Meritus Health
Benefit And Leave Specialist
Are you a detail-oriented HR professional with a passion for helping employees navigate the complexities of benefits and leave programs? Join our collaborative and mission-driven Team Member Services as a Benefits & Leave Specialist. In this key role, you'll be responsible for the day-to-day administration of employee benefits and leaves of absenceincluding FMLA, ADA, and disability programsas well as supporting corrective counseling processes related to time and attendance. You'll be the go-to resource for team members and coaches, providing clear, empathetic guidance on benefit options and leave processes. Your work ensures compliance with federal and state regulations while helping employees feel supported during critical life events. Leave of Absence Support: Serve as the primary contact for team members and coaches with questions related to leave of absence eligibility and processes. Guide team members through the leave process from start to finish, send packets, review forms, verify eligibility, and provide timely updates. Partner with Employee Health and the Workers' Compensation team to coordinate return-to-work plans. Benefits Assistance: Support team members with benefit enrollment, changes due to life events, and open enrollment. Present benefit information to new hires and answer day-to-day questions about insurance, eligibility, and premiums. Time & Attendance Administration: Monitor attendance reports and coordinate corrective action in line with Meritus policy. Train coaches on attendance policy to ensure consistent, fair application. Payroll & Disability Coordination: Work closely with payroll to ensure accurate payment of short-term disability benefits and proper coding of leave/attendance events. Team Member & Coach Support: Provide high-quality, confidential customer service and resolution support to team members and coaches. Collaborate with HR Business Partners to address internal issues related to leave and benefits. Team Collaboration: Provide backup and support to the broader Team Member Services group as needed. What You Bring: Education & Experience: Associate degree in a related field OR at least 5 years of directly relevant HR experience. Minimum of 2 years' experience administering employee benefits and FMLA/leave programs for a medium to large employer. Prior experience with ADA and return-to-work coordination highly preferred. Skills & Qualifications: Strong working knowledge of FMLA, ADA, USERRA, and other federal/state leave laws. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proven ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and HRIS platforms. Experience with UKG or Kronos systems preferred. Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Team-oriented mindset and a proactive approach to problem solving. Caring for Our Team: We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well-being and professional growth. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance available starting the 1st of the month following date of hire, along with life insurance, & short and long-term disability coverage. Paid Time Off begins accruing from day one, and we also provide a 401k plan, an education assistance program, and an employee assistance program. Additionally, employees working evening, night, or weekend shifts may be eligible for a shift differential, adding even more value to your role. Happy to Help: At Meritus, we believe in a collaborative and caring work environment. Interactions are an opportunity to learn, listen and to be there for one another. Therefore, we provide warm welcomes, hospitality-driven closures, and are always Happy to Help.
Are you a detail-oriented HR professional with a passion for helping employees navigate the complexities of benefits and leave programs? Join our collaborative and mission-driven Team Member Services as a Benefits & Leave Specialist. In this key role, you'll be responsible for the day-to-day administration of employee benefits and leaves of absenceincluding FMLA, ADA, and disability programsas well as supporting corrective counseling processes related to time and attendance. You'll be the go-to resource for team members and coaches, providing clear, empathetic guidance on benefit options and leave processes. Your work ensures compliance with federal and state regulations while helping employees feel supported during critical life events. Leave of Absence Support: Serve as the primary contact for team members and coaches with questions related to leave of absence eligibility and processes. Guide team members through the leave process from start to finish, send packets, review forms, verify eligibility, and provide timely updates. Partner with Employee Health and the Workers' Compensation team to coordinate return-to-work plans. Benefits Assistance: Support team members with benefit enrollment, changes due to life events, and open enrollment. Present benefit information to new hires and answer day-to-day questions about insurance, eligibility, and premiums. Time & Attendance Administration: Monitor attendance reports and coordinate corrective action in line with Meritus policy. Train coaches on attendance policy to ensure consistent, fair application. Payroll & Disability Coordination: Work closely with payroll to ensure accurate payment of short-term disability benefits and proper coding of leave/attendance events. Team Member & Coach Support: Provide high-quality, confidential customer service and resolution support to team members and coaches. Collaborate with HR Business Partners to address internal issues related to leave and benefits. Team Collaboration: Provide backup and support to the broader Team Member Services group as needed. What You Bring: Education & Experience: Associate degree in a related field OR at least 5 years of directly relevant HR experience. Minimum of 2 years' experience administering employee benefits and FMLA/leave programs for a medium to large employer. Prior experience with ADA and return-to-work coordination highly preferred. Skills & Qualifications: Strong working knowledge of FMLA, ADA, USERRA, and other federal/state leave laws. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proven ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and HRIS platforms. Experience with UKG or Kronos systems preferred. Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Team-oriented mindset and a proactive approach to problem solving. Caring for Our Team: We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well-being and professional growth. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance available starting the 1st of the month following date of hire, along with life insurance, & short and long-term disability coverage. Paid Time Off begins accruing from day one, and we also provide a 401k plan, an education assistance program, and an employee assistance program. Additionally, employees working evening, night, or weekend shifts may be eligible for a shift differential, adding even more value to your role. Happy to Help: At Meritus, we believe in a collaborative and caring work environment. Interactions are an opportunity to learn, listen and to be there for one another. Therefore, we provide warm welcomes, hospitality-driven closures, and are always Happy to Help.