Benefits and Leave Specialist

Illinois School District U-46; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 69,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

Illinois School District U-46 is seeking a Benefits and Leave Specialist to manage benefits data, enrollment, and leave administration within HRIS systems. The role requires coordinating daily benefits processing, ensuring data integrity, and supporting benefit programs and open enrollment.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in HR/Benefits, with knowledge of FMLA, ACA, and HRIS systems, and strong analytical, communication, and confidentiality skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years of Human Resources or Benefits experience.
• Working knowledge of FMLA, ADA, ACA, and other applicable laws.
• Experience with HRIS and benefits administration systems.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Leave Administration & Compliance: process and administer leave requests and ensure FMLA compliance.
• Data Management & Reporting: maintain benefits data, develop reports, run audits, and analyze data.
• Employee Support & Customer Service: respond to inquiries and assist with benefit issues.
• Benefits Administration: support annual open enrollment, billing, and benefits education.
• General Responsibilities: protect confidentiality and stay current on trends in benefits management.

Skills

FMLA knowledge

ACA knowledge

Data analysis

Communication skills

HIPAA confidentiality

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field

Tools

Skyward HRIS

HRIS systems

Job description

• Position Type:Human Resources/ Specialist
• Date Posted:4/24/2026
• Location:Human Resources
• Date Available:ASAP

Position / Title: Benefits and Leave Specialist

Bargaining Unit: NON-UNION Department/Location: Human Resources

Calendar Days: 260 Reports To: Coordinator of Employee Benefits

JD Revision Date: 04/26/2026 Supervises: N/A

Function / Position Summary

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the point person for all benefits data, ensuring that benefits are processed in a timely and accurate manner within HRIS systems. This role provides both maintenance and analytical data support while coordinating daily benefits processing activities, including enrollments, terminations, and changes.

The Benefits and Leave Specialist develops and maintains protocols and processes to ensure data integrity and accuracy. This position also assists the Coordinator of Employee Benefits in administering all benefits and risk management programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, leave of absence, and workers' compensation.

This role serves as the first line of contact for employees, providing excellent customer service and support for benefit-related questions, concerns, and issues.

Job Duties / Responsibilities

Leave Administration & Compliance

• Process and administer leave of absence requests, including medical, personal, disability, and FMLA leaves.
• Ensure compliance with FMLA regulations, Board policy, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Manage disability paperwork and related documentation.

Data Management & Reporting

• Maintain and update employee benefits data, ensuring accuracy and data integrity within HRIS systems.
• Collaborate with HRIS system administrators to develop, maintain, and support reports and queries.
• Run audits, analyze data, and prepare reports related to benefits, leaves of absence, and Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements.
• Produce weekly and monthly reports on key performance indicators (KPIs) and prepare year-end reporting as assigned.

Analyze benefits and leave data to identify trends and provide actionable recommendations to support decision-making.

Employee Support & Customer Service

• Respond to employee and manager inquiries regarding benefit plans, enrollments, status changes, and general questions.
• Assist employees with benefit claim issues, insurance verification, and plan-related concerns.

Serve as a liaison between employees and healthcare providers or vendors regarding eligibility and claims.

Benefits Administration

• Support the coordination and execution of annual open enrollment, including timelines, communications, meetings, and vendor collaboration.
• Ensure accurate transmission of eligibility data to benefit vendors.
• Assist with benefits education during new hire orientation.
• Process benefits billing for employees on leave and maintain related records.

Maintain retiree insurance records and related documentation.

• Support risk management activities, including investigation and filing of workers' compensation claims.

Prepare and maintain OSHA logs and required postings.

General Responsibilities

• Maintain strict confidentiality of employee and HIPAA-protected information.
• Stay current on trends, regulations, and best practices in benefits and leave management.
• Participate in professional development opportunities, user groups, and training as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred, or equivalent work experience.

Experience / Knowledge

• Minimum of five (5) years of Human Resources or Benefits experience.
• Working knowledge of FMLA, ADA, ACA, and other applicable federal and state laws.
• Experience with HRIS and benefits administration systems (Skyward experience preferred).
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and generate reports.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with both technical and administrative staff.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to work effectively in a culturally diverse environment.
• Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work on a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to use the telephone for extended periods.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-demand environment.

Terms of Employment

• This is a 12-month position. Salary and benefits as established by the Board of Education.
• Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the Board's policy on evaluation of support personnel.
• The full salary range for this position is $49,787.00 - $74,680.00. It is our typical practice to hire the minimum and midpoint ($62,234.00)

Postings current as of 9/1/2026 2:25:58 PM CST.