Benefits and HR Specialist

Position Summary : The Benefits and HR Specialist serves a key role in supporting the Human Resources (HR) function by ensuring the consistent and effective implementation of policies, procedures, and practices. This position is responsible for a broad range of critical and complex technical duties across functional areas including benefits administration, talent acquisition, records management, compliance and administrative reporting, new hire onboarding and employee relations tasks. Serving as an integral point of contact for the HR team and team members, this role facilitates seamless operations while contributing to the overall efficiency of the department. Essential Functions : Perform all assigned duties safely. Administers, maintains and oversees all benefits programs for the Lawrence, KS and Shawnee, KS facilities to include : Introduce and answer questions pertaining to all company offered benefits. Assisting team members with new enrollment, open enrollment, and qualifying life event (QLE) changes. Processes and coordinates all team member leave of absence, to include benefit collections, status changes and communication with team member and cross-functional departments. Responsibility for the management and timely delivery of various reports, statistic gathering, and administration of various programs. Partners with Benefits Manager to ensure consistent application of benefits programs, wellness events and related communications. Provides recordkeeping, reporting, and administration related to attendance, benefits, discipline, hiring, termination, transfer, and promotion. Assists the public, team members, managers, and vendors by phone, correspondence, or in-person regarding Human Resources processes, policies, and related procedures, referring to the appropriate HR staff member as needed. Creates and conducts Team Member retention and engagement surveys and, interviews. Analyzes and participates in the development of action plans related to Team Member retention and satisfaction data. Processes all State Unemployment filings and disputes to include participation in adjudication hearings. Maintains knowledge and understanding of laws and regulations related to EEO, labor relations, and Human Resources. Administers and tracks the State of Kansas Shared Work program. Supports Human Resources Generalists with labor relations and Team Member concern investigations. Coordinates and executes Team Member engagement and retention activities. Performs invoice auditing as directed by Supervisor. Other reasonably related duties as assigned. PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES : Extremely detail oriented with a strong acumen for problem solving. Strong communication skills both verbally and in writing. Desire to positively cultivate culture and create a stronger, more effective workplace. A positive attitude, a team player, flexible and works well with others. Organized and analytical. Patient and empathetic to the needs of the company and Team Members. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS : Ability to stand; walk for extended periods, as needed, in manufacturing setting. Ability to move equipment / furniture (up to 45 pounds) in support of program set up. Sufficient manual dexterity to perform computer and calculator functions. Light office duties and activities. Ability to speak for long periods of time. EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE / KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS PREFERRED : Three (3) to five (5) years of Benefits experience in Human Resources. Mastery level understanding of benefits plans including, , FSA, HRA, HSA, and 401(K)plans. Extensive knowledge of local state and federal employment regulations including but not limited to FMLA, ADA, ACA, PWFA and ERISA Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related field preferred. SHRM-CP or related certification preferred. Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills. Intermediate to advanced computer application skills : Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, HRIS Systems and benefits administration software experience.