Benefits & Leave Specialist

Creative Financial Staffing, LLC; Derby (CT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Creative Financial Staffing, LLC in Derby, CT is seeking a detail-oriented Benefits & Leave Specialist to join its HR team and manage the full leave lifecycle while ensuring compliance. You will guide employees through leave processes, review requests, and coordinate return-to-work transitions, with strong collaboration from leadership.

This high-impact role offers direct employee interaction, policy-interpretation ownership, and the opportunity to support complex leave programs at a growing

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in benefits and leave administration.
• Strong knowledge of FMLA, ADA, and related leave regulations.
• Experience managing end-to-end leave processes independently.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full leave of absence process from start to finish.
• Meet with employees face-to-face to explain leave policies and procedures.
• Review, approve, and deny leave requests in accordance with policies.
• Ensure compliance with FMLA, ADA, and related regulations.
• Evaluate and administer ADA accommodations and related documentation.
• Manage leave extensions and enforce applicable policies.
• Coordinate return-to-work processes and communicate with employees and leadership.
• Support workers’ compensation cases as needed.
• Maintain accurate records and complete data entry in HR systems.
• Provide a high level of service and communication throughout the leave process as a Benefits & Leave Specialist.

Skills

Leave administration

ADA compliance

Interpersonal communication

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

HR systems

Confidential handling

Tools

UKG HRIS

Job description

Benefits & Leave Specialist – Derby, CT

Compensation Target: 70k-80k

A large, employee-focused organization is seeking a detail-oriented Benefits & Leave Specialist to join its HR team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Benefits & Leave Specialist who is confident managing the full leave lifecycle while providing strong employee support and ensuring compliance.

The Benefits & Leave Specialist will play a key role in administering leave programs, guiding employees through processes, and coordinating successful return-to-work transitions.

Why You’ll Love This Opportunity

• High-impact role supporting employees through important life events
• Collaborative HR environment with strong leadership support
• The Benefits & Leave Specialist will have direct interaction with employees and leadership
• Opportunity to take ownership of leave processes and policy interpretation

Key Responsibilities of the Benefits & Leave Specialist

As a Benefits & Leave Specialist, you will:

• Manage the full leave of absence process from start to finish
• Meet with employees face-to-face to explain leave policies, procedures, and expectations
• Review, approve, and deny leave requests in accordance with company policies and regulations
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws including FMLA, ADA, and other leave-related regulations
• Evaluate and administer ADA accommodations and related documentation
• Manage leave extensions and enforce applicable policies
• Coordinate return-to-work processes, including communication with employees and leadership
• Support workers’ compensation cases as needed
• Maintain accurate records and complete required data entry in HR systems
• Provide a high level of service and communication throughout the leave process as a Benefits & Leave Specialist

Preferred Qualifications of the Benefits & Leave Specialist

• 3+ years of experience as a Benefits & Leave Specialist or in a similar HR role
• Strong knowledge of leave administration, ADA, and compliance requirements
• Experience managing end-to-end leave processes independently
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate clearly with employees
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Experience with HR systems (UKG or similar preferred; training provided)
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism
• Proactive, dependable, and confident working as a Benefits & Leave Specialist