Benefits and Leave Specialist
4 days ago
Paterson
Job DescriptionBenefits and Leave Specialist Location: hybrid 3/2 Totowa, NJ Position Overview The Benefits and Leave Specialist will administer and coordinate employee benefits programs-including health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plans, COBRA-and manage leave of absence programs such as FMLA and state-specific provisions. This role requires strong knowledge of benefits laws, exceptional attention to detail, and a commitment to providing outstanding employee support. The Specialist will partner closely with HR, Payroll, and Accounting to ensure compliance with company policies and federal/state regulations. Key Responsibilities Benefits Administration • Manage enrollment, changes, and terminations for health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, and voluntary benefits., • Conduct new hire benefits orientations and coordinate annual open enrollment., • Partner with vendors and brokers to resolve issues and ensure accurate service delivery., • Reconcile benefit deductions across HRIS, vendor, and payroll systems; ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines., • Handle unemployment claims, wage garnishments, and workers' compensation coordination., • Support ACA reporting, W-2 benefit reconciliation, and annual 401(k) audit.Leave of Absence Management, • Administer FMLA, disability, parental, and personal leave programs., • Guide employees through eligibility, documentation, and pay continuation processes., • Track leave requests and ensure accurate payroll and benefits adjustments., • Maintain compliance with federal, state, and company leave policies.Compliance & Reporting, • Ensure adherence to HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, ACA, and other regulations., • Prepare compliance filings (ACA, 5500) and conduct audits to maintain data accuracy.Employee Support, • Serve as primary contact for benefits and leave inquiries., • Communicate program updates and provide ongoing education to employees.Qualifications, • Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)., • 4-5 years of experience in benefits administration and leave management., • Strong knowledge of FMLA, ADA, ACA, HIPAA, and IRS regulations., • Proficiency in HRIS systems and advanced Excel (VLOOKUP, SUMIF, pivot tables)., • Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills., • Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information.Preferred:, • HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP) or CEBS., • Experience in multi-state or large organizations.Pay Details: $35.00 to $40.00 per hour Search managed by: Ellen Slovikowsky Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled Military connected talent encouraged to apply To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable: • The California Fair Chance Act, • Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance, • Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, • San Francisco Fair Chance OrdinanceMassachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.