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Role Description

The Benefits Specialist will be responsible for the comprehensive and accurate administration of all employee leave programs, including FMLA, ADA, short-term disability, long-term disability, and other company-specific leaves. This role manages the end-to-end leave process, from initial inquiry and eligibility determination to documentation, tracking, and communication with employees and management, ensuring compliance with all federal and state regulations.

The Benefits Specialist will also be responsible for developing wellness programs to boost physical, mental, and emotional health within ADOR, focusing on activities like nutrition workshops, stress management, and health screenings, while also marketing initiatives, tracking outcomes, and collaborating with stakeholders to foster a healthy environment and culture.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

Job Duties

• Service Delivery
  • Translates the business strategy through communication, training and support across all areas of the HR team with a focus on delivering value-added services and programs support.
  • Nurtures an inspirational culture and positive work environment through developing high-trust relationships across the organization.
  • Champions change by demonstrating a continuous improvement mindset and work style and provide support to employees in times of change.
• Leave & ADA Administration
  • Administers and manages all aspects of employee leave programs, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, ergonomic requests, and other statutory, regulatory, or policy-driven leaves.
  • Serves as the primary point of contact for employees and management regarding leave of absence inquiries, policies, and procedures.
  • Manages the interactive process for ADA accommodation requests, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.
  • Coordinates with third-party administrators (TPA) for the management of short-term and long-term disability claims.
  • Maintains confidential and accurate records of all leave cases, accommodations, and related documentation.
  • Conducts training and provides guidance to managers and supervisors on leave policies, FMLA requirements, and the ADA interactive process.
  • Collaborates with ADOA Risk Management or Facilities on general workplace ergonomic assessments and accommodations.
  • Ensures timely and accurate communication with employees regarding their leave status, rights, responsibilities, and return-to-work procedures.
  • Monitors legislative and regulatory changes related to FMLA, ADA, and other leave laws to ensure continuous compliance.
  • Processes and tracks necessary payroll changes and benefits continuation/payments related to leaves of absence.
• Benefits Liaison
  • Acts as a liaison for all State-Wide programs such as Capitol Rideshare, Remote Work, Benefits Options, Recognition and SECC.
  • Administers benefits and wellness plans, including participating in the planning and implementation of employee programs.
  • Organizes health fairs, workshops and educational sessions.
  • Prepares benefits communications, developing content for newsletters, email, and other benefit communication pieces.
• Agency/Department Compliance & Continuous Improvement
  • Remains current on all laws, regulations, policies, and best practices related to benefits, ADA, and FMLA.
  • Actively tracks wellness participation, measure program effectiveness, and report on outcomes.
  • Completes all required training in a timely manner.
  • Participates in assigned work teams as appropriate.
  • Prepares for and actively participates in 1:1 coaching with supervisor.
  • Maximizes work processes and deliverables through lean principles within the Arizona Management System (AMS).
• Miscellaneous
  • Modifies, creates, and/or establishes and gathers data to support metrics.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Any combination that meets the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs); typical ways KSAs are obtained may include a relevant degree from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of three (3) years’ human resources experience with leave administration and benefits.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge/Understanding
  • Knowledge of human resources/personnel principles and practices.
  • In-depth knowledge of employment laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures pertaining to personnel administration and leave of absence programs.
• Skills
  • Excellent verbal, written, and listening communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and demeanor.
  • Effective organization and time management skills.
  • Proficient in the use of a PC in a Windows environment and MS Office Applications.
  • Proficient in the use of HRIS applications.
• Abilities
  • Ability to clear a comprehensive background and clearance process.
  • Ability to thrive in a service-centric organizational model.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
  • Ability to work in a confidential manner.
  • Ability to learn LEAN concepts, principles, and tools.
  • Ability to understand and solve problems by applying intermediate analytical skills.
  • Willingness and ability to embody ADOR’s core values.

Additional Job Demands

• Must be able to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently.
• No substantial exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

Decision-Making Authority

• Participates in the establishment of guidelines and policies.

Selective Preference(s)

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Human Resources, or a related field.
• Experience in processing and administering leave of absence programs.
• Previous experience with LEAN concepts, principles, and tools.
• SHRM-CP, PHR, or similar HR certification.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Employment Verification and Reference Checks.
• State and Federal Criminal Background Check, including fingerprinting.
• Arizona Tax Filing Records Check.
• If applicable, ASEDRA Authorized Driver Identification Check.

Benefits

• Paid time off for holidays, sick days, annual leave, military leave, bereavement leave, and civic duty leave.
• Paid Parental Leave - Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child.
• A robust and affordable insurance plan that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term, and long-term disability options.
• Higher education discounts for State employees and tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per fiscal year.
• Work-life balance and additional options for life betterment such as the Infant at Work Program, State Wellness Program, Public Transit Discounts, Alternate Work Schedules, and Telework opportunities.