Benefits & Leave Specialist

Summary: The Benefits and Leave Specialist is responsible for the administration and delivery of benefits plans and leaves of absences firmwide. This position serves as the primary point of contact to provide guidance on benefits and leave options, processes documentation, maintains accurate records and collaborates across HR, payroll and our third-party administrator. The position also provides support across all Firm benefit programs as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Administer firmwide benefits programs including health, dental, vision, life, disability, leave, wellness, and retiree benefits.

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws (FMLA, disability, COBRA, workers’ compensation, etc.); maintain policies accordingly.

• Administer and oversee all leaves of absence across the firm, including FMLA, ADA and state-specific leaves ensuring compliance, timely communication and accurate documentation.

• Serve as primary contact for employees, vendors, and providers; resolve benefit inquiries and issues with accuracy and professionalism.

• Manage benefits records and elections in HRIS, coordinate with Payroll, Accounting, 401k administrator, Legal Talent Management and HR for accurate processing.

• Conduct new hire orientations and distribute clear benefits communications.

• Contribute to the development and execution of firmwide open enrollment and wellness programs.

• Audit and reconcile premiums, claims, and costs; prepare and analyze reports on benefits participation and leaves.

• Review, update and maintain all LOA policies to ensure legal compliance, proper distribution and integration with all other departments.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support benefits and leave programs.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, a related field, or equivalent experience.

• Strong knowledge of benefits administration, leave management and compliance (HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA)

• Minimum of three years’ experience supporting leaves and benefits.

• Experience with HRIS systems; Dayforce and Workday experience a plus.

• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion and work collaboratively across various teams.

• Benefits certification such as CEBS (Certified Employee Benefits Specialist) or similar credential is a plus.

• Proficiency in MS Office applications

Working Conditions:

• Position requires onsite presence in a standard office environment.

• May occasionally require work beyond 40 hours per week.

• Minimal exposure to noise, dust, or extreme temperatures.

This job description outlines the general requirements and responsibilities of the position but is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties. Responsibilities may change at any time, temporarily or permanently, with or without notice, based on firm needs. Reasonable accommodation requests will be considered in accordance with applicable law, absent undue hardship.

Equal Employment and Opportunity Statement:

Barnes & Thornburg is committed to equal employment opportunity in both principle and as a matter of policy. We will recruit, hire, train, promote, compensate and provide benefits to all applicants and employees without regard to ancestry, sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, religion, religious creed, mental and/or physical disability, medical condition, military and/or veteran’s status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all recruiting, hiring, promotions, upgrades, layoffs, compensation, benefits, terminations and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment. The firm complies fully with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity laws.