Benefits Consultant

DHRM•Richmond, VA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Taxation is seeking a highly skilled and customer-focused Benefits Consultant to serve as the agency’s primary expert in leave programs and related benefits and HR policies. This role combines advanced-level leave administration with comprehensive benefits consulting to deliver seamless, accurate, and employee-centered support across the full spectrum of Commonwealth benefit and leave programs. The Benefits Consultant acts as a strategic partner to employees, supervisors, and HR staff through expert interpretation of policy, proactive case management, and strong collaboration with third-party administrators. This position ensures regulatory compliance, timely processing, and exceptional service throughout each employee’s leave-cycle.

Requirements

Comprehensive knowledge of disability programs, Workers’ Compensation, FMLA, ADA, and state leave administration policies.
Knowledge of health, retirement, and FSA plans.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word for creating, maintaining, and analyzing benefit- and leave-related data.
Demonstrated ability to manage confidential information with discretion and integrity.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and judgment skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain complex concepts clearly and professionally.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Experience using HR Information Systems (HRIS).

Nice To Haves

Experience with Commonwealth of Virginia HR systems (Cardinal, VNAV) and programs (VSDP).
Experience working with the Payroll Services Bureau.
Experience processing HR transactions.
Experience delivering training or benefits orientations.

Responsibilities

Serve as subject-matter expert on leave programs, including Virginia Sickness and Disability Program (VSDP), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Workers’ Compensation, and other state and agency leave policies.
Manage complex leave cases from start to finish, ensuring accuracy, policy compliance, and timely communication with employees, supervisors, and HR partners.
Coordinate with the Payroll Services Bureau and third-party administrators such as Alight and MC Innovations to ensure accurate and efficient processing.
Maintain detailed, confidential case documentation and ensure data integrity across all HR information systems, including Cardinal and VNAV.
Lead or support return-to-work initiatives, including accommodations, transitional duty processes, and disability case coordination.
Provide personalized consultation on benefit eligibility, enrollment, coverage changes, and retirement benefits related to leave.
Interpret and apply laws and policies, ensuring compliance and consistent practices across the agency.
Deliver in-person and virtual presentations, benefits orientations, and training sessions for employees and managers.
Analyze trends, identify process improvements, and contribute to HR policy development.