Benefits and Leave Specialist

Summary:

The Benefits and Leave Specialist supports the administration of employee benefits programs and leave of absence processes across the organization. This role ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, delivers high-quality employee service, and partners closely with HR, Payroll, Legal, and external vendors to maintain accurate and efficient program execution.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and administer all company benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and wellness programs.
• Serves as first point of contact for employee related benefits, eligibility, and enrollment.
• Coordinate and administer leave of absence programs including FMLA, state leaves, personal leaves, ADA accommodations.
• Partners with third party administrators to ensure timely communication and accurate leave tracking.
• Processes and validate benefits monthly invoicing, HRIS changes, annual enrollment elections for all companies.
• Support employee onboarding and offboarding processes related to benefits and COBRA.
• Conducts audits on HRIS and vendor data for accuracy.
• Partners with employees on life events.
• Responsible for monthly wellness newsletters, scorecards, and payment coordination.
• Primary owner of annual benefits fairs and events across geographies, to include vendor coordination and on-site activities.
• Provide guidance to employees regarding benefit options, enrollment, and changes.
• Stay current with federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to benefits and leave of absence.
• Execute communication strategies to educate employees about their benefits.
• Conduct workshops or training sessions to help employees understand their total compensation packages.
• Generate, analyze, and maintain reports for benefits utilization, leaves, and compliance metrics.
• Present findings and recommendations to senior management.
• Support special projects, as needed.

Qualifications:

• 2-4 years' experience in benefits administration and/or leave of absence coordination to include multi-state administration.
• Experience working with HRIS and benefits administration platforms
• Strong understanding of FMLA, ADA, and state-specific leave laws
• Strong interpersonal and professional verbal and written communication skills.
• Customer-service mindset with a focus on colleague experience.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data to identify trends, patterns, and insights that inform strategic decisions.
• Attention to detail and follow-up skills.
• Excellent organization and time-management abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across multiple levels in the organization.
• Passion for results and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to understand, interpret and assess relevant labor laws and regulations for legal compliance.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word) and HRIS systems.

Education"

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent work experience), preferred.
• Certification: PHR preferred.

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

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen. The employee frequently is required to sit and use hands to operate computer controls, calculators, and telephones. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms, and perform duties at a marine terminal or aboard a commercial vessel.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision to review reports and the ability to adjust focus to computer terminal.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

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.

TOTE Resources, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Affirmative Action and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We are committed to a diverse workforce and taking affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified women, underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin disability or status as a protected veteran. TOTE Resources is a drug-free employer and a participant of the E-Verify Employment Verification Program.

The salary range is $52,900-92,600, with an expected target salary of $70,000-75,000. Pay will be based on several factors including the candidate's education, work experience, work location and specific job duties.

As part of the team, full-time employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, short term disability, employee assistance program, 401(k) with company match and discretionary funding, tuition reimbursement, supplemental parental leave, jury duty, and bereavement leave. Full-time employees will receive a minimum of 10 days' vacation, 10 days sick, 10 days paid holidays and one floating holiday every 12 months. In addition, we offer an annual discretionary bonus (based on eligibility).