Benefits Specialist

Bertelsmann Corporate; Westminster (MD); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Bertelsmann Corporate in Westminster, MD is seeking a Benefits Specialist, Leave of Absence to serve as the primary contact for Crewmembers throughout the leave process, coordinating documentation and ensuring a compliant, empathetic experience from initial request to return to work.

You will manage leave cases using AbsenceSoft and Workday, guide employees and managers through policies, review eligibility, and collaborate with benefits teams to coordinate PTO and disability programs.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in leave administration, case management, HR, or related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, or related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Experience with HRIS/leave management systems; Workday and AbsenceSoft preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word) and learning new systems quickly.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary contact for Crewmembers throughout the leave of absence process.
• Manage leave cases from initial request through return to work using AbsenceSoft, ensuring timely communication and documentation.
• Guide Crewmembers and managers through leave policies, required documentation, and next steps with empathy and clarity.
• Review leave requests and supporting documentation to determine eligibility under company policies and leave programs.
• Coordinate leave benefits with PTO, workers’ compensation, short-term and long-term disability as applicable.
• Maintain accurate case documentation and reflect leave information in AbsenceSoft and Workday.

Skills

Empathy

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Judgment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, or related field

Tools

Workday

AbsenceSoft

HRIS

MS Office

Job description

Job Description

The Benefits Specialist, Leave of Absence serves as the primary point of contact for Crewmembers throughout the leave process, providing guidance, support, and clear communication from initial request through return to work. This role manages leave cases, coordinates required documentation, interprets leave policies, and helps ensure a positive and compliant leave experience. Success in this role requires empathy, strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and a willingness to continuously learn and develop expertise in leave administration.

Your Impact and Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for Crewmembers throughout the leave of absence process
• Manage leave cases from initial request through return to work using AbsenceSoft, ensuring timely communication, documentation, and case progression
• Guide Crewmembers and managers through leave policies, required documentation, and next steps with empathy and clarity
• Review leave requests and supporting documentation to determine eligibility under company policies and applicable leave programs
• Coordinate leave benefits with paid time off, workers’ compensation, short-term disability, and long-term disability programs, as applicable
• Maintain accurate case documentation and ensure leave information is properly reflected in AbsenceSoft and Workday
• Partner with the Benefits Administrators to resolve documentation needs, data discrepancies, and administrative workflow items
• Monitor case timelines, follow up on outstanding information, and ensure compliance with required deadlines
• Protect the confidentiality of Crewmember medical information and documentation while maintaining accurate records
• Maintain relevant knowledge of FMLA, applicable federal, state, and local leave laws, company policies, and leave administration processes
• Support reporting, system testing, process improvements, and other projects as assigned

Qualifications

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in leave administration, case management, Human Resources, or a related field
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field, or equivalent work experience
• Experience with HRIS, leave management, or case management systems; experience with Workday and/or AbsenceSoft preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Outlook, and Word, with the ability to learn new systems and technology
• Genuine compassion for others and a commitment to supporting Crewmembers during challenging life events with empathy, professionalism, discretion, and a strong sense of urgency
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to interpret policies, make informed decisions, build trust, and guide Crewmembers through complex situations
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with the ability to mange multiple priorities, maintain accurate case documentation, and handle highly confidential medical and personal information with discretion
• Positive and collaborative team player with a continuous improvement mindset

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of FMLA and other federal, state, and local leave laws
• Experience providing direct support to frontline hourly workers

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.