Strategic Benefits & Leave of Absence Specialist

City of Lincoln; Parkersburg (WV); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Westbrook Health Services in Parkersburg, WV, is seeking a Benefits Specialist and Leave of Absence Manager to administer employee benefits programs and oversee all LOA requests. This role collaborates with HR, payroll, and external vendors to deliver accurate, timely guidance while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Ideal candidates hold a 4-year degree and 3–5 years in benefits or leave management, with strong knowledge of ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, and FMLA, plus HRIS proficiency and excellent

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in benefits administration and/or leave management.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws and compliance requirements (ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, FMLA, ADA, state leave laws).
• Proficiency with HRIS and benefits/leave management systems.
• Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Detail-oriented with strong follow-through to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to communicate clearly and accurately with a variety of individuals and work well in a team environment.
• Work with staff, consumers and others in a professional, cooperative, ethical, respectful and effective manner.
• Must pass Criminal Investigation Background and DHHR background check as well as post offer drug screen.

Responsibilities

• Administer health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, wellness, and voluntary benefits programs.
• Administer transactions of the 403(b) plan and processes employee requests for loans and/or distributions.
• Serve as the primary contact for employee benefits questions, enrollment, changes, and issue resolution.
• Maintain accurate benefits data in HRIS systems and ensure timely coordination with payroll for deductions.
• Manage vendor relationships, escalating and resolving benefit-related issues as needed.
• Support annual open enrollment, including employee communications, presentations, and system updates.
• Conduct benefits audits and reporting to ensure accuracy, compliance, and cost-effectiveness.
• Stay informed on benefit trends and regulations to recommend improvements and best practices.
• Oversee all LOA requests (FMLA, ADA, personal, parental, workers’ compensation, military, and other leaves).
• Provide employees with clear communication on eligibility, requirements, and return-to-work procedures.
• Partner with managers, HR, and third-party administrators to ensure compliance and consistency.
• Track leave cases, document communications, and maintain confidential records.
• Coordinate and track FMLA
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws (FMLA, ADA, HIPAA, state leave laws) and internal policies, procedures and regulations.
• Monitor intermittent leaves and coordinate accommodations when required.
• Educate employees and leaders on leave processes, rights, and responsibilities.
• Assist employees with benefit claims as needed
• Demonstrates knowledge of and supports Westbrook Health Services mission, vision, values, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards and code of ethical behavior.

Skills

Benefits administration

Leave management

HRIS proficiency

Compliance knowledge

Communication skills

Discretion with confidential data

Education

Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field

4 year degree

Tools

HRIS systems

Job description

Westbrook Health Services in Parkersburg, WV, is seeking a Benefits Specialist and Leave of Absence Manager to administer employee benefits programs and oversee all LOA requests. This role collaborates with HR, payroll, and external vendors to deliver accurate, timely guidance while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Ideal candidates hold a 4-year degree and 3–5 years in benefits or leave management, with strong knowledge of ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, and FMLA, plus HRIS proficiency and excellent