Human Resources Payroll and Leaves Specialist

SEIU 775 Benefits Group • Seattle, WA

22h • Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Manager of Human Resources, the Human Resources Payroll and Leaves Specialist plays a critical role in supporting the organization’s day‑to‑day people operations, with a primary focus on payroll administration and employee leaves. This position is ideal for a detail‑oriented HR professional who enjoys managing complex payroll processes, ensuring compliance, and serving as a trusted resource for employees navigating leave and accommodation needs. As a key member of the People Operations team, the Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll and the administration of employee leaves, including medical, family, and other statutory or organizational leave programs. This role serves as a primary point of contact for employee questions related to payroll, leaves, and accommodations, ensuring a high level of service, confidentiality, and compliance with applicable laws and internal policies. While this position provides support and coordination related to benefits and training, it is important to note that the organization has a dedicated internal branch responsible for the overall design and management of benefits programs. In this role, the Specialist partners closely with that team and with third‑party vendors to troubleshoot issues, respond to employee inquiries, and ensure accurate data flow between payroll, benefits, and HR systems—rather than owning end‑to‑end benefits administration. The Human Resources Payroll and Leaves Specialist collaborates with HR leadership, payroll partners, and external vendors to maintain seamless operations, improve internal processes, and deliver a positive employee experience across the organization. This position also provides general HR support as needed, contributing to a well‑functioning, responsive, and employee‑centered People Operations team.

Requirements

• 1-3 years of experience working with payroll and benefits sytems;
• 1+ years of Benefit Administration experience;
• 1+ years of Leave Administration experience;
• Demonstrated analytical thinking, problem solving and decision making skills;
• Ability to listen and understand the needs of employees, together with those of the organization;
• Ability to stylistically adapt communication based on audience;
• Demonstrated ability to practice a high level of confidentiality;
• Ability to work independently and be part of a work team;
• Ability to meet deadlines and be self-directed in work;
• High level experience working with HRIS, Payroll systems and Microsoft Suite;
• Extensive knowledge of employee benefits and applicable laws.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with HRIS systems (UKG Pro) preferred;
• Experience with payroll processes and functions (UKG Pro);
• Ability to take initiative without direction;
• Exceptional customer service orientation;
• Knowledge of administrative procedures and systems such as filing and digital record keeping;
• HRCI or SHRM Certification a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the organizations initiatives to monitor and track HRIS records, verify timecards, track PTO, process annual increases and support Leadership in driving these efforts;
• Be the subject matter expert and the primary point of contact for all employee benefits questions, providing clear education and guidance;
• Administer day-to-day benefits operations, including new hire enrollments, COBRA, terminations, beneficiary updates, disability and accident claims, and 401(k) transactions such as loans, distributions, hardships, and compliance testing;
• Administer and process leave-of-absence requests such as FMLA, state Paid Leaves, ADA, disability all while ensuring compliance and accurate documentation;
• Partner with third-party administrators and vendors to manage enrollments, demographic changes, plan updates, billing and compliance requirements;
• Monitor and audit benefit programs, data transfers, invoices, and administrative costs while recommend process improvements and cost-containment strategies;
• Generate reports, as needed, related to benefits, payroll, accruals and retirement programs;
• Develop and distribute communication tools, resources, and materials to enhance employee understanding of benefits, including orientations, educational workshops and open enrollment;
• Participate in HR initiatives, including onboarding, policy updates, and department-wide projects;
• From time-to-time, perform other duties commensurate with the level of this position.

Benefits

• Fully Paid Medical, Dental and Vision
• 18 days PTO, 15 Sick days, 9 holidays, 1 floating holiday, 2 personal days
• End of the year winter break; mid-year summer break and earned paid longevity sabbatical
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan and 401(k) options
• Fitness, cell phone, internet and furniture stipends

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees