Taco Time Northwest · 1 month ago
Benefits & Leaves Specialist
Renton, WA
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid Level
$81K/yr - $95K/yr
3+ years expTaco Time Northwest is seeking a Benefits & Leaves Specialist responsible for administering team member benefits programs and managing leaves of absence. This role ensures compliance and a positive experience for team members while coordinating with various stakeholders.
Food and BeverageRestaurantsSnack Food
Hiring Manager
Alisha Ramirez
Responsibilities
Oversee day-to-day administration of all benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plans, wellness initiatives, and voluntary benefits
Lead the design and execution of annual Open Enrollment, including system configuration, employee communications, and vendor coordination
Ensure accurate and timely benefits data management, compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and state-specific regulations
Manage benefit vendors, brokers, and third-party administrators, ensuring service level agreements and team member experience standards are met
Develop and deliver clear, engaging communication materials to promote understanding and utilization of benefits programs
Monitor benefits trends, utilization data, and program effectiveness, providing insights and recommendations to leadership
Champion team member well-being initiatives (physical, mental, financial) and foster a culture of wellness
Coordinate leaves of absence including FMLA, ADA, state/paid leave programs, and other statutory leaves
Track leave balances, submit required notices, and maintain compliance with federal and state regulations
Partner with team members, managers, and providers to facilitate smooth return-to-work processes
Coordinate the interactive process for team member accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Manage all workers’ compensation claims from initial report through resolution, including communication with team members, managers, and third-party administrator
Ensure proper documentation, reporting, and compliance with state and federal regulations
When applicable, administer SAW and KOS for workers’ comp claims
Partner with Safety/Operations teams to identify and mitigate workplace risks
Support return-to-work programs and accommodations as needed
Lead or support cross-functional People & Culture initiatives such as systems management/integrations, policy development, or process improvement
Collaborate with P&C leadership on strategic projects that enhance team member experience and operational efficiency
Conduct research, gather data, and prepare reports to support decision-making and compliance
Performs other related duties and projects as assigned by Manager
Qualification
Required
A Bachelor's degree in human resources management, or related, is preferred
Relevant work experience can be considered and substituted for academic requirements
Minimum of three years' experience in benefits administration
Minimum of three years' experience in leave administration, completion of specialized certification or training on FMLA/leave administration preferred
Solid understanding of employment laws and regulations including ADA, FMLA, HIPAA, ERISA, and workers' compensation laws
Demonstrated experience administering complex benefits and leave processes accurately and independently
Ability to work in a fast paced and at times ambiguous environment
Solution oriented and proactive in identifying issues
Strong relationship building and interpersonal skills, i.e., diplomacy, consideration, sensitivity, confidentiality, and the ability to collaborate with employees at all levels
Excellent written and verbal skills
Highly organized, dependable, and able to maintain accuracy under deadlines and shifting priorities
Ability to work successfully as a team member and independently
Intermediate to advanced skills in Outlook, Word, Excel, MS Project, Power Point, and other comparable software programs
Skill working with an HRIS system (ADP Workforce NOW preferred)
Knowledge of various types of benefits plans, including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, life, FSA, and voluntary benefit programs
Knowledge of COBRA, and ability to administer effectively and in compliance with regulations
Knowledge and experience with application of health and welfare regulations including but not limited to HIPAA, ACA, GINA, ADA(AA), ERISA
Strong understanding of federal and WA state leave and benefits regulations (FMLA, ADA, ERISA, WAPFML etc.), with the ability to interpret and apply policy accurately and consistently
Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain strict confidentiality
Preferred
PHR designation, SHRM-CP or equivalent preferred
Completion of specialized certification or training on FMLA/leave administration preferred
Benefits
Medical & Dental Benefits
401k Retirement Plan
Paid Time Off
Paid Holidays (7 per year)
Regular Performance Appraisals and Wage Reviews
Employee Discount for employee and immediate family.
Using the Taco Time App, employees can purchase up to $40 worth of Taco Time food, 3 times per week (during non-prime hours)
Company
Taco Time Northwest
Headquartered in Renton, Washington, Taco Time Northwest is a family owned company that employs more than 1,400 people in its 51 company owned restaurants in western Washington and manages another 25 franchise locations.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageCompany data provided by crunchbase