Benefits & Leave Specialist

Current staff, faculty/adjunct at Herzing University: log into UKG and navigate to Menu > Myself > My Company > View Opportunities to apply using the internal application process.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or equivalent and at least four years of benefits and leave experience required. A combination of degree and experience will be considered.
• Strong understanding of state and federal requirements and regulations regarding benefits, wellness, FMLA, ADA, COBRA, and related employment regulations.
• Proficient experience with HRIS.
• High level of knowledge and experience with all Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Experience in higher education preferred.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and follow-through skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

COMPENSATION is determined based on the qualifications, experience, and circumstances of each hire. It is uncommon for new employees to start near the top of the salary range. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including a tuition waiver and reimbursement program, health insurance, paid time off, and a retirement savings plan with company match. The salary range for this position is $69,000 to $93,380.
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RESPONSIBILITIES:

Benefits:

• Lead the administration of all health and welfare plans, including the Wellness Program and Educational Benefits.
• Review, process and ensure accuracy of required documentation to ensure accurate benefit enrollment, termination and record keeping; monitors qualifying life event changes and employment status changes resulting in eligibility changes.
• Process and issue COBRA notices and benefit terminations in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Act as a liaison for benefits issues with employees and vendors; provides resources so that employees can make informed decisions.
• Assist with the annual benefit renewal process, including evaluating current vendors, reviewing renewal proposals, supporting implementation, and promoting ongoing programs to enhance employee awareness and engagement.
• Lead coordination efforts within the annual open enrollment process by collaborating with the Benefits Broker to create and distribute materials, schedule and participate in meetings, and verify and audit employee enrollment data.
• Oversee and audit invoicing and billing, including reconciling monthly billings to ensure accuracy, and identifying and resolving discrepancies between the HRIS and the benefit vendor(s).
• Analyze benefits utilization, cost trends, and employee feedback to develop and recommend plan design changes that improve value, compliance, and employee experience.

Leave & Accommodations:

• Administer and oversee the leaves of absence and accommodations, including FMLA, ADA, Religious Accommodations, non-FMLA, state leaves, and company leaves.
• Conduct employee leave meetings and discussions, providing guidance on processes, expectations and documentation requirements while addressing complex or sensitive situations.
• Manage and ensure accuracy of leave documentation, including reviewing, approving, and tracking leave requests and related workflows.
• Evaluate complex leave requests, applying independent judgement to guide managers toward complaint and consistent decisions.
• Enter and verify leave-related payroll entries; audit data for accuracy.
• Prepare and submit Short-Term Disability (STD) employer statements.
• Lead complex leave-related case discussions, in partnership with HR Business Partners, providing expert guidance and recommendations to ensure decisions are compliant with legal requirements and aligned with organizational policies.
• Manage vendor relationships and escalations, addressing complex or delayed cases and driving timely resolution through proactive follow-up, decision-making, and clear communication among all stakeholders.
• Lead and administer the interactive process under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including employee communication, follow-up, documentation management, and partnership with business leaders to assess and implement effective and compliant work-place accommodations.
• Coordinate return-to-work processes and ensure proper documentation has been received.
• Analyze leave and accommodation trends to identify patterns that may indicate risk or other operational challenges.
• Regularly review and update policies, interpreting changes in legislation and translating them into actionable internal practices and guidance.
• Support training initiatives for managers and employees on leave policies.

HR & Payroll Support

• Maintain HIPAA compliance ensuring all medical information is kept confidential and separate from general personnel files.
• Respond to payroll inquiries related to benefits, leave, and employee status updates, applying policy interpretation as needed.
• Collaborate with Payroll to ensure accurate leave coding, benefit deductions, and pay adjustments, identifying and addressing discrepancies.
• Maintain organized documentation and ensure compliance with internal processes and regulatory guidelines.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position most of the time.
• Must be able to occasionally move around the work location.
• Constantly operates office and/or teach equipment which may include computers, copiers, fax machines, audio/visuals.
• Frequently uses voice and hearing to communicate with students, staff or colleagues face-to-face or over the telephone.
• Visually or otherwise identify, observe and assess.
• Occasionally move, carry, or lift 10 pounds.