Employee Benefits Specialist

Wayne Farms LLC; Ora (MS); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayne Farms LLC is seeking an Employee Benefit Specialist to serve as the central contact for LOA, FMLA, and disability leaves. You will manage leave data, support benefits enrollment, and assist with claim resolutions while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local requirements.

The role partners with HR, Safety/EHS, and corporate benefits to maintain accurate records in Workday and coordinate communications across plant leadership.

Qualifications

• Minimum one (1) year experience in a human resources generalist environment; experience in leave administration with knowledge of FMLA and ADA is highly preferred.
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, with internal and external customers; multilingual ability preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage employee FMLA, Disability and personal leave tasks per company policies and legal requirements; enter leave and return-to-work dates in the system and follow up on inconsistencies.
• Act as the point of contact for employees, corporate benefits and plant leaders; respond to benefit questions and assist with claim resolutions and enrollment processes.
• Update, research and resolve enrollment/discrepancy issues in Workday to ensure accurate eligibility, enrollment and deductions; partner with Corporate Benefits when needed.
• Partner with Safety/EHS on Workers’ Compensation claims; ensure data is entered correctly and documentation is collected.
• Liaise between carriers and employees to facilitate information exchange for leave approvals and benefit enrollment.
• Lead coordination of open enrollment events and inform employees about changes to plan options.
• Educate employees on benefit plans and enrollment opportunities; support employee engagement projects with HR team.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements to streamline HR leave and benefits workflows.
• Perform additional relevant duties as assigned.

Skills

Leave administration

FMLA knowledge

ADA knowledge

Multilingual (preferred)

English communication (oral & written)

Interpersonal skills

Confidentiality

Microsoft applications

Workday

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree preferred

Tools

Workday

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

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 personnelAct 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 neededUpdate, 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 issuesPartner with Safety/ EHS on Workers Compensation claims, ensuring data is entered correctly and needed documentation is collected and readily availableAct 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 processPartner 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 plansActively participate in educating and notifying employees on benefit plans and enrollment opportunitiesPartner with HR team on all employee engagement projectsIdentify and communicate opportunities for process improvement to streamline processes and improve efficiencyPerform additional relevant duties as assignedSUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES:None. This is an individual contributor role with required competencies: Functional/Technical Skills, Action Oriented, Problem Solving, Learning on the Fly, and Interpersonal SavvyEDUCATION and CERTIFICATIONS:High School diploma or equivalent; Associate’s degree in a relevant field preferredEXPERIENCE 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 preferredStrong computer skills with the ability to work with multiple Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.); knowledge/ experience with Workday or other similar HCM system preferredMust 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 preferredAbility to work effectively with others, possessing tact and discretion and demonstrates high level of confidentiality in all mattersStrong attention to detail, organizational skills with the ability to prioritizeSelf-starter who demonstrates strong initiative and sense of urgency, with the ability to work in a fast paced environmentSAFETY REQUIREMENTS:Follow and ensure others follow departmental and company safety policies and programsWear required protective equipment in all areas where mandatoryPHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:Ability to remain stationary for extended periods of timeAbility to work non-standard hours (i.e. holidays, weekends and/or extended shifts as needed per business needWe are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.