Benefit Administrator

Aston Carter • Fargo, ND

1d • $30 - $50 • Remote

About The Position

The Benefit Administrator oversees employee benefits administration and complex leave-of-absence programs. The role independently manages leave cases from initial eligibility review through return to work, serves as a subject-matter expert across a broad range of benefit programs, and provides clear guidance to employees and internal partners. The position involves ownership of complex cases, problem solving, and work across multiple areas of benefits administration.

The role administers leave and benefit programs, interprets applicable regulations and policies, maintains accurate records, and coordinates with employees, managers, disability carriers, and third-party benefits administrators. It also supports benefit analysis, plan administration, process improvement, and employee relations matters related to benefits and leaves. The position is fully remote and is a contract role based out of Fargo, North Dakota.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of HR, benefits, and/or leave administration experience.
• Hands-on experience independently managing FMLA and other leave-of-absence cases from start to finish.
• Strong working knowledge of multi-state leave laws and regulations and the ability to apply them to real-world scenarios.
• Experience administering employee health and welfare benefit programs.
• Knowledge of retirement plans, voluntary benefits, and reimbursement accounts such as HSA and FSA.
• Experience reviewing leave documentation and medical certifications and making accurate eligibility determinations.
• Proven ability to independently manage a high-volume caseload while maintaining accuracy and compliance.
• Strong HRIS skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent employee-facing communication skills, including the ability to explain complex benefit and leave concepts clearly and supportively.
• Strong problem-resolution skills and the ability to navigate complex employee situations with discretion and sound judgment.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field.
• Professional HR or benefits-related certification.
• Experience with workers compensation administration.
• Experience with COBRA administration and compliance requirements.
• Experience in pension or end-of-worklife benefits administration.
• Experience working with disability carriers and third-party benefits administrators.
• Exposure to benefit analysis and benefit plan design or evaluation.
• Experience in employee relations related to benefits and leaves.
• Strong data entry and administrative skills with high attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, take ownership of complex cases, and act as a subject-matter expert across multiple benefits areas.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage leave-of-absence cases from initial eligibility review through return to work, ensuring accurate and timely administration.
• Review medical certifications and other leave documentation to determine eligibility in accordance with federal, state, and company policies.
• Apply federal and multi-state leave regulations, including FMLA and related laws, to complex employee situations.
• Track and monitor leave usage, extensions, and return-to-work dates, maintaining accurate records in HRIS and other systems.
• Communicate proactively with employees and managers regarding leave status, requirements, timelines, and next steps.
• Coordinate complex leave cases with internal partners and external disability providers to ensure consistent and compliant handling.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert for employees on health and welfare benefits, retirement programs, reimbursement accounts, voluntary benefits, paid time off, severance, and other benefit programs.
• Provide guidance and support on HSA and FSA accounts, COBRA, workers compensation, disability benefits, pension and end-of-worklife benefits, and related programs.
• Interpret benefit and leave regulations and policies, and resolve complex employee benefit and leave issues with sound judgment.
• Manage a high-volume caseload while maintaining attention to detail, confidentiality, and service quality.
• Use HRIS systems and Microsoft Office tools to process benefit transactions, maintain records, and generate reports.
• Build effective relationships with employees, managers, disability carriers, and third-party benefits administrators to facilitate benefit and leave processes.
• Support benefit analysis and benefit plan administration, contributing to continuous improvement of benefits processes and employee experience.
• Handle employee relations matters related to benefits and leaves with professionalism, empathy, and clear communication.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, if eligible.
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital coverage, if eligible.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available, if eligible.
• Voluntary Life and AD&D insurance for the employee and dependents, if eligible.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage, if eligible.
• Health Spending Account (HSA), if eligible.
• Transportation benefits, if eligible.
• Employee Assistance Program, if eligible.
• Time off/leave, including PTO, vacation, or sick leave, if eligible.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed