2nd shift Employee Benefits Specialist

Wayne-Sanderson Farms; Kinston (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayne-Sanderson Farms is seeking an Employee Benefit Specialist to serve as the central contact for LOA, disability, and FMLA leaves. The role includes entering data, following up on issues and maintaining leave files while supporting the HR Manager and team.

The position supports employees, corporate benefits, and plant leaders on leave questions, enrollment, and benefit plan design. Strong communication and confidentiality are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum one (1) year experience within a human resources generalist environment.
• Experience in leave administration with knowledge of FMLA and ADA highly preferred.
• Strong computer skills with Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Outlook); Workday or similar HCM system preferred.
• Ability to communicate in English, both verbal and written, with internal and external customers.

Responsibilities

• Manage employee FMLA, Disability and personal leave tasks per Company policies and legal requirements; enter leave and return to work dates in appropriate system.
• Act as point of contact for employees, corporate benefits and plant leaders; respond to benefit questions and assist with enrollment and claim resolution.
• Update enrollment and dependent verification in Workday; coordinate with Corporate Benefits when needed.
• Partner with Safety/EHS on Workers Compensation claims; ensure data accuracy and documentation collection.
• Serve as liaison between carriers and employees to facilitate enrollment, leave approval, and verification processes.
• Coordinate open enrollment events and communicate changes to benefit plans; lead meetings and follow-up.

Skills

HR Generalist

FMLA Knowledge

ADA Knowledge

Workday Knowledge

MS Office & Outlook

Education

High School Diploma

Associate degree preferred

Tools

Workday

MS Office

Job description

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

The Employee Benefit Specialist acts as the central point of contact surrounding LOA, Disability and FMLA leaves, entering leave data, following up on issues and upkeep of associated employee leave files. Additionally, this role assists HR Manager and/or Supervisor with other departmental duties.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:

• Manage employee FMLA, Disability and personal leave tasks per Company policies and Federal, State and local legal requirements; enter leave and return to work dates in appropriate system in a timely manner and follow up on inconsistencies or missing documentation and communicate to appropriate personnel
• Act as point of contact for employees, corporate benefits and plant leaders; respond to benefit questions concerning employee leaves, 401(k), or other employee welfare programs and assist employees with claim resolution, electronic processes and comprehension of benefit plan design when needed
• Update, research and resolve enrollment, marital status and dependent verification discrepancies in Workday to ensure vendors and payroll receive accurate eligibility, enrollment, and deduction information; partner with Corporate Benefits when unable to resolve benefits related issues
• Partner with Safety/ EHS on Workers Compensation claims, ensuring data is entered correctly and needed documentation is collected and readily available
• Act as a liaison between carrier and employee as needed to facilitate exchange of information, documentation collection and submission, etc. to facilitate leave approval, benefit enrollment or dependent verification process
• Partner with Corporate Benefits on all open enrollment events, new or revised programs, special events, etc; act as lead in coordinating meetings and follow-up to ensure employees are informed about changes to all benefit plans
• Actively participate in educating and notifying employees on benefit plans and enrollment opportunities
• Partner with HR team on all employee engagement projects
• Identify and communicate opportunities for process improvement to streamline processes and improve efficiency

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• None. This is an individual contributor role with required competencies: Functional/Technical Skills, Action Oriented, Problem Solving, Learning on the Fly, and Interpersonal Savvy

EDUCATION and CERTIFICATIONS:

• High School diploma or equivalent; Associate’s degree in a relevant field preferred

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

• Minimum one (1) year experience within a human resources generalist environment; experience in leave administration with knowledge of FMLA and ADA legal requirements highly preferred
• Strong computer skills with the ability to work with multiple Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.); knowledge/ experience with Workday or other similar HCM system preferred
• Must have the ability to effectively communicate in English, both verbal and written, with internal and external customers in a timely and professional manner; ability to communicate in multiple languages preferred
• Ability to work effectively with others, possessing tact and discretion and demonstrates high level of confidentiality in all matters
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills with the ability to prioritize
• Self-starter who demonstrates strong initiative and sense of urgency, with the ability to work in a fast paced environment

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS:

• Follow and ensure others follow departmental and company safety policies and programs
• Wear required protective equipment in all areas where mandatory

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to remain stationary for extended periods of time
• Ability to work non-standard hours (i.e. holidays, weekends and/or extended shifts as needed per business need