HR Specialist - Leave/Benefits

POSITION PURPOSE
The Human Resource (HR) Specialist will oversee and administer leave requests for a growing, U.S.-based workforce, many in high-volume, inbound call-center roles supporting VA contracts. This position owns day-to-day leave-of-absence (LOA) while supporting benefit administration. The Specialist ensures flawless compliance with the FMLA, ADA, USERRA, state-specific leave statutes, and company policy while assisting with the administration of our company-paid and sponsored benefits, such as medical, dental, short-term or long-term disability, etc. 

We are seeking a hands-on expert who is eager to grow.  Additionally, the HR Specialist may provide administrative support for various tasks such as associate retention and discipline.

ORGANIZATION
This position reports to the Director of Human Resources and has no supervisory responsibilities. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leave-of-Absence Administration
  • Act as primary LOA case manager—intake, eligibility, medical certification, notice, tracking, return-to-work.
  • Own the Short & Long-term disability claim process – File claim documentation with the carrier, certify eligibility, answer questions, and track benefit offsets.
  • Maintain adequate, clear communication with associates and managers to ensure understanding of approved leave requirements.
  • Deliver interactive ADA accommodation process, coordinate with managers as needed.
  • Preserve the confidentiality of associate medical documentation and files.
  • Maintain required LOA postings and notices; analyze trends and deliver metrics to HR Leadership.
• Associate Advocacy & Education –
  • Provide empathetic, compliant counsel to associates on leave rights, benefit options during leave, and return-to-work expectations.
• Compliance & Reporting –
  • Ensure adherence to FMLA, ADA, USERRA, state-specific leave laws, ERISA, HIPAA, and VA contract requirements.
  • Keep LOA and benefit policies/SOPs current; recommend updates when regulations change.
• Process Improvement & Growth –
  • Analyze absence/utilization data to spot cost-saving or associate-experience opportunities.
  • Participate in company/department optimization projects.
  • Crosstrain the HR team on basic LOA workflows, demonstrating leadership potential.
• Benefit Plan Administration –
  • Serve as the second tier/backup contact for health & welfare benefits when needed.
  • Perform targeted tasks during peak cycles, such as during annual open enrollment, etc.
  • Troubleshoot complex benefit issues and liaise with carriers to ensure timely resolution.
  • Attend scheduled meetings with our Benefit Brokers.

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field required.
• 4+ years of Human Resource experience required with emphasis on administering FMLA/ADA and Health & Welfare benefit plans for 500+ associates.
• Hands-on HRIS/benefits platform expertise (ADP or similar)
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office 365 & Adobe Acrobat; familiarity with SharePoint.
• Deep working knowledge of federal & state leave laws, ERISA, HIPPA, ACA, FMLA, ADA, and other applicable laws.
• Ability to interpret company policies, plan documents and draft clear communications.
• Exceptional written, verbal, interpersonal communication and organizational skills
• Proven tact, discretion, and empathy when handling sensitive medical information.
• Personal traits of a high-level commitment, motivation, energy, team orientation, professionalism, trust, personal honesty and integrity, and a demonstration of placing others in a place of high value, along with an ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Must be a U.S. citizen; work sponsorship is not available.

MACHINES & EQUIPMENT
The incumbent must be able to effectively operate the current computer system, telephone system, and other office machines such as a copier and scanner.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Remote home office; occasional travel (<10%). Must be able to lift up to 20 lbs. The role involves extended periods of computer use and video conferencing. Periodic times working at the office site may be required.


Security and privacy training will be provided as part of this role to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of PCS’ associate and customer data.