Leave and Benefits Specialist

System One is seeking a skilled Leave & Benefits Specialist to manage the full leave administration process on-site in Bellevue, WA. This is 6 month contract for a local candidates only. The role will involve handling Parental Leave, FMLA, Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML), Workers Compensation, personal leave, and other company-approved leaves. In addition, the role will involve assisting with medical accommodations and facilitating return-to-work processes. You’ll collaborate closely with Payroll, HR, and third-party vendors to ensure smooth program delivery, provide guidance to employees, and support them in utilizing their benefits.
 

Key Responsibilities:
 

• Provide guidance to employees throughout the entire leave process, from initiation to return to work.
• Track and document all leave requests, ensuring timely responses and accurate records for both active leaves and incoming requests.
• Partner with managers to support employees on leave and facilitate their transition back to work.
• Oversee the approval process for employee leave requests, ensuring proper coding and tracking in the system based on leave types.
• Serve as the subject matter expert on federal and multi-state leave regulations, as well as company-specific leave policies.
• Stay current on leave management regulations and compliance updates, ensuring company policies are aligned with legal requirements.
• Work with Payroll & Finance Systems to ensure accurate pay and PTO usage, and assist with the reconciliation process when employees return to work.
• Respond to inquiries regarding state and federal leave laws, healthcare plans, and ADA-related matters.
• Act as the liaison for Workers Compensation-related inquiries between departments and vendors.
• Assist employees with Short-Term and Long-Term Disability inquiries.
• Perform additional tasks and duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
 

• At least 5 years of experience in Leave Administration, including FMLA, disability, and ancillary benefits.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience (10 years of relevant work experience).
• In-depth knowledge of state and federal leave regulations and compliance requirements.
• Strong understanding of multi-state leave laws and Workers Compensation policies.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with both operational teams and non-accounting professionals.
• Proven customer service skills in a fast-paced, high-touch environment.
• Strong time management skills and the ability to follow through on tasks.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with payroll and finance systems (ADP, Oracle Enterprise Cloud) preferred.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently in a dynamic environment.
• Strong commitment to confidentiality, particularly regarding sensitive benefits, payroll, and leave-related information.
• A high degree of integrity and trustworthiness, with a collaborative approach to teamwork.