Carex is working with a financial services industry partner to find an experienced Senior Benefits and Leave Specialist for an approximately 90-day contract supporting leave of absence administration, employee benefits, and annual open enrollment. This role will focus on managing employee leave cases, resolving complex benefits inquiries, and delivering high-touch, personalized employee support during a busy enrollment period. The ideal candidate brings at least 3 years of leave administration experience, strong knowledge of FMLA and ADA regulations, and an empathetic, service-oriented approach. This opportunity is hybrid in Madison, WI, with approximately 2 days onsite per week, with additional onsite presence preferred during open enrollment. Remote candidates may also be considered.
Duration: 3 months, starting ASAP
Pay Rate: $35-39/hr
What You’ll Do
- Manage leave of absence programs, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, workers’ compensation, and disability leave, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and policies.
- Review leave documentation, coordinate fitness-for-duty approvals, and facilitate return-to-work processes, including employee onboarding and communication.
- Deliver compassionate, high-touch employee support through proactive phone calls, email, and timely follow-up on sensitive benefits and leave matters.
- Serve as the escalation point for complex, tier-2 benefits and leave inquiries from HR generalists, researching issues and providing accurate, timely resolutions.
- Utilize ServiceNow, Fusion, and HR systems to manage employee inquiries, track cases, and maintain accurate benefits and leave records.
- Support annual open enrollment by resolving employee questions, troubleshooting enrollment issues, and coordinating with benefits vendors and internal HR teams.
- Administer employee benefits, including eligibility updates, qualifying life events, disability and life insurance claims, and compliance with governing plan documents.
- Partner with HR colleagues, benefits vendors, and external administrators to ensure efficient processes and consistent employee service.
- Conduct routine data audits, resolve system discrepancies, and identify opportunities to improve benefits administration workflows.
- Assist with benefits reporting, payroll-related activities, and special projects as needed.
What You’ll Bring
Required Qualifications
- 3+ years of professional experience in leave of absence administration, benefits administration, or a related HR specialty, with hands-on experience managing complex leave cases.
- Strong working knowledge of FMLA, ADA, workers’ compensation, disability leave, and return-to-work requirements.
- Experience reviewing leave documentation, managing workplace accommodations, and coordinating employee returns from leave.
- Exceptional customer service and phone communication skills, with a proactive, empathetic approach to supporting employees through sensitive situations.
- Experience handling escalated benefits and leave inquiries, with strong problem-solving skills and sound judgment.
- Experience using ServiceNow and Fusion for case management, ticketing, and employee communication.
- Ability to quickly learn processes, independently manage competing priorities, and contribute with minimal ramp-up time.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive employee information.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with HR teams, employees, and external vendors.
- Flexibility to support increased demands during open enrollment, including occasional availability outside standard business hours.
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Workday or a comparable HRIS platform.
- Experience supporting annual open enrollment or other high-volume benefits administration periods.
- Experience conducting benefits data audits, resolving system discrepancies, and improving administrative processes.
- Experience supporting payroll-related benefits activities, benefits reporting, and vendor coordination.
Carex Consulting Group is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status.
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