Benefits and Leave Specialist

Farmers and Merchants Bank of Long Beach•Lakewood, CA

3d•$29 - $46

About The Position

The Benefits and Leave Specialist administers the Bank’s employee benefits and supports leave of absence programs and related Human Resources operations. The role provides guidance to employees and managers, coordinates enrollment and leave processes, manages vendors and records, and ensures compliance with applicable federal and California laws, Bank policies, internal controls, and service standards. The position administers health, welfare, wellness, and retirement programs; supports employee leave and accommodation matters; maintains accurate HRIS and benefits records; coordinates with vendors, carriers, brokers, Payroll, and Finance; and assists with regulatory reporting, audits, employee communications, and program improvements. It also serves as the Car Fleet Administrator. This is a non-exempt hourly position. The required annual minimum absence from essential duties is two consecutive weeks, scheduled in coordination with management. The position is not eligible for an Officer Title.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
Five or more years of progressive Human Resources experience, including benefits administration, leave management, HR operations, or employee relations.
Working knowledge of federal and California benefits, leave, disability accommodation, wage replacement, and employment requirements.
Knowledge of ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, FMLA, CFRA, ADA, PDL, Section 125, Medicare, and Department of Labor requirements.
Knowledge of health and welfare benefits administration, including eligibility, enrollment, claims support, payroll deductions, open enrollment, and vendor management.
Knowledge of Bank policies, privacy requirements, and relevant banking regulations.
Strong critical thinking, judgment, problem-solving, organization, and attention to detail.
Excellent written and verbal communication, customer service, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to handle complex, sensitive, and confidential matters with discretion and professionalism.
Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively under pressure.
Ability to build collaborative relationships with employees, management, vendors, brokers, and external partners.
Technical aptitude and proficiency in HRIS and benefits systems and Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Basic mathematical and numerical skills.
Ability to perform repetitive movements associated with office and computer-based work.
Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods to perform essential job functions.
Ability to lift, carry, or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to use hands and fingers to manage, manipulate, or feel objects and operate standard office equipment.

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Leave Management certification.

Responsibilities

Administer employee health, welfare, and wellness benefit programs, including eligibility, enrollments, life events, coverage changes, claims support, and terminations.
Serve as a primary resource for employees and managers on benefit plans, eligibility, enrollment requirements, claims, and coverage.
Maintain accurate benefits records and employee data in HRIS and benefits administration systems while protecting confidential information.
Reconcile benefit eligibility data against carrier invoices, audit payroll deductions, investigate discrepancies, and ensure data accuracy.
Coordinate annual open enrollment, including employee communications, system updates, vendor coordination, and enrollment support.
Partner with brokers, carriers, and third-party administrators on benefit administration, renewals, wellness initiatives, and employee education.
Ensure timely distribution of required benefit notices, communications, and reporting, including COBRA and ACA requirements.
Monitor vendor performance and service levels and assist with resolving benefits-related service issues.
Monitor COBRA status for terminated employees and employees on leave; coordinate with vendors, maintain reporting, and communicate status updates and requirements.
Serve as Car Fleet Administrator and maintain repair invoices, DMV registration records, and WEX gas mileage records.
Support employee leave programs, including FMLA, CFRA, ADA, PDL, military leave, workers’ compensation, and applicable wage replacement benefits.
Assist employees and managers with leave eligibility, documentation requirements, accommodations, return-to-work processes, and related policies.
Support and coordinate complex leave and accommodation cases by assessing eligibility, facilitating the interactive process, interpreting policies, and recommending compliant resolutions.
Support and coordinate return-to-work activities, including medical certifications, work restrictions, reasonable accommodations, modified duty assignments, and transitional work arrangements.
Maintain accurate leave records, HRIS updates, required notices, and reports while ensuring confidentiality and regulatory compliance.
Work with third-party leave administrators and internal stakeholders to monitor cases, resolve issues, and ensure timely communication, documentation, and service delivery.
Administer retirement plan eligibility, enrollments, beneficiary updates, employee inquiries, distributions, and related communications.
Coordinate with retirement plan vendors, Payroll, and Finance to ensure accurate contributions, deductions, recordkeeping, and reporting.
Support employee education and communication regarding retirement plan features and participation opportunities.
Evaluate benefits, leave, and retirement program effectiveness and recommend improvements to compliance, efficiency, cost management, and employee experience.
Assist with developing and maintaining benefits and leave communications, guides, training materials, and employee resources.
Support regulatory reporting, HR audits, research initiatives, special projects, and other related duties as assigned.
Comply with applicable state and federal banking laws, regulations, and internal policies, including BSA, AML, OFAC, CIP, Financial Elder Abuse reporting, sexual harassment prevention, information security, and privacy requirements.