Benefits (LOA) Specialist

Benefits Specialist – Leave of Absence (LOA)

Location: Atlanta, GA
Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM
Work Arrangement: Fully onsite, five days per week
Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire

Position Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented, hands-on Benefits Specialist to support leave of absence and benefits administration for a growing organization. This role will focus heavily on FMLA, Leave of Absence (LOA), Short-Term Disability (STD), and Long-Term Disability (LTD), while providing broader benefits and HR operational support as needed.

The ideal candidate is proactive, adaptable, and comfortable working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment where processes are continually evolving. This person should take ownership of their responsibilities, communicate effectively, and be willing to step in wherever support is needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer and coordinate employee leave programs, including FMLA, LOA, STD, and LTD.
• Review employee documentation, track leave requests, update case statuses, and ensure records are maintained accurately.
• Enter and maintain employee benefits and leave information within HRIS systems.
• Prepare, distribute, and follow up on leave-related paperwork and employee communications.
• Run and review system reports to support benefits administration, data accuracy, and compliance.
• Respond to employee questions regarding leave policies, eligibility, documentation, and benefits procedures.
• Partner with internal HR teams, payroll, and external benefits providers to resolve issues and coordinate leave administration.
• Assist with general benefits administration, Open Enrollment, and other HR initiatives as needed.
• Identify and communicate discrepancies, maintain accurate documentation, and recommend process improvements.
• Collaborate with team members to support department priorities and ensure timely service to employees.

Qualifications

• 2–3+ years of benefits administration experience.
• Strong working knowledge of FMLA, LOA, STD, and LTD.
• Previous experience working with HRIS systems; ADP Workforce Now is preferred, but Workday, UKG, or comparable systems will be considered.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and follow-through.
• Excellent communication and employee service skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and confidentiality.
• Open Enrollment experience is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree or benefits certification preferred; relevant experience may substitute.
• Spanish-speaking ability is a plus.

Ideal Candidate

• Takes initiative, asks questions, and is motivated to learn.
• Demonstrates accountability and communicates openly when issues or errors arise.
• Is a collaborative team player who is willing to assist beyond assigned responsibilities.
• Is comfortable navigating manual processes while supporting ongoing improvements.
• Brings a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a solutions-oriented mindset.

Additional Requirements

• Must be able to work onsite five days per week.
• Successful completion of a background check and drug screening.
• NDA required as part of the process.