Benefits Specialist

Position Summary:

The Benefits Specialist will serve as a dedicated resource for employees and employers throughout the leave and disability management process. This role is responsible for managing claims across multiple programs including the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Short-Term Disability (STD), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations, and Return to Work (RTW) coordination.

The primary purpose of the Benefits Specialist is to evaluate and manage employee leave and disability claims, review medical information, facilitate workplace accommodations, and support employees in returning to work in a safe and timely manner.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Manages end-to-end claims across FMLA, STD, ADA, and RTW programs in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Communicates and collaborates with employees, medical professionals, supervisors, and Human Resources to support employees through the leave and disability process
• Evaluates requests for workplace accommodations and facilitates the interactive process between the employee and employer to determine the most effective solution
• Documents employee requests and maintains accurate, up-to-date case records throughout the claims lifecycle
• Engages with medical providers to clarify, validate, and obtain information necessary to support claim determinations
• Works with employers and Human Resources to educate and implement job modifications and accommodations as appropriate
• Assists employers with the development of essential job function descriptions as needed to support the RTW process
• Stays current on federal and state laws and regulations governing leave of absence, disability, and workplace accommodations
• Provides education and guidance to employers and employees on leave programs, disability benefits, and accommodation processes
• Responsible and accountable for maintaining and protecting personal health information; must maintain a high level of confidentiality and comply with HIPAA rules and regulations

• BS/BA in Human Resources, Business, Vocational Rehabilitation, or a related field preferred
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: Leave of Absence Management, Disability Claims Management, Return to Work Services, Labor Relations, or Project Management
• Working knowledge of FMLA, STD, ADA, and RTW regulations and processes
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and interpretive skills with attention to detail
• Effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly to diverse audiences
• Excellent interpersonal and facilitation skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment while meeting assigned deadlines
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize and manage multiple cases simultaneously

Basic Skills

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or equivalent experience
• 2–3 years of related experience in leave of absence and/or disability claim management
• Knowledge of federal and state leave and disability regulations, including FMLA, STD, ADA, and RTW programs
• Intermediate proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, and PowerPoint

Preferred Requirements

• Experience independently managing multiple cases or projects in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities
• Demonstrated experience working with confidential information and exercising sound discretion
• SPHR, PHR, or CPDM certification, or equivalent
• Experience with the application and interpretation of FMLA, ADA, Section 504, STD, and other federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing leave and disability
• Strong problem-solving, time management, and priority-setting skills
• Experience providing guidance to employees and managers on leave of absence, disability plans, medical accommodations, and benefits programs