Benefits & Leave Specialist

Benefits & Leave Specialist Performs full-service business and organizational support to the City of Aspen as a Human Resources Benefits & Leave Specialist, consistent with the organization's values and mission statement. This position works under the direct supervision of the Human Resources Director. Essential Job Functions Benefits Coordination and Administration Coordinates and administers benefits programs to include medical, vision and dental plans, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), third party administrator (TPA), Section 125 Flexible Spending, Health Savings Account, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), defined contribution retirement and money purchase plans, benefits in compliance with applicable laws. Oversees maintenance of employee benefits files, maintain group benefits plan documents and benefits communications. Coordinates daily benefits processing in employee benefit file and Oracle benefit module. Handles enrollments, COBRA, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, disability, accident and death claims, and retirement account activities. Resolves issues regarding claims, reimbursements, retirement requests, and others. Acts as primary contact and customer service champion for employee benefit questions and issue resolution. Administers and tracks claims payments, third party vendor payments, and other benefit billing. Monitors claims trends weekly/monthly/annually for utilization and high claims. Responds to TPA questions. Acts as SME and partners with internal HR staff, payroll, and information technology for ERP online enrollment testing, design, and configuration. Actively works to enhance process improvement through technology. Actively monitors benefits plan design for compliance, areas of improvements/changes, and employee satisfaction. Leads wellness program and promotes wellness initiatives that support health plan and fund objectives, and employee health population needs. FMLA & Other Leave Communicates with employees regarding their needs for leave and/or modified work schedules. Ensures that employees are aware of their responsibilities and of any documentation and notice required to qualify for and to take leave. Handles the FMLA leave administration process from the employees' initial notice of the need for leave to the return to work. This includes gathering and completing all required paperwork, determining leave eligibility, designating leave as FMLA-qualifying, requesting medical certification as needed, and accounting for intermittent and reduced schedule leave use. Maintains reasonable communication with employees on leave to facilitate smooth and timely return to work; relays communication between employees and their managers during leave within reason. Advises managers and employees on the interaction of leave laws with paid time off, workers' compensation, and short-term and long-term disability benefits. Oversees the return-to-work process for employees returning from extended FMLA, workers compensation, or other leave(s). Facilitates other leave requests, which may include accommodation requests under the ADA. Administers other company time-off programs as assigned in accordance with internal policy and applicable laws. Communicates all ADA requests to HR Director. Drafts and/or recommends revisions to company leave policies to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Maintains complete and accurate records of leave and accommodation requests in accordance with specified legal requirements and documentation of best practices. Preserves confidentiality of employee medical documentation and files. Maintains knowledge of all applicable leave and accommodation laws including the FMLA, ADA, and state and local laws. Outreach & Communication Develops and executes internal communication campaigns related to the Benefit programs and initiatives; fostering the goal of employee engagement, change management, and program education & adoption. Communications should include timely and relevant benefit/well-being information across multiple communication channels: emails, in-person outreach, intranet, etc. Responsible for gathering or creating appropriate content using available resources such as vendor info or in-house graphic design Departmental Support Supports HR team by assisting with new hire onboardings as required. Is cross trained in New Hire onboarding process and new hire data entry into HCM City Organizational Values Supports and models the City of Aspen organizational values: Service, Partnership, Stewardship, and Innovation. Organizational values are shared principles that guide behavior across the organization. This position is responsible for upholding and applying these values while performing daily work functions. Other duties as assigned. Core Competencies Displays the following key competencies and behaviors in the overall job performance to include knowledge, skills and abilities: Service: Provides service with excellence, humility, integrity, and respect in daily work, builds trust by listening, treats people with respect, acknowledges opportunities for improvement, and follows through with commitments. Partnership: Actively creates strong, supportive internal and external relationships to attain a common goal and achieve greater impact together. Stewardship: Balances social, environmental, and financial responsibilities, evaluating the impact of decision making on a thriving future for all. Innovation: Develops technical expertise to pursue new ideas and creative outcomes, grounded in Aspen's unique culture, opportunities, and challenges. Communication: Knowledge of effective and appropriate communication. Ability to use knowledge effectively in various contexts which may require oral, written, visual and non-verbal communication. Interpersonal: Works to develop strength in interpersonal skills. Has the ability to work well with diverse groups of people, both inside and outside the organization. Technology: Demonstrates technology skills sufficient for the nature and level of position. Demonstrates a willingness to learn new technologies and transition job duties accordingly to support technological advances and innovation. Policies & Regulations: Knowledge of the principles and practices and procedures related to Human Resources laws and regulations. Minimum Qualifications Education: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, or a related field. Experience: Three years of professional level experience performing benefits and leave related and equivalent duties and responsibilities. Transferrable work in human resources may be considered. Technical Knowledge: Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook (Email), and have a basic understanding of computers and online computer-based technology applications, which includes accessing web-based platforms. Licenses & Certifications: Must possess a valid Colorado Driver's License or be able to obtain one within 30 days of start date. NOTE: Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required abilities, knowledge and skills as determined by the City of Aspen may be substituted for the requirements above. NOTE: This position requires a Criminal Background Check upon hire. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a Criminal Background Check. Position Type and Work Hours: Regular full-time, 40-hour workweek, Monday through Friday, hours may vary with workload. Work Environment: Indoors: Office environment. Outdoors/Off-Site: Meetings, training, and site visits at a variety of city facilities and areas. Physical Demands: Visual Acuity: Ability to bring objects into focus. Balancing: Maintaining equilibrium. Bending: Bending or position oneself to move an object from one level to another. Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: Performing work through using two or more body parts or other devices. Gripping/Grasping: Ability to apply pressure with fingers and palm. Handling: Seizing, holding, grasping, through use of hands, fingers, or other means. Hearing: Perceiving and comprehending the nature and direction of sounds. Reaching: Extending the hands and arms or other device in any direction.

Created: 2026-03-10