Benefits Specialist

Darling Ingredients•Cold Spring, KY

About The Position

Darling Ingredients repurposes and recycles materials from the animal agriculture and food industries - transforming them into essential ingredients that do everything from feeding animals to fertilizing crops to fueling planes and nourishing people. We're the number one publicly traded company of our kind, operating a global family of brands and businesses that span more than 260 facilities in over 15 countries. Our unique scale allows us to make entire industries less wasteful and more sustainable, helping move the world toward a more circular economy. Darling Ingredients offers full time employees a full suite of benefits including but not limited to the following: 401(k), Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, and Paid Time Off. Job Summary The Benefits Specialist is responsible for assisting the date to day administration of health, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA/HSA, retirement plans, and other employee benefit programs and administering the employee leave programs in accordance with company policies, federal and state regulations, and applicable collective bargaining agreements. This specialist provides support to employees and managers by offering guidance, maintaining documentation, and ensuring a smooth and compliant leave process.

Requirements

Associate's or bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred
2+ years of experience in benefits or HR administration (or equivalent combination of education and experience)

Nice To Haves

Above average computer skills in a networked environment with advanced knowledge and skills using all MS Office products, advanced skills in Excel required
Excellent communication and customer service skills
Oracle HCM experience a plus
Highly motivated, energetic, self-starter with excellent oral and written communication skills

Responsibilities

Processes benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations in HRIS and carrier systems
Supports annual open enrollment, including system setup, materials preparation, and employee communication
Reviews, reconcile, and audit benefits data to ensure accuracy and correct discrepancies.
Serves as a primary contact for employee benefits questions, providing clear and timely responses
Educates employees on benefit options, eligibility, and processes
Ensures required records are properly maintained and controlled
Ensures accurate processing, documentation, and communication related to leave of absence requests, including FMLA, disability, personal leave, workers' compensation, military leave, and other statutory or company-sponsored leave programs.
Assists with required reporting and audits instructed by the Collaborates with HR team members on employee onboarding and offboarding processes
Administers various leave programs such as FMLA, disability, and other leave policies, ensuring consistency with company policies and legal requirements
Processes leave requests by handling the intake, processing, and tracking of employee leave requests, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance with relevant regulations
Tracks leave balances by maintaining accurate records of employee leave balances, ensuring compliance with company policies and legal requirements
Assists with special projects, process improvements, and system updates within the Benefits department
Maintains confidentiality of employee information at all times
Other duties as assigned