Benefits & Leave of Absence Specialist: This 1.0FTE/Full-Time position is scheduled to work 8-HR day shifts and is fully in person.
Compensation: Exempt, $37.72/HR-$53.89/HR. Placement within this range is subject to years of applicable experience.
Employment Classification: This position may be classified as either exempt or non-exempt under applicable federal and Washington State wage and hour laws. Final classification will be determined at the time of hire in accordance with applicable FLSA requirements and Washington State exemption criteria.
Job Summary:Provides professional-level human resources support with a primary focus on benefits support and leave of absence administration. Serves as a resource to employees and leaders, researches and resolves HR-related questions within assigned scope, and collaborates with HR team members to support accurate, consistent, and effective HR processes and services.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Benefits Administration- Administers employee benefit programs, including health, welfare, and retirement plans, and serves as the first point of contact for employee benefit inquiries, providing accurate and timely information and support.
- Serve as a liaison between Mason Health, benefit brokers, retirement vendors, and other external partners to support effective benefit administration and employee support.
- Serve as a member of the Retirement Committee, supporting retirement plan oversight, compliance, reporting, and related initiatives.
- Coordinate and administer the annual Open Enrollment process, including employee communications and collaboration with benefit brokers for the annual benefit and wellness fair.
- Administer and coordinate the employee Tuition Assistance Program, including eligibility review, communication, tracking, and processing in accordance with organizational policy.
- Process annual 1095-C statements and support ACA-related reporting requirements.
Leave of Absence Administration- Administers and coordinates employee leaves of absence, providing guidance on eligibility, documentation, timelines, and return-to-work processes. Monitors leave status and coordinates related payroll, benefits, and employee status activities with appropriate stakeholders.
Process Improvement & Standard Work- Identifies opportunities to improve HR workflows, documentation, standard work, and employee and manager resources within assigned scope. Assists with developing and implementing tools, templates, procedures, and process improvements that increase efficiency and consistency.
HR Department Support- Participates in HR projects, meetings, departmental initiatives, and organizational activities. Provides cross-functional HR support and coverage within the scope of the position. May serve as a back-up for the HR Onboarding Specialist.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Education and Experience:- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
- Two (2) or more years of progressively responsible experience in Human Resources, preferably in a healthcare or public-sector environment.
- A minimum of one (1) year of direct experience as a Benefits Specialist or in a similar role is required; three (3) or more years of relevant experience is preferred.
Required Licenses, Certifications and/or Registrations:- Professional human resources certification preferred (i.e.: PHR/SPHR, SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP).
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:Benefits, Leave & Regulatory Knowledge- Knowledge of employee benefit programs, including health, welfare, retirement plans, and related administration processes.
- Knowledge of applicable federal and state employment laws and regulations, including FMLA, Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave, ADA, ACA, and other requirements related to benefits and leave administration.
- Ability to interpret and apply organizational policies, benefit plan provisions, eligibility requirements, and regulatory guidelines accurately and consistently.
Communication, Customer Service & Collaboration- Strong customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to provide clear, timely, and professional guidance to employees, leaders, vendors, and external partners.
- Ability to collaborate across departments, coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, and resolve employee inquiries while recognizing when matters require additional review or escalation.
Organization, Systems & Administrative Skills- Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize competing responsibilities, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy and attention to detail.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to effectively utilize HRIS, benefits administration platforms, and other systems to maintain records, process transactions, track information, and generate reports.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive employee information, benefit records, and personnel matters.
Critical Thinking & Process Improvement- Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to research discrepancies, evaluate information, identify solutions, and support accurate HR administration.
- Ability to develop, document, and improve administrative workflows, standard work, and employee resources to support consistency, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
- Ability to work independently, demonstrate initiative, adapt to changing priorities, and exercise sound judgment in managing assigned responsibilities.
