Benefits Specialist, Leave and Disability

Norwegian Cruise Line Group Italy S.r.l.; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. seeks a Benefits Administration specialist to lead daily LOA and disability program operations aboard or shoreside in Miami. You will act as primary advisor to team members and leadership, ensuring compliance and accurate processing.

Responsibilities include coordinating ADA/FERA-related accommodations, reviewing medical documentation, and maintaining HRIS entries while supporting enrollment and benefits testing and vendor coordination.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field.
• Progressive HR experience, preferably in benefits administration.
• Experience with LOA/absence management and related laws is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Administer and plan daily LOA and disability program operations.
• Serve as primary contact for team members and management on benefits.
• Ensure compliance with ADA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA and state/federal laws.
• Coordinate LOA claims for US Shoreside and Hawaii with documentation reviews.
• Monitor Short-Term Disability processing, deductions, and premium contributions.
• Maintain HRIS updates for Leaves of Absence and Disability claims.
• Administer ADA accommodation requests and engage in the interactive process.
• Provide guidance on LOA laws and policies to management and staff.
• Coordinate Shipboard Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance claims.
• Review and improve department procedures, including vendor relationships.
• Plan annual benefits open enrollment and create training materials.
• Support onboarding of new carriers and products, including testing.
• Administer Shipboard Extended Leave and Maternity programs per policy.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Benefits administration

Regulatory compliance

HRIS proficiency

Data analysis

Financial acumen

Communication skills

Customer service

Vendor negotiation

Strategic planning

Project management

Attention to detail

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

• Administer and plan the daily operations of leave of absence (LOA) and disability programs.
• Act as the primary contact for team members and management, providing recommendations for program improvements.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws and provide analytical and technical support..

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Administer and provide counseling to team members at all levels of benefit programs and policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with ADA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPPA, and FMLA as well as other applicable state and federal benefit laws.
• Follow policies and procedures that support the organizational and business goals.
• Administer and coordinate the processing of US Shoreside and Hawaii Leave of Absence claims including gathering and review of medical documentation and making determinations for LOA claims in conjunction with federal and state guidelines.
• Monitor the processing of Short-Term Disability claims including the payment of STD pay, benefit deduction adjustments, and the collection benefits contributions as related to LOA.
• Ensure HRIS is updated appropriately regarding Leaves of Absence and Disability claims.
• Administer ADA Accommodation requests, gather documentation, and engage in the interactive process with team members and leaders.
• Provide guidance to management and team members on LOA laws and policies, addressing sensitive issues and conflicts.
• Administer and coordinate the processing of Shipboard Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance claims, ensuring compliance with policies, contracts, collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws and regulations.
• Assist in reviewing and developing department operating procedures including automated systems, third-party vendors, and administrative procedures for assigned benefit processes.
• Plan and coordinate the annual benefits open enrollment, develop content materials for assigned benefit processes, and conduct necessary training.
• Support the implementation of new carriers and products, including system testing and communication.
• Administer Shipboard Extended Leave and Maternity programs in accordance with company policy.
• Perform other job-related functions as assigned..

QUALIFICATIONS

DEGREE TYPE

• Bachelor's Degree.

FIELD(S) OF STUDY

• In Human Resources or Business Administration or related field of study; or any relevant equivalent work experience, training, skills and/or certifications..

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 2 years of progressive Human resources experience preferably in the field of benefits administration.

1-2 years of experience in fully cycle leave of absence administration..

COMPETENCIES & SKILLS

• Strong knowledge of benefits administration and regulatory compliance.
• Proficiency with HRIS and benefits administration software.
• Excellent data analysis and financial acumen.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to negotiate effectively with vendors.
• Strategic planning and project management skills.
• Attention to detail and adaptability.
• Commitment to confidentiality and ethical standards..

ABOUT NCLH

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH) is a leading global cruise company which operates the Norwegian Cruise Line®, Oceania Cruises® and Regent Seven Seas Cruises® brands. The combined brands currently operate 32 ships, employ over 35,000 shipboard crew from more than 110 different countries and visit approximately 700 different port destination each year.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

It is Norwegian Cruise Line Holding’s policy not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and marital or veteran status.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.