HR Benefits & Leave Specialist

LHH; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

LHH is seeking an HR Benefits & Leave Specialist for a contract-to-hire role in Charlotte, NC to support a broad range of employee benefits and HR programs. This onsite position serves as a trusted resource for employees and leaders by administering benefit plans, managing leave programs, supporting compliance initiatives, and contributing to talent acquisition efforts.

The ideal candidate is collaborative, proactive, and comfortable balancing strategic and day-to-day responsibilities in a

Qualifications

• 3+ years of progressive HR experience with significant exposure to benefits, leave, workers' compensation, unemployment claims, recruiting and onboarding.
• Familiarity with applicable employment regulations and benefit-related compliance requirements.
• Experience using HRIS and reporting tools.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Administer employee benefit programs (medical, dental, vision, life, disability) and educate employees on offerings.
• Support retirement savings plan administration, enrollments, updates, and governance.
• Coordinate and administer leave programs, disability accommodations, and return-to-work processes.
• Oversee workers' compensation and unemployment claims with carriers and internal teams.
• Maintain HR records, data integrity, reporting, and policy interpretation.
• Assist with recruitment, sourcing, interviewing coordination, and onboarding.

Skills

Benefits administration

Leave management

Workers' compensation

Unemployment claims

Recruiting & onboarding

HRIS & reporting

Data confidentiality

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

SHRM-CP or PHR certification asset

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

LHH is seeking an HR Benefits & Leave Specailist for a contract to hire position in Charlotte, NC to support a broad range of employee benefits and HR programs. This role serves as a trusted resource for employees and leaders by administering benefit plans, managing leave programs, supporting compliance initiatives, and contributing to talent acquisition efforts. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, proactive professional who enjoys working in a team-oriented environment and is comfortable balancing both strategic and day-to-day responsibilities. This position is fully onsite in South Charlotte Monday - Friday.

Responsibilities:

Benefits Administration

• Manage employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, wellness resources, and other voluntary offerings.
• Facilitate benefit enrollments, status changes, and employee communications.
• Coordinate annual enrollment activities and assist with employee education regarding available programs.
• Partner with external providers to resolve benefit-related questions and issues.
• Maintain accurate benefit records and ensure timely processing of transactions.

Retirement Program Support

• Assist with administration of retirement savings plans, including participant enrollments, contribution updates, compliance activities, and audits.
• Support ongoing plan governance and regulatory requirements.

Leave and Accommodation Management

• Coordinate employee leave programs, including family and medical leave, disability-related absences, workplace accommodations, and personal leaves.
• Maintain documentation and tracking related to leave requests and return-to-work processes.
• Provide guidance to employees and managers regarding leave procedures and eligibility.

Workers' Compensation & Employment Claims

• Oversee workplace injury claims and collaborate with insurance carriers and internal stakeholders throughout the claims process.
• Support modified duty and return-to-work initiatives when appropriate.
• Assist in managing unemployment claims and associated documentation.

Human Resources Operations

• Maintain employee records and ensure the confidentiality and accuracy of sensitive information.
• Manage HR system data and generate reports as needed.
• Respond to employee and management inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Support employee relations matters, policy interpretation, performance management initiatives, and HR projects.
• Help ensure compliance with employment regulations and organizational policies.

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

• Assist with recruitment activities, including sourcing, screening, interviewing coordination, and employment offers.
• Partner with hiring leaders to understand staffing needs and identify qualified talent.
• Facilitate new hire onboarding and orientation activities to create a positive employee experience.

Qualifications:

Required Experience

• 3+ years of progressive human resources experience with significant exposure to:
• Employee benefits administration
• Leave management
• Workers' compensation
• Unemployment claims
• Recruiting and onboarding
• Experience using HR information systems and reporting tools.
• Familiarity with applicable employment regulations and benefit-related compliance requirements.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of HR practices, employee benefits, and leave administration.
• Ability to manage confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Excellent organization, follow-through, and attention to detail.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with employees, managers, and leadership teams.
• Strong problem-solving and customer service orientation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and HR technology platforms.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Professional HR certification (such as SHRM-CP or PHR) is considered an asset.