HR Benefits Specialist

Aquent is proud to partner with a leading organization at the forefront of its industry, dedicated to providing exceptional support and comprehensive benefits to its employees. This client fosters a dynamic and collaborative environment where every team member plays a crucial role in ensuring employee well-being and operational excellence, and you will be an integral part of that mission.

Are you passionate about making a tangible difference in employees’ lives by navigating complex benefits landscapes? We are seeking a highly skilled and empathetic specialist to join our client’s team, focusing on Leave of Absence and Accommodations. In this vital role, you will be at the heart of supporting employees through significant life events, ensuring they receive the care and resources they need while maintaining compliance with critical regulations. Your expertise will directly impact employee satisfaction and contribute to a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, playing a key part in upholding employee well-being and fostering a fair and equitable work environment. Join us and make a profound impact on the lives of employees every single day!

Responsibilities

Manage and administer disability, leave of absence (continuous and intermittent), return to work, and accommodation programs, ensuring strict adherence to Local, State, and Federal laws; Serve as a primary liaison, partnering closely with third-party disability and leave of absence vendors and employees to facilitate seamless program administration; Ensure the proper integration of vendor-managed Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) administration with short-term disability plans; Interpret evolving HR policies and legislative developments to maintain continuous program compliance; Expertly handle and resolve complex case escalations and inquiries from employees, managers, vendors, and internal/external support centers; Collaborate with internal functions, including legal and management teams, as well as external vendors, to address and resolve time-sensitive and intricate issues; Proactively identify opportunities to streamline processes and enhance existing practices for greater efficiency and scalability.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in human resources, management, or a related field, or equivalent practical work experience; A minimum of 5 years of dedicated experience in leave of absence, return to work programs, accommodations, extended medical leave programs, short-term disability, and long-term disability; Demonstrated experience working in a high-volume, fast-paced, and deadline-oriented environment; Strong understanding and experience with accommodations requirements; Exceptional communication skills, capable of interacting effectively with employees and leadership at all levels; Proven ability to identify the root cause of issues and propose effective solutions to management; Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to execute high-quality work efficiently; Experience working with third-party disability and leave of absence administrators; Solid knowledge of HR systems.

Nice to have

Experience with specific HR systems.

Benefits

Subsidized health, vision, and dental plans; paid sick leave; retirement plans with a match; free online training through Aquent Gymnasium.