Leave of Absence & Benefits Specialist

Barnes Aerospace is seeking an experienced, compassionate, and detail-oriented Leave of Absence & Benefits Specialist who will act as the leave liaison working with employees at all levels, their managers and HR Business partners in the coordination, support and assistance of the leave of absence process from an employee's initial request through their return to work, ensuring compliance with the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), state and local leave laws/programs, and the Company's policies. Additionally, this role will support the day-to-day administration of our employee benefit programs including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, disability, life and 401(k). ***Role can be Hybrid or Remote***

Core Responsibilities:

Leave of Absence

• Serve as the subject matter expert for all matters related to FMLA, ADA leaves of absences, disability, and Company leave policies
• Manage all aspects of employee leave requests, including intake, processing, tracking, and process improvement
• Monitor leave durations and communicate with employees and relevant stakeholders on leave status and return-to-work timelines
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local leave laws (e.g., FMLA, ADA) and stay abreast of changes and opportunities for improvement
• Facilitate the tracking of unpaid, intermittent FMLA claims, including use of required paid time off & manager notifications
• Communicate with third-party disability vendor to track claim status and support employee case management.
• Maintain accurate leave records within the leave management system & HRIS system
  Process and coordinate payroll calculations for disability and FMLA leaves to payroll and HR
• Partner closely with HR Business Partners to review claim status and develop case strategies when appropriate.
• Audit internal record of leaves of absence against third-party vendor's records to ensure accuracy and resolve discrepancies.

Benefits

• Supports day-to-day administration and communication of Barnes Aerospace's health and welfare programs, including health, dental, vision, flexible spending, health savings accounts, disability benefits, life insurance, and retirement plans.
• Review, triage and respond to inquiries in the Benefits Shared Mailbox in a timely and professional manner
• Supports annual open enrollment processes to ensure all critical tasks are completed, employee communication is timely, and deliverables are executed
• Ensure weekly interface files are generated and transmitted accurately and on schedule to all applicable benefit vendors
• Support audits and compliance reporting related to benefits, including but not limited to 5500 filings, 401k audits, ACA reporting and nondiscrimination testing
  Maintains internal and external employee benefit resource sites with the most up to date information and plan resources
• Review and process benefit invoices for accuracy, resolve discrepancies with vendors, and ensure timely submission to Accounting/Treasury for payment
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the benefits function

Qualifications:

• 3 to 5+ years of experience in leave administration and/or benefits administration
• Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret complex regulatory requirements, identify compliance risks, and implement solutions
• Experience managing leave and benefit programs in a multi-site and multi-state organization
• Deep working knowledge of laws and regulations, including FMLA, ADA/ADAAA, the interactive process, state, and local leave laws with an emphasis in NY, CT and MA.
• Detail oriented with excellent organization and time management skills
• Exceptional communication skills; both verbal & written
• Demonstrated resourcefulness - ability to find sources of accurate information and thoroughly understand a process or product to the point where you can help educate others.
• Demonstrated proficiency in MS Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Experience using various HRIS, leave administration software, insurance carrier and benefit enrollment software and programs a plus.
  
  

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field.