Benefits & Leave Specialist – Derby, CT
Compensation Target: 70k-80k
A large, employee-focused organization is seeking a detail-oriented Benefits & Leave Specialist to join its HR team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Benefits & Leave Specialist who is confident managing the full leave lifecycle while providing strong employee support and ensuring compliance.
The Benefits & Leave Specialist will play a key role in administering leave programs, guiding employees through processes, and coordinating successful return-to-work transitions.
Why You’ll Love This Opportunity
- High-impact role supporting employees through important life events
- Collaborative HR environment with strong leadership support
- The Benefits & Leave Specialist will have direct interaction with employees and leadership
- Opportunity to take ownership of leave processes and policy interpretation
Key Responsibilities of the Benefits & Leave Specialist
As a Benefits & Leave Specialist, you will:
- Manage the full leave of absence process from start to finish
- Meet with employees face-to-face to explain leave policies, procedures, and expectations
- Review, approve, and deny leave requests in accordance with company policies and regulations
- Ensure compliance with applicable laws including FMLA, ADA, and other leave-related regulations
- Evaluate and administer ADA accommodations and related documentation
- Manage leave extensions and enforce applicable policies
- Coordinate return-to-work processes, including communication with employees and leadership
- Support workers’ compensation cases as needed
- Maintain accurate records and complete required data entry in HR systems
- Provide a high level of service and communication throughout the leave process as a Benefits & Leave Specialist
Preferred Qualifications of the Benefits & Leave Specialist
- 3+ years of experience as a Benefits & Leave Specialist or in a similar HR role
- Strong knowledge of leave administration, ADA, and compliance requirements
- Experience managing end-to-end leave processes independently
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate clearly with employees
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
- Experience with HR systems (UKG or similar preferred; training provided)
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism
- Proactive, dependable, and confident working as a Benefits & Leave Specialist
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