Benefits and Leave Coordinator

Deschutes County Human Resources • Bend, OR

8h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Human Resources Department provides leadership and support to the organization for servicing comprehensive human resources functions. The department is dedicated to providing effective policies, procedures, and people-friendly guidelines to enhance the County's services by supporting operational efficiencies with our value-added strategic customer service partnerships. The HR team champions a culture of inclusion, innovation, collaboration, and engagement to realize the full potential of the people who serve our community. We accomplish our mission with integrity, accountability, equity, empathy, and creativity. Deschutes County is one of the largest employers in Central Oregon and the largest municipal government in the region. Our dedicated and passionate workforce of more than 1,250 employees provide County services in a number of departments, divisions, and offices. Located in the heart of Central Oregon, between the towering Cascade Mountain Range to the west and the high desert plateau to the east, Deschutes County is the outdoor recreation capital of Oregon. We enjoy a renowned quality of life, with big-city opportunities and small-town neighborhoods. We hope you’ll consider joining our talented team. We are seeking an experienced Benefits and Leave Coordinator who is innovative, driven and passionate about the leave management process. From finding new ways to engage employees, to making sure we meet all regulations, you'll play a vital role in ensuring a streamlined, easy to navigate experience for our employees needing leave. Under the direction of the HR Director, you'll administer all employee leave programs, including Paid Leave Oregon (PLO,) Oregon Family Leave (OFLA), and Family/Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and other State of Oregon leave entitlements. Understanding of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as it relates to employment is essential. Additionally, you will process long-term disability and employee and dependent life insurance claims. You will be responsible for processing all requests for protected leave, effectively communicating with employees, supervisors, and others on eligibility and status updates, advising employees on appropriate time sheet coding while on leave, accurately tracking utilization for each leave type, and serving as a primary point of contact regarding all leave-related inquiries and issues. Additionally, you will assist the Benefits Team in providing guidance and support to employees on all county-provided employee benefits. You are someone who loves to approach problems with curiosity, is focused on creating an outstanding experience for others, and is a subject matter expert in the field of leave administration. You are a champion for employees and have a strong understanding of applicable local, state and federal regulations pertaining to leave and employment law. You look for innovative and creative solutions to maximize process efficiency while making every person feel valuable. You are a people-person who engages at all levels of the organization. Work is typically performed Monday – Friday during regular business hours. A hybrid/remote work schedule is available. Staff are required to work in office three days per week.

Requirements

• Working knowledge of all federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations including FMLA, OFLA, and ADA.
• Experience working with HRIS database and electronic records management systems.
• Analytical and strategic knowledge of leave programs.
• Medical, insurance and legal terminology sufficient to review leave requests and determine eligibility.
• Understanding, applying, and explaining public sector benefit and leave standards, applicable federal rules and regulations, and County policies and procedures.
• Investigating, processing, and evaluating benefit and leave claims.
• Organizing and managing complex administrative and technical services with minimum supervision.
• Manage multiple tasks in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment while consistently meeting deadlines and adapting to different priorities.
• Preparing and maintaining accurate records, reports, and documentation.
• Associate’s degree in Human Resources, Social Science, Business or Public Administration; AND three (3) years of relevant professional-level human resources experience; OR any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills and knowledge to perform the essential functions of the job.

Nice To Haves

• Current designation as a Certified Leave Management Specialist (CLMS).

Responsibilities

• Under the direction of the HR Director, administer all leave programs and advise employees throughout their leave, respond to questions, and evaluate and ensure records, documentation, and systems comply with established laws and regulations.
• Serves as a subject matter expert to interpret and guide employees and management on compliance and administration of leave program and practices.
• Coordinate with employees, supervisors, and payroll to review employee timesheets to ensure correct leave coding prior to payroll processing.
• Responsible for accurate benefit-related payroll deductions prior to employee leave, as well as collection of missed benefit-related deductions during any periods of unpaid leave.
• Coordinate with employees and supervisors on ADA requests for accommodation.
• Submit and track long-term disability claims with service provider.
• Partners closely with Human Resources Business Partners, Benefits team and to review claim status and develop strategy when needed.
• Serves as subject matter expert on all County provided benefits.
• Develop communication tools to enhance understanding of the County’s leave programs.
• Design and distribute materials for employee education sessions and mass distribution as required.
• Provide training and support to all employees and managers where needed.

Benefits

• Excellent County benefit package when eligible
• Robust healthcare package covers medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage at a minimal cost of $100 for employee only and $121 per month for employee plus dependents, which includes an innovative on-site clinic, pharmacy, and wellness and wellbeing services.
• Life insurance
• Retirement (PERS)
• Generous paid time-off (14-18 hours/month to start, pro-rated for part-time)
• Holidays
• Professional development opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree