Human Resources Benefits & Leave Administration Specialist

FOCUS Broadband; Shallotte (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k with company match

Medical/Dental/Vision

Disability coverage

Life insurance

On-site clinic

Wellness benefits

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

FOCUS Broadband in the United States (Shallotte, NC) is seeking an HR Benefits Specialist to manage and optimize employee benefit programs and leave administration. You will ensure accurate enrollments, compliant processes, and clear guidance for team members and retirees.

You will coordinate with brokers, vendors, and payroll, maintain confidential benefit records, support open enrollment, and assist with ADA/FMLA leave and return-to-work plans, contributing to a supportive, compliant benefits

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, business, or related field (preferred).
• 5+ years of HR experience, including 3+ years in benefits and leave administration.
• Strong knowledge of benefit programs, FMLA, ADA, PWFA, workers’ comp.
• Experience administering health, welfare, retirement, and voluntary benefits.
• SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP/PHR/SPHR/CEBS or similar preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and HRIS/ATS/payroll systems.
• Excellent communication, organization, and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Administer team member benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement and voluntary benefits.
• Serve as primary benefits contact for team members, retirees, and dependents.
• Process benefit elections and life event changes.
• Coordinate with brokers, vendors, and carriers on eligibility, enrollment, claims, and billing.
• Prepare Form 5500, Form 1094/1095 and wrap-plan documentation.
• Maintain confidential benefit records and HR systems.
• Support open enrollment, communications, and eligible coverage updates.
• Assist with leave processing and return-to-work coordination.
• Ensure compliance with leave laws and company policies.

Skills

Benefits administration

HRIS systems

Microsoft Office

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

HRIS systems

Payroll systems

Applicant tracking systems

Job description

Supports benefits and leave administration while delivering accurate, confidential HR guidance across the employee lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Administer team member benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement, and voluntary benefits.
• Serve as a primary benefits contact for team members, retirees, and eligible dependents.
• Process benefit elections and qualifying life event changes, including documentation review and enrollment deadline management.
• Maintain accurate records in benefits administration and other HR systems, including elections, dependents, and supporting documentation.
• Coordinate with the benefits broker, vendors, and carriers to resolve escalated matters related to eligibility, enrollment, coverage, claims, and billing.
• Support benefits compliance and plan administration, including wrap-plan documentation, Form 5500 preparation and filing, and Form 1094/1095 preparation and filing.
• Manage required notices, audits, reporting, and related compliance records.
• Review monthly benefit invoices, research discrepancies, coordinate corrections, and submit approved invoices for processing.
• Assist with open enrollment preparation, system setup and review (plans, rates, eligibility rules, workflows), and team member-facing content updates.
• Prepare and review open enrollment materials, including benefit guides, plan summaries, presentations, instructions, and communications.
• Coordinate open enrollment meetings and follow up on questions, enrollment issues, and incomplete elections.
• Coordinate wellness programs and events supporting employee health and wellbeing and complementing benefits offerings.
• Coordinate the leave process, including forms, required documentation, benefit considerations, available resources, and next steps.
• Maintain communication during leave to monitor status, obtain documentation, provide updates, and support timely return to work.
• Keep managers informed of leave status, anticipated duration, work restrictions, and return-to-work planning while protecting confidential information.
• Maintain confidential leave records, including leave usage tracking, requests, notices, certifications, approvals, correspondence, deadlines, and return-to-work documentation.
• Coordinate leave-related activities with payroll, including paid and unpaid time, benefit deductions, disability payments, and return dates.
• Review return-to-work documentation for completeness, identify restrictions or follow-up needs, and coordinate next steps with the team member, manager, and HR leadership.
• Support return-to-work planning, including anticipated return dates, documentation review, workplace restriction considerations, appropriate communication, transitional needs, and available support.
• Support the ADA interactive process by coordinating documentation and communications, tracking accommodation requests, and maintaining appropriate records.
• Keep current on leave laws, company policies, required notices, documentation standards, and internal procedures.
• Support talent acquisition by reviewing candidates, participating in interviews, and providing legally compliant guidance to hiring managers.
• Support new hire orientation by presenting information on benefits, timekeeping, policies, wellness programs, and HR resources.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records within HR, payroll, benefits, and personnel systems.
• Provide professional, confidential HR support to team members, retirees, applicants, managers, vendors, and leadership.
• Coordinate wellness, engagement, recognition, company, and community activities.
• Prepare reports, track data, and support departmental projects requiring accuracy, organization, confidentiality, and timely follow-through.
• Maintain regular and timely attendance.
• Perform other duties or special projects as required.
• Participate in community and company-sponsored activities as requested.
• Attend safety meetings, complete safety and security trainings, and maintain a safe working environment.
• Maintain and enhance job-related knowledge through ongoing professional learning and development.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of human resources experience required, including at least 3 years of direct benefits and leave administration experience.
• Strong knowledge of employee benefit programs and applicable leave and accommodation requirements, including FMLA, ADA, PWFA, and workers’ compensation.
• Experience administering comprehensive benefit programs across health, welfare, retirement, and voluntary benefits.
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, CEBS, or related professional certification preferred.
• Understanding of HR principles, practices, procedures, and employment-related laws and regulations.
• Familiarity with HR areas including payroll, benefits administration, talent acquisition, onboarding, employee relations, leave administration, wellness programs, and employee engagement practices.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy with employee records, payroll information, benefits data, reports, and confidential information.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, Outlook, Word, and Teams.
• Experience using HRIS systems, applicant tracking systems, payroll systems, reporting tools, and other related technology.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for professional interactions with diverse stakeholders.
• Effective organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing business needs.
• Demonstrated discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment with sensitive and confidential matters.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to research, evaluate, and interpret information supporting HR decisions and processes.
• Ability to address employee concerns with integrity and professionalism.
• Proven ability to work independently and contribute as part of a collaborative team.
• Demonstrated dependability, punctuality, ethical conduct, and commitment to safe work practices.

Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Excel
• Outlook
• Word
• Teams
• HRIS systems
• Applicant tracking systems
• Payroll systems
• Reporting tools

Benefits

• Competitive salaries
• 401k company contribution plus a tiered match
• Employer-paid premiums for Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees
• Employer-paid Short-Term and Long-term Disability coverage
• Employer-paid AD&D (Accidental Death & Dismemberment) and Term-life
• On-site clinic available Monday-Friday
• Wellness Bonus Program including gym reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Generous PTO and paid holidays

Physical Abilities

• Frequently sitting, standing, or walking for extended periods
• Frequently using a computer, keyboard, mouse, camera equipment, and other office technology for extended periods
• Frequently reading computer screens and other documents requiring close visual acuity
• Frequently communicating in person, by telephone, and through virtual communication platforms
• Frequently performing repetitive hand and finger movements
• Occasionally bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and lifting or carrying up to 30 pounds
• Occasionally driving or traveling locally or long distances

Working Conditions

• Professional office environment with moderate noise levels
• May involve limited exposure to varying indoor environmental conditions such as temperature fluctuations, noise, or dust
• Role requires extended use of computer systems, multiple monitors, and communication tools throughout the workday
• Work environment may include frequent interruptions and time-sensitive tasks with competing priorities
• Occasionally work may be performed outdoors with exposure to varying weather conditions, noise levels, and environmental conditions
• Driving may be necessary at times based on business needs, event support, or assigned responsibilities