Benefits & Leave Specialist

Cedarhurst Senior Living • Ladue, MO

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Benefits & Leave Specialist, reporting to the Payroll Manager, is responsible for ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant administration of the Dover Company’s employee benefit programs and leave administration. This role serves as a primary point of contact for benefits, COBRA, and 401(k). The Specialist also manages all aspects of leave administration, including FMLA, state-specific leave policies, and internal policies, ensuring proper documentation, communication and compliance with applicable regulations. This position ensures adherence to federal, state, and local regulations; collaborates with HR, Finance, and external vendors; and supports employees with a high level of customer service. Additionally, the position contributes to process improvements, audits, reporting, and the overall effectiveness of leave and benefits operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, finance, or related field is required
• Two (2)+ years of hands-on experience administering employee benefits in an HR, People Ops, or Payroll environment
• Direct experience managing leave of absence programs, including FMLA and state-specific leaves
• Experience supporting Open Enrollment, including employee communications and issue resolution
• Experience partnering with payroll to ensure accurate benefit deductions, premiums, and leave-related pay
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve benefit and LOA issues with vendors, carriers, and employees
• Experience working in a high-volume or high-growth environment with frequent new hires
• Experience administering multi-state benefits and leave programs
• Familiarity with HRIS and payroll systems, Paylocity is a plus
• Experience working with third-party administrators and benefit brokers
• Exposure to compliance requirements (FMLA, ADA, ERISA, COBRA, state paid leave programs)
• Experience conducting benefit reconciliations and audits
• Strong customer service background handling sensitive employee issues
• High attention to detail with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Ability to work cross-functionally with HR Ops, Payroll, Finance, and managers
• Comfortable documenting processes and improving workflows
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite is required, including Microsoft Excel

Nice To Haves

• Experience in senior living, construction, home health, hospice, and/or pharmacy is a plus

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day administration of health, wellness, retirement, and other employee benefit programs
• Oversee new hire enrollments, life event changes, and open enrollment activities
• Assist employees with benefit and leave questions
• Conduct routine benefits audits to ensure accuracy in payroll and the HRIS systems
• Support compliance with ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, and other regulatory requirements
• Administer all employee leave programs, including FLMA, parental leave, and state specific paid leave
• Partner with Third Party Administrator and coordinate the full leave lifecycle: intake, eligibility verification, documentation collection, tracking, communication, and return to work coordination.
• Partner with managers to ensure compliance and provide training, as necessary
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees regarding leave rights, responsibilities, and timelines
• Manage disability claims in partnership with carriers and third-party administrators
• Maintain deduction records and reconcile payables
• Partner closely with payroll to ensure accurate deductions, premium payments, and leave-related pay
• Oversee the COBRA process and serve as a point of contact for questions
• Reconcile benefit deductions and resolve payroll discrepancies
• Maintain benefits and leave data in HRIS and related systems
• Coordinate with third-party vendors and brokers
• Prepare necessary reports
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, increase accuracy, and improve the employee experience
• Develop employee educational opportunities to help create awareness about opportunities provided through benefits
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• medical insurance
• life insurance
• long-term disability coverage
• 401(k) plan with company match (after one year of service) for eligible employees
• Work that makes a difference in the lives of our residents and community
• An on-site gym with brand-new equipment
• A personal trainer offering daily group classes, stretching sessions, and one-on-one training
• Catered lunches twice a week, prepared by our on-site chef
• Monthly team events

What This Job Offers

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