Senior Benefits Specialist

Phoenix•Huntsville, AL

About The Position

The Senior Benefits Specialist is responsible for the advanced administration and oversight of employee benefits and retirement programs, including 401(k), medical, dental, vision, life insurance, workers’ compensation, and leave programs (FMLA, FAMLI, LOA). This role serves as the primary subject matter expert and escalation point for complex benefits and leave issues, ensures regulatory compliance, leads open enrollment and vendor coordination, and develops benefits communications and education. The Senior Benefits Specialist analyzes data and trends to support strategic recommendations to HR leadership regarding plan design, cost management, safety, and employee experience.

Requirements

Minimum of five years of progressively responsible human resources experience, with at least three years focused on benefits administration, leave management (FMLA, FAMLI, LOA), retirement programs, and workers’ compensation.
Demonstrated experience serving as a subject matter expert for benefits and leave programs, including complex case management and policy interpretation.
Strong knowledge of HR employment law, policies, practices, and benefit plans, including ERISA, COBRA, ACA, HIPAA, and OSHA requirements.
Proficiency in HRIS/payroll systems, including configuration, testing, and reporting related to benefits and leaves.
Advanced skills in the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), including use of Excel for analytics and reporting.
Valid driver’s license and good driving record, with necessary insurance coverage if operating an agency vehicle.
Must pass a background check per company requirements.
Excellent customer service and communication skills, with the ability to coach and influence employees and leaders at all levels while maintaining confidentiality.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and data accuracy, with proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, exercise sound judgment, and escalate appropriately.
Adaptability to change and ability to follow through on assignments independently.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and good attendance.
Conflict resolution and decision-making abilities.
Ability to exercise sound judgment to maintain a safe work environment.

Nice To Haves

An associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field is preferred.
Hands-on experience administering FMLA, FAMLI, and other LOA programs for hourly and salaried employees, including multi-state environments, preferred.
Experience in a non-profit organization, U.S. government service contracts, and/or working with individuals with disabilities preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee day-to-day administration of benefit programs, ensuring accurate eligibility, enrollment, changes, and terminations in the HRIS/payroll system and carrier platforms
Serve as the primary point of escalation for complex benefit inquiries and issues, resolving problems and coordinating with brokers and vendors as needed.
Lead the preparation and distribution of clear communication materials regarding benefits updates, open enrollment, deadlines, wellness offerings, and plan changes.
Design and facilitate employee education sessions, tools, and resources to help employees understand and maximize their benefits and wellness resources.
Partner with Payroll to ensure accurate benefit deductions, arrears management, and reconciliation.
Administer and oversee FMLA, FAMLI, and other LOA programs, including intake, eligibility review, approvals/denials, tracking, case documentation, and return-to-work coordination for hourly and salaried employees.
Communicate leave rights and responsibilities to employees and supervisors in accordance with policy and applicable laws, providing coaching on complex scenarios.
Maintain accurate and confidential leave records, ensuring timely updates in HRIS and Payroll for pay, benefits, and status changes.
Partner with HR Manager and Operations on difficult cases, including intermittent leave, overlapping leaves, and potential ADA accommodations.
Lead the administration of workers’ compensation claims, including timely incident intake, coordination with third-party administrators, and communication with employees, supervisors, and safety personnel.
Maintain and validate the OSHA 300 log and related records, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and accurate reporting.
Ensure benefits and leave administration practices comply with applicable regulations (ERISA, FMLA, FAMLI, COBRA, ACA, HIPAA, OSHA) and internal policies.
Support and often lead preparation for internal and external audits, including documentation gathering, sample testing, and corrective action follow-up.
Prepare and maintain regular and ad hoc benefit and leave-related reports, metrics, and analysis for HR leadership and organizational stakeholders.
Partner with brokers, carriers, and third-party administrators, participating in plan renewals, implementation of new programs, and ongoing issue resolution.
Lead annual open enrollment activities, including system setup/testing, creation of communication materials, scheduling and hosting of information sessions, employee support, and post-enrollment reconciliation.
Participate in and/or lead HR projects related to benefits, wellness, safety, and HRIS process improvements.
Contribute content related to benefits, wellness, and safety to internal communications (newsletters, intranet, meetings) to promote understanding and engagement.
Perform other duties as assigned.