Benefits & Leave Specialist

JOB FUNCTION:

The primary responsibility of this position is to own the leave management function (LOA and FMLA) while supporting broader benefits administration functions. This position ensures compliance, accurate data processing, and employee support while also contributing to cost mitigation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Management of Leave of Absence (LOA) Programs, including FMLA (Approx. 45% of time):

• Manage all aspects of each LOA, from receipt of request to reinstatement.
• Determine FMLA eligibility, and issue appropriate paperwork within required timeframes.
• Track employee compliance with LOA requirements/deadlines.
• Ensure that LOA policies and procedures comply with applicable laws and regulations. Serve as primary representative in the event of an FMLA audit.
• Continually analyze and evaluate LOA policies, procedures, and activity in order to identify opportunities for process improvement. Lead change, from proposal to implementation.
• Serve as clearinghouse for LOA/FMLA-related questions from all employees.
• Participate in onboarding and/or training of HR and supervisor-level employees, as it relates to LOA.
• Design and deliver training at corporate and branch locations (may require occasional overnight travel).
• Seek out and/or attend training as needed in order to maintain professional credentials and/or remain a subject-matter expert.
• Benefits Administration Support (Approx. 45% of time):

• Assist with processing and auditing benefit enrollments, changes, arrears collections, and deductions.
• Own the monthly vendor invoice reconciliation process for all benefit vendors, flagging discrepancies and working with vendors to resolve issues.
• Manage census file preparation and submissions during Open Enrollment and for ad-hoc vendor requests (e.g., Life Insurance EOI, STD/LTD reports).
• Support the 401(k) plan with basic tasks such as loan amortization tracking and employee deferral flow auditing.
• Additional Tasks (Approx. 10% of time):

• At the direction of the Compensation & Benefits Manager, assist with benefit survey requests, regulatory audits, and compliance testing (e.g., ACA, nondiscrimination testing).
• Active member of MPW’s Wellness Committee, which includes but is not limited to helping facilitate the implementation and rollout of wellness initiatives.
• Perform other duties as directed.

KEY BEHAVIORS:

1. Customer Service: Proactively developing customer relationships by making efforts to listen and understand the customer (both internal and external); anticipating and providing solutions to customer needs; giving high priority to customer satisfaction.

2. Professionalism: Maintaining a high-quality professional appearance and standardizing to improve performance and reputation.

3. Continuous Improvement: Refining and developing new tools and processes through creativity and innovation.

4. Drive to Win: Passionate and candid; challenges are eagerly accepted, and motivated to grow.

5. Spirit of Family: Treating all people with respect by supporting and giving back to employees, customers and local communities. Promoting opportunities within and through referrals.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor or Associate Degree (preferably in Human Resources or related field), or equivalent experience.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• Professional interpersonal, oral, and written communication.
• This role requires exposure to difficult emotional situations. The successful candidate will demonstrate empathy and sensitivity, without sacrificing professionalism or compliance with business/legal standards.
• Two to four years of administrative experience in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to balance and prioritize numerous deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Power Point.
• Prior experience with an HRIS database helpful.
• Individually motivated and willing to travel up to 10% of the time.