Senior Benefits & Leave Specialist

Eastern Propane•Rochester, NH

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Benefits & Leave Specialist is responsible for delivering a concierge-level employee experience while performing day-to-day benefits administration. This role serves as a trusted guide and advocate for employees navigating complex benefits and leave of absence programs by providing personalized support, clear communication, and compassionate guidance at every stage of the leave journey. The Senior Benefits Specialist is responsible for ensuring our benefits align with Eastern’s goals, are comprehensive and competitive, and comply with all federal and state laws and regulations.

Requirements

Minimum 10 years’ Human Resources experience with a focus on benefits and leave administration.
Proficiency with HRIS systems including online benefit administration required
Extensive knowledge and understanding of applicable laws and regulations governing benefits and leaves of absence.
Demonstrated ability to deliver high-touch, employee-focused service.
Experience with or knowledge of self-insured health plans.
Ability to establish and maintain a rapport with employees and managers.
Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities to ensure deadlines are met.
Ability to use discretion and sound judgment in managing complex processes, decisions, and handling sensitive information.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite including demonstrable experience with Excel.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree in Human Resources Management preferred
Human Resources Certification (SHRM or HRCI) a plus
experience with ADP Workforce Now a plus

Responsibilities

Administer and serve as the primary point of contact for all employee benefits, including health, dental, life, and disability.
Provide responsive, concierge-level support to employees with benefits questions and related inquiries.
Administer benefit plan enrollment, maintenance, changes, and terminations. Process required documents through payroll and insurance carriers and other providers to ensure accurate enrollment and administration, billing, recordkeeping, and payroll deductions.
Manage and administer leaves of absence and requests for accommodations, including communicating and collaborating with employees, managers, insurance carriers, benefit providers, third party administrators, and state agencies.
Ensure employees are informed and supported throughout a leave of absence from initial inquiry through return to work.
Coordinate and track workers’ compensation claims involving lost time, proactively maintaining timely communication with employees, managers, and third-party administrators.
Advise employees and managers on policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements regarding benefits and leaves of absence.
Ensure benefit plans and leaves of absence, and the administration of benefits and leaves of absence, comply with applicable federal and state legal requirements including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, and COBRA. Continuously stay well-informed of legal and regulatory developments relating to benefits and leaves of absence.
Maintain all plan and other benefit documents for compliance, accuracy, and distribution, and ensure plan provisions are followed. Comply with accompanying reporting requirements.
Develop and maintain relationships with employees and managers. Maintain employee and manager confidence and trust by being a knowledgeable and prompt advisor and resource. Protect sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
Develop, prepare, generate, and analyze reports relating to benefits, leaves of absence, and other ad-hoc reports as needed.
Evaluate and monitor benefit offerings to ensure they are cost-effective and competitive. Analyze utilization data, identify trends, and make recommendations to ensure the benefits meet the needs of our employees and their families.
Develop and deliver communication materials that are clear and concise. Present benefits information at new hire orientations and follow up with employees to answer questions and help them enroll in benefits.
Develop and maintain relationships with outside partners including benefits brokers, insurance carriers, third party administrators, and other benefit providers. Participate in discussions to support efforts to improve service and employee experience.
Support the annual renewal process by evaluating plans, and reviewing costs, making recommendations for changes to our benefit offerings.
Design the open enrollment process in our HRIS system, conduct informational group meetings, and provide one-on-one support to employees.