Benefits & Leave Specialist

Ameristar Perimeter Security USA, an ASSA ABLOY branded company, is looking for a high energy, employee focused, hands-on bilingual Benefits & Leave Specialist to join our team located in Tulsa, OK.  The Bilingual Benefits & Leave Specialist is responsible for administering employee benefits programs and managing employee leave of absence processes while providing exceptional customer service in both English and Spanish. This role serves as a key resource for employees, managers, and the HR team by ensuring compliance with applicable leave laws, company policies, and benefits regulations. The specialist supports employees throughout the benefits and leave lifecycle, from enrollment and education to leave administration and return-to-work coordination.

Key Responsibilities

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement, and voluntary benefit plans.
• Support annual open enrollment activities, benefits communications, and employee education initiatives.
• Assist employees with benefits-related inquiries and resolve issues with carriers, vendors, and employees.
• Process benefit enrollment, qualifying life events, status changes, and terminations in benefits systems.
• Maintain accurate employee benefits records and ensure data integrity.
• Partner with benefits vendors to address employee concerns and improve service delivery.
• Review and reconcile benefits documentation, invoices, and reports as needed.

Leave Administration

• Manage employee leave requests, including Family and Medical Leave (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations, state and local leave programs, military leave, personal leave, parental leave, and company-sponsored leave programs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees throughout the leave process.
• Coordinate with employees, managers, healthcare providers, and third-party administrators to ensure timely processing of leave requests.
• Review leave documentation for completeness and compliance.
• Track leave usage, eligibility, return-to-work dates, and required certifications.
• Facilitate interactive process discussions and accommodation requests in partnership with HR and legal teams when applicable.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local leave regulations.

Employee Support & Communication

• Provide benefits and leave guidance in both English and Spanish.
• Educate employees on benefit offerings, leave rights, program requirements, and company policies.
• Develop and translate benefits and leave communications, forms, and educational materials as needed.
• Respond to employee inquiries in a timely, professional, and confidential manner.
• Build trusted relationships with employees, managers, and HR teams.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, and other applicable regulations.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee medical and personal information.
• Prepare reports, audits, and documentation related to benefits and leave administration.
• Support internal and external compliance audits.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, employee experience, and operational efficiency.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 2-5 years of experience in benefits administration, leave administration, HR operations, or a related HR function.
• Fluency in English and Spanish, including verbal and written communication.
• Knowledge of FMLA, ADA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, and general benefits administration practices.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional HR certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR,SPHR, or CEBS.
• Experience managing leave administration through a third-party administrator.
• Experience supporting a multi-state workforce.
• Knowledge of state-specific leave regulations.
• Experience with Workday, SuccessFactors, UKG, ADP, or other HRIS platforms.
• Ability to work in an office.
• Ability to communicate effectively via phone, video conferencing, and email.