JOB SUMMARY

The Benefits and Wellness Manager provides daily support, communication, promotion and transaction activities to deliver an exceptional employee experience in the areas of leave of absence, disability, workers' compensation and safety. This position ensures compliance with regulatory guidelines and acts as subject matter expert in the coordination, development, and implementation of policies and procedures for workers' compensation, disability, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act as Amended (ADA or ADAAA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws, Consolidated Omnibus Budget and Reconciliation Act (COBRA), Workers’ Compensation, and other benefit programs. This position is also responsible for ensuring compliance with the employee wellness program. The candidate must be highly motivated and strive for success by demonstrating Little Elm’s Core Values of Integrity, Customer Service, Efficiency, and Innovation.

EDUCATION/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field required.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in human resources administration.

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATES

1. Must possess a valid Texas Driver's License.
2. SHRM-CP and/or PHR preferred.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

1. Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently.
2. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, authorities, or members of the local business community.

OTHER SKILLS, ABILITIES & REQUIREMENTS

1. Exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills.
2. Proven ability to establish and meet deadlines.
3. Excellent communication skills, with proficiency in public speaking.
4. Highly self-motivated and driven.
5. Strong relationship-building skills with supervisors and colleagues.
6. Collaborative and team-oriented approach.
7. Proficient in computer usage.
8. Expertise in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc.).
9. Strong project coordination and management skills.
10. Proficient with various office machines, including personal computers, telephones, calculators, fax machines, and copiers.

REASONING ABILITY

1. Ability to interpret diverse instructions from management in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
2. Quick information dissemination and task performance under pressure.
3. Capacity to review and streamline processes and procedures.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to operate various machines and/or equipment; and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Primarily conduct daily functions in an office environment, with occasional attendance at outdoor and community events

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 

• Interpret and administer leave programs and policies including but not limited to, Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), parental leave, military leave, and other Town provided leaves.
• Oversee all aspects of the leave administration process from the employee’s initial leave notice through the employee’s return to work (RTW), including serving as a liaison between employees on leave and supervisors to ensure supervisors are aware of the employee’s leave status and RTW effective date.
• Performs benefits administration, including claims resolution, change reporting, approving invoices for payment and communicating benefits information to employees.
• Assists with the Town’s risk management and safety programs.
• Assists in the development and implementation of personnel policies and procedures.
• Provides various other support for HR activities, such as processes unemployment claims, employee verifications, tuition reimbursements, and special projects.
• Initiate and manage the ADA interactive process including collaborating with internal stakeholders regarding accommodation requests; act as a liaison between the internal and external stakeholders to manage the coordination of employee work restrictions and accommodations.
• Monitor compliance with the employee wellness program through the wellness software to ensure that employees are submitting necessary paperwork each year.
• Collaborate with employees to ensure that all relevant completed medical documentation is submitted for timely review; maintain appropriate contact with all employees on leave and coordinate all aspects of RTW for employees.
• Maintain complete and accurate records of leave and accommodation requests in accordance with specified legal requirements and documentation of best practices, other applicable laws, and employee privacy guidelines.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for the leave programs.
• Educate internal stakeholders on the appropriate leave processes and procedures; assist with the creation, maintenance, and facilitation of leave administration policies and training programs.
• Assist employees with STD and LTD claim filing, including providing requested data to disability claim administrator upon request; oversee the transition of employee’s status from STD to LTD, as appropriate.
• Assist employees with life insurance issues and filings related to long term leave situations to ensure appropriate deadlines are met.
• Consult with management on performance, organizational, and leadership matters.
• Conduct needs assessments to determine measures required to enhance team members job performance and overall Town performance.
• Proactively perform other duties as needs are recognized or as requested.

E.O.E. The Town of Little Elm does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or military service in employment or the provision of services.