HR Benefits and Employment Relations Specialist

HR Benefits and Employment Relations Specialist

Classification
Exempt

Reports to
HR Director

JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary/Objective
The HR Benefits and Employee Relations Specialist serves as a trusted resource to employees and leaders by providing equal support across benefits administration and employee relations investigations. The position administers FMLA and other leaves of absence, assists employees with benefit questions and system access, maintains premium arrears processes, supports benefits billing, and recommends improvements to benefit programs and related procedures.

The position also plans and conducts thorough, impartial workplace investigation interviews with complainants, responding employees, witnesses, and leaders; gathers and organizes relevant information and documentation; prepares accurate interview notes and investigation summaries; and provides factual information to HR leadership for review and decision-making regarding employee concerns, policy violations, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and workplace conduct matters.

Through both areas of responsibility, the position supports consistent policy application, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, a positive employee experience, and appropriate management of organizational risk.

Essential Functions

1. Assist with FMLA and leave of absence administration, including applicable state Paid Family Leave programs.
2. Serve as the primary interviewer for employee relations investigations and conduct impartial, well-planned interviews with complainants, responding employees, witnesses, managers, and other relevant individuals.
3. Respond to employee questions regarding leaves of absence, benefits, workplace concerns, and HR policies and procedures.
4. Maintain insurance premium arrears payments and provide required notices to employees.
5. Cross-train on benefits billing and provide support to other areas of the HR Department as needed.
6. Gather, review, and organize relevant documents, messages, records, and other evidence in conjunction with information obtained during interviews.
7. Prepare objective investigation summaries that accurately document information obtained through interviews and supporting evidence and present factual information to HR leadership for review and determination of next steps.
8. Assist with unemployment claims, employment verifications, and related HR matters.
9. Facilitate HR Department updates to the company intranet (Connect).
10. Support compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and leave requirements.

Competencies

1. Attention to Detail: Uses a thorough and accurate approach to documentation, administration, and follow-through.
2. Oral Communication: Communicates ideas, guidance, and information clearly and effectively to employees and leaders.
3. Written Communication: Produces clear, organized, accurate, and grammatically correct documentation and correspondence.
4. Conflict Resolution: Maintains neutrality, facilitates productive discussions, and supports appropriate workplace solutions.
5. Teamwork: Contributes as a productive member of a cohesive HR team and supports effective cross-functional partnerships.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Supervisory Responsibility
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand on a stool as necessary.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Travel
0 – 10% Travel

Required Education and Experience

1. Minimum of 3 years of human resources experience, including experience supporting workplace investigations and administering benefits.
2. Bachelor’s degree
3. Working knowledge of employment laws, HR best practices, FMLA, and related state leave requirements.
4. Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook and Excel spreadsheets.

Preferred Education and Experience

1. PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification.
2. Multi-state employee relations and leave administration experience, including complex or sensitive workplace investigations.
3. Experience supporting a large, geographically dispersed workforce.
4. Experience with HR benefits systems and benefits billing processes.

AAP/EEO Statement
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.