Benefits Specialist, Leave and Disability
About The Position
Administers and plans the daily operations of leave of absence and disability programs. Serves as a primary contact for team members and management, providing program guidance and recommendations for improvement while ensuring compliance with applicable laws. The role supports leave and disability administration for US Shoreside, Hawaii, and shipboard populations, including claims, accommodations, benefit payments and deductions, and related HRIS updates. The position also contributes to operating procedures, annual benefits open enrollment, training, and the implementation of benefit carriers and products. It administers shipboard extended leave and maternity programs and performs other job-related functions as assigned.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or relevant equivalent work experience, training, skills, and/or certifications.
- At least 2 years of progressive Human Resources experience, preferably in benefits administration.
- 1–2 years of full-cycle leave of absence administration experience.
- Strong knowledge of benefits administration and regulatory compliance.
- Proficiency with HRIS and benefits administration software.
- Excellent data analysis and financial acumen.
- Strong communication and customer service skills.
- Ability to negotiate effectively with vendors.
- Strategic planning and project management skills.
- Attention to detail and adaptability.
- Commitment to confidentiality and ethical standards.
Responsibilities
- Administer and counsel team members at all levels on benefit programs, policies, and procedures.
- Ensure compliance with ADA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPPA, FMLA, and other applicable state and federal benefit laws.
- Follow policies and procedures that support organizational and business goals.
- Coordinate US Shoreside and Hawaii leave of absence claims, including gathering and reviewing medical documentation and making claim determinations in accordance with federal and state guidelines.
- Monitor short-term disability claims processing, including STD pay, benefit deduction adjustments, and collection of benefit contributions related to leave.
- Ensure HRIS records are appropriately updated for leave of absence and disability claims.
- Administer ADA accommodation requests, gather documentation, and engage in the interactive process with team members and leaders.
- Guide management and team members on leave laws and policies and address sensitive issues and conflicts.
- Coordinate shipboard long-term disability and life insurance claims in compliance with policies, contracts, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable laws and regulations.
- Assist with reviewing and developing department operating procedures, automated systems, third-party vendors, and administrative procedures for assigned benefit processes.
- Plan and coordinate annual benefits open enrollment, develop content materials, and conduct necessary training.
- Support implementation of new carriers and products, including system testing and communications.
- Administer shipboard extended leave and maternity programs in accordance with company policy.
- Perform other job-related functions as assigned.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
