Benefits & Leaves Specialist

Steve Madden•New York, NY

1d•$70,000 - $75,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Benefits & Leaves Specialist is responsible for administering employee benefits programs with a strong focus on leaves of absence, accommodations, workers’ compensation, and open enrollment. This position supports the Wholesale and Retail business. The responsibilities described below are considered essential functions of the role. This position is based in our LIC office and requires working on-site.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or equivalent experience
Minimum 3+ years of experience in benefits administration with a strong emphasis on leaves of absence
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
Working knowledge of FMLA, ADA, state leave laws, disability programs, and workers’ compensation
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting both corporate and retail employee populations preferred

Responsibilities

Manage the full life cycle of leaves of absence for both corporate and retail employees across the U.S., including FMLA, ADA, state-specific leaves, and company-specific policies
File and manage disability claims and related documentation (short-term and long-term disability)
Track leave time accurately in HRIS and timekeeping systems
Serve as the primary point of contact for employees, managers, and third-party leave administrators, ensuring timely communication and resolution of issues
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local leave laws and company policies
Manage the interactive accommodation process under ADA and applicable state laws
Partner with employees, managers, and medical providers to evaluate and implement reasonable accommodations
Maintain accurate documentation and ensure confidentiality throughout the process
Administer workers’ compensation claims for corporate and retail employees
Coordinate with employees, managers, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators
Track claims, return-to-work programs, and required documentation to ensure compliance and timely resolution
Support the planning and execution of annual open enrollment, including employee communications, system updates, and coordination with benefits vendors
Assist employees with benefits questions related to health, welfare, and leave-related benefits
Partner with internal HR teams and external vendors to ensure accurate benefits administration
Support internal and external audits related to benefits administration, including leaves of absence, accommodations, workers’ compensation, ACA compliance, and open enrollment
Prepare, review, and reconcile audit documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
Partner with HR, Payroll, Finance, Legal, and external vendors to respond to audit requests and resolve discrepancies
Identify process gaps or compliance risks and recommend corrective actions and process improvements
Assist with government audits, inquiries, or notices related to benefits, leave programs, workers’ compensation, or ACA reporting
Administer ACA compliance for corporate and retail employee populations, including tracking hours of service, eligibility, and measurement periods for variable-hour employees in partnership with ADP
Ensure timely and accurate offers of coverage in accordance with ACA employer shared responsibility requirement
Partner with payroll, HRIS, and benefits vendors to maintain accurate employee data related to ACA reporting and eligibility
Support the preparation, review, and distribution of ACA reporting forms (Forms 1094-C and 1095-C)
Respond to employee inquiries related to ACA eligibility, coverage offers, and reporting
Monitor regulatory changes and ensure ongoing compliance with ACA requirements
Able to manage multiple projects and deadlines with support and resources as needed
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned