"Benefits and Leaves Administrator"

Position Overview

The Benefits and Leaves Administrator is responsible for administering employee leaves programs and benefits, and serving as the back-up for the employee accommodation process. This role will ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations while providing exceptional customer service. This is a full-time (1.0 FTE) position that supports approximately 800 employees.

Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities

Leave Administration:

• Interpret and administer leave programs and policies in accordance with federal, state, and local employment laws (e.g., Workers Compensation, FMLA, ESST, ADA, USERRA, Pregnancy Discrimination Act).
• Ensure compliance with leave of absence and employment laws, including FMLA, and advise employees on college policy, guidelines, and documentation requirements.
• Process requests for leave of absence while exercising discretion and judgment.
• Build strong relationships with employees and managers to foster a positive work environment.
• Maintain close contact with employees and keep managers informed about leave statuses, expected return dates, extensions, and accommodations.
• Facilitate the return-to-work process for employees returning from extended leaves.
• Assist with the implementation and administration of Minnesota’s Paid Leave.
• Back-up the Benefits Manager as a secondary subject matter expert for leave programs under HR leadership guidance.

Benefits Administration:

• Serve as a member of the benefits team administering programs like health, dental, vision, life, disability insurance, retirement plans, and flexible spending accounts.
• Process benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations.
• Assist employees with benefit questions, claims, and issues.
• Support annual open enrollment and benefits communication campaigns.

Data Management:

• Preserve confidentiality of sensitive employee information.
• Collaborate with the Benefits team to maintain accurate employee leave and benefits records.
• Prepare reports and analysis to support HR initiatives.
• Utilize Workday for HR tasks, monitor updates, and ensure data protection compliance.
• Adhere to Carleton’s accessibility guidelines for website content.

Additional Information

This position may require periodic evening and weekend hours, especially during peak periods like open enrollment. Travel may be required for training or conferences.

Education/Experience/Skills

Required: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field with 3+ years of experience; or 7+ years of directly related experience. Strong knowledge of employment laws (FMLA, COBRA, HIPAA, ADA, etc.). Excellent organizational, communication, and Microsoft Office skills. Experience with HRIS systems like Workday preferred.