General Summary

The Benefits & Leaves Specialist is responsible for administering employee benefits programs with a strong focus on leaves of absence, accommodations, workers’ compensation, and open enrollment. This position supports the Wholesale and Retail business.

The responsibilities described below are considered essential functions of the role.  This position is based in our LIC office and requires working on-site.

Key Responsibilities

      Leaves of Absence (LOA) Management

• Manage the full life cycle of leaves of absence for both corporate and retail employees across the U.S., including FMLA, ADA, state-specific leaves, and company-specific policies
• File and manage disability claims and related documentation (short-term and long-term disability)
• Track leave time accurately in HRIS and timekeeping systems
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees, managers, and third-party leave administrators, ensuring timely communication and resolution of issues
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local leave laws and company policies

Accommodations

• Manage the interactive accommodation process under ADA and applicable state laws
• Partner with employees, managers, and medical providers to evaluate and implement reasonable accommodations
• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure confidentiality throughout the process

Workers’ Compensation

• Administer workers’ compensation claims for corporate and retail employees
• Coordinate with employees, managers, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators
• Track claims, return-to-work programs, and required documentation to ensure compliance and timely resolution

Benefits & Open Enrollment

• Support the planning and execution of annual open enrollment, including employee communications, system updates, and coordination with benefits vendors
• Assist employees with benefits questions related to health, welfare, and leave-related benefits
• Partner with internal HR teams and external vendors to ensure accurate benefits administration

Audits & Compliance Reviews

• Support internal and external audits related to benefits administration, including leaves of absence, accommodations, workers’ compensation, ACA compliance, and open enrollment
• Prepare, review, and reconcile audit documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Partner with HR, Payroll, Finance, Legal, and external vendors to respond to audit requests and resolve discrepancies
• Identify process gaps or compliance risks and recommend corrective actions and process improvements
• Assist with government audits, inquiries, or notices related to benefits, leave programs, workers’ compensation, or ACA reporting

Affordable Care Act (ACA) Administration

• Administer ACA compliance for corporate and retail employee populations, including tracking hours of service, eligibility, and measurement periods for variable-hour employees in partnership with ADP
• Ensure timely and accurate offers of coverage in accordance with ACA employer shared responsibility requirement
• Partner with payroll, HRIS, and benefits vendors to maintain accurate employee data related to ACA reporting and eligibility
• Support the preparation, review, and distribution of ACA reporting forms (Forms 1094-C and 1095-C)
• Respond to employee inquiries related to ACA eligibility, coverage offers, and reporting
• Monitor regulatory changes and ensure ongoing compliance with ACA requirements
• Able to manage multiple projects and deadlines with support and resources as needed
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or equivalent experience
• Minimum 3+ years of experience in benefits administration with a strong emphasis on leaves of absence
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Working knowledge of FMLA, ADA, state leave laws, disability programs, and workers’ compensation
• Experience supporting both corporate and retail employee populations preferred
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism

The expected base salary for this position ranges from $70,000 - $75,000. Ranges are based on various factors such as relevant skillset, training, years of experience related to the current job description, education, and our organizational structure. In addition to the base salary, Steve Madden offers a competitive benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, 401K, paid holidays, a generous paid time-off policy, and career opportunities within a dynamic team.