee experience. This position will have a hybrid schedule at our Dublin location.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Administers leave programs, including FMLA, short-term disability, workers compensation, and other company-provided or legally required leaves.
• Maintains accurate leave records and monitors key dates.
• Coordinate with disability carriers to support accurate and timely claim processing.
• Partners with the HR Manager, Benefits Manager, and Legal to review the status of FMLA and ADA cases
• Responds to employee inquiries regarding benefits related matters
• Processes and reviews benefit elections
• Reviews supporting enrollment documentation
• Reconciles monthly benefit invoice.
• Informs COBRA vendor of qualifying events to support the timely issuance of required notices to employees and dependents.
• Assists with the coordination and distribution of employee benefits education and communication initiatives.
• Supports new-hire benefit enrollment and new hire orientation
• Ensures employee life-cycle data is accurately maintained in the Human Resources Information System
• Maintains I-9 documentation and supports compliance with E-Verify requirements.
• Manages onboarding and hiring processes in the HRIS.

Qualifications

The following qualifications represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform the responsibilities of this position.

Education and/or Work Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in employee benefits, with a concentration in leave of absence management.
• Working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to FMLA, ADA, HIPAA, ERISA, and employee benefits and leave requirements.

Technical Skills/Physical Requirements

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Experience working with HRIS, payroll, and benefits administration platforms.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively and professionally with employees and management at all levels.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and appropriately escalate issues when needed.