Benefits and Leave Specialist

Olson Kundig • Seattle, WA

7d

About The Position

The ​​​Benefits and Leave Specialist is​​​ responsible for,​ managing, and administering benefit programs inclusive of health & wellness, 401(k), and time off and leave of absence ensuring compliance with policies and regulations. To succeed in this role, you should be an ​adaptable self-starter who can prioritize and complete multiple projects and tasks with little guidance in a creative and dynamic environment​. This role will collaborate with ​internal teams​ to deliver exceptional results within specified deadlines.

Requirements

• Knowledge of relevant labor laws and regulations, such as FMLA, State Leave laws, and ADA
• Strong Compliance & Regulatory Knowledge, ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA and IRS rules affecting benefit plan design
• Knowledge of approaches to structuring and delivering HR services to support operational and organizational success
• Able to convey information clearly and empathetically, both verbally and in writing, to resolve issues, provide feedback, and build rapport with employees and colleagues from diverse backgrounds
• The ability to analyze data, navigate complex situations, identify trends, consider multiple perspectives, and derive insights is essential for evaluating project feasibility, anticipating risks, developing solutions, and implementing effective strategies
• Able to address complex challenges with creative problem-solving, analytical thinking, and present effective solutions and recommendations for unique situations
• Able to support team members through empathetic communication, effectively handling sensitive situations
• Able to contribute to a positive and inclusive work environment while demonstrating adaptability to shifting priorities and openness to new ideas
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or closely related field
• Experience: Minimum five (5) years of demonstrated experience administering complex benefits and leave processes accurately and independently
• Demonstrated competency in understanding of relevant employment laws and regulations, including FMLA, ADA HIPAA, COBRA
• Experience working with benefits and leave data, enrollment and invoice audits, and system integrations
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in understanding and skills with MS 360 Office Suite and tools
• Advance proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other data analysis tools, preferred
• Experience working with an HRIS or benefits administration platform, with the ability to navigate, maintain, and troubleshoot employee data and workflows
• All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship and must already possess long-term work authorization.

Nice To Haves

• SHRM, PHR, GPHR, and/or CLMS certification
• Experience managing or supporting 401(k) plans, including the annual audit process
• Experience using Paylocity HRIS or Bswift Benefits

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day benefits administration, ensuring accurate employee data and vendor service delivery. Serve as an escalation point for complex employee benefits inquiries
• Oversee annual compliance requirements, including ACA reporting and required filings
• Administer the 401(k) program, including vendor coordination and employee education
• Lead the annual open enrollment process, including planning, system updates, employee communications, and vendor coordination
• Partner with benefits consultants on renewals, vendor changes, audits, and compliance across all benefit programs
• Reconcile benefit invoices and enrollment records monthly
• Develop, maintain, and update benefits procedures and related HR policies to ensure consistent administration
• Analyze benefits utilization, costs, and trends to identify cost savings and improvement opportunities
• Communicate benefits programs through presentations, written materials, and employee communication
• Responsible for processing leave requests and determining eligibility for FMLA and state leaves
• Track leave usage, and coordinate with payroll to ensure accurate coding
• Assist with employee accommodations and employee relations
• Partners with HR and Payroll to manage the employee lifecycle data
• Ensures necessary information and ensures timely audits of all data entered in the HRIS systems
• Creates, runs, and distributes HRIS reports
• Attends and takes notes in annual reviews
• Support the development and maintenance of company HR policies. Assist leadership with communicating HR policies, procedures, programs, and applicable laws
• Evaluate and implement improvements to HR processes, administrative efficiency, and policy development
• Participate in cross-functional or organizational committees as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level