The Human Resources Benefits & Leave Administration Specialist supports core HR functions, with primary responsibility for benefits and leave administration including open enrollment, processing benefits changes, navigating FMLA, etc. The role also assists with payroll changes, talent acquisition, wellness and company events, compliance, HRIS administration, and other HR operations. Working with team members, retirees, managers, and leadership, the HR Generalist provides accurate, timely, and confidential support while managing multiple priorities in alignment with company policies and mission. 

Essential Functions:

Benefits Administration

• Administers team member benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement, and voluntary benefits.
• Serves as a primary benefits resource for team members, retirees, and eligible dependents.
• Processes benefit elections and qualifying life event changes, including reviewing documentation and meeting applicable enrollment deadlines.
• Maintains accurate benefit records within the benefits administration system and other HR systems, including elections, dependents, and supporting documentation.
• Partners with the benefits broker, vendors, and carriers to resolve escalated eligibility, enrollment, coverage, claims, and billing issues.
• Supports benefits compliance and plan administration, including wrap-plan documentation, Form 5500 preparation and filing, Form 1094 and 1095 preparation and filing, required notices, audits, reporting, and related records.
• Reviews monthly benefit invoices, researches discrepancies, coordinates corrections, and submits approved invoices for processing.
• Assists with open enrollment preparation and system setup/review, including plans, rates, eligibility rules, workflows, and team member-facing content.
• Prepares and reviews open enrollment materials, including benefit guides, plan summaries, presentations, instructions, and communications.
• Coordinates open enrollment meetings and follows up on questions, enrollment issues, and incomplete elections.
• Coordinates wellness programs and events to support employee health and wellbeing and complement the company’s benefits offerings.

Leave Administration

• Coordinates the leave process, including forms, required documentation, benefit considerations, available resources, and next steps.
• Maintains regular communication with team members during leave to monitor status, obtain documentation, provide updates, and support a timely return to work.
• Keeps managers appropriately informed of leave status, anticipated duration, work restrictions, and return-to-work planning while protecting confidential information.
• Maintains accurate and confidential leave records, including leave usage tracking, requests, notices, certifications, approvals, correspondence, deadlines, and return-to-work documentation.
• Coordinates leave-related matters with payroll, including paid and unpaid time, benefit deductions, disability payments, and return dates.
• Reviews return-to-work documentation for completeness, identifies restrictions or follow-up needs, and coordinates next steps with the team member, manager, and HR leadership.
• Supports return-to-work planning, including anticipated return dates, reviewing appropriate documentation, possible workplace restrictions, communication with appropriate team members, transitional needs, and available support.
• Supports the ADA interactive process by coordinating documentation and communications, tracking accommodation requests, and maintaining appropriate records.
• Maintains current knowledge of leave laws, company policies, required notices, documentation standards, and internal procedures.

General Human Resources Support

• Supports talent acquisition by reviewing candidates, participating in interviews, and providing legally compliant guidance to hiring managers.
• Supports new hire orientation by presenting information on benefits, timekeeping, policies, wellness programs, and HR resources.
• Maintains accurate and confidential records within HR, payroll, benefit, and personnel systems.
• Provides professional and confidential HR support to team members, retirees, applicants, managers, vendors, and leadership.
• Coordinates wellness, engagement, recognition, company, and community activities.
• Prepares reports, tracks data, and supports departmental projects requiring accuracy, organization, confidentiality, and timely follow-through.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Maintains regular and timely attendance.
• Performs other duties/special projects as required.
• Participates on behalf of the company in community and company-sponsored activities as requested.
• Attends safety meetings, completes safety & security trainings, and maintains a safe working environment.
• Actively maintains and enhances job-related knowledge and skills through ongoing professional learning and development.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Five or more years of human resources experience, including at least three years of direct benefits and leave administration experience required.
• Strong knowledge of employee benefit programs and applicable leave and accommodation requirements, including FMLA, ADA, PWFA, and workers’ compensation.
• Experience administering comprehensive benefit programs, including health, welfare, retirement, and voluntary benefits.
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, CEBS, or a related professional certification preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Understanding of human resources principles, practices, procedures, and employment-related laws and regulations.
• Familiarity with payroll, benefits administration, talent acquisition, onboarding, employee relations, leave administration, wellness programs, and employee engagement practices.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when working with employee records, payroll information, benefits data, reports, and confidential information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Outlook, Word, and Teams.
• Experience using HRIS systems, applicant tracking systems, payroll systems, reporting tools, and other related technology.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the capability to interact professionally with diverse stakeholders.
• Effective organizational and time management skills
• Capacity to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing business needs.
• Demonstrated discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment when handling sensitive or confidential matters.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to research, evaluate, and interpret information that supports HR decisions and processes.
• Skilled in addressing employee concerns and navigating situations with integrity and professionalism.
• Proven ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a collaborative team.
• Demonstrated dependability, punctuality, ethical conduct, and commitment to safe work practices.

Physical Abilities:

• Frequently sitting, standing, or walking for extended periods.
• Frequently use a computer, keyboard, mouse, camera equipment, and other office technology for extended periods.
• Frequently read computer screens and other documents requiring close visual acuity.
• Frequently communicate in person, by telephone, and through virtual communication platforms.
• Frequently perform repetitive hand and finger movements.
• Occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and lift or carry up to 30 pounds.
• Occasionally drive or travel locally or long distances.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in a professional office environment with moderate noise levels. 
• May involve limited exposure to varying indoor environmental conditions (e.g., temperature fluctuations, noise, or dust).
• Role requires extended use of computer systems, multiple monitors, and communication tools throughout the workday. 
• Work environment may include frequent interruptions and time-sensitive tasks with competing priorities.
• Occasionally work may be performed outdoors and may involve exposure to varying weather conditions, noise levels, and environmental conditions.
• Driving may be necessary at times based on business needs, event support, or assigned responsibilities.

Who is FOCUS Broadband? 

FOCUS Broadband is North Carolina's largest communications cooperative. Formerly known as ATMC, our humble roots began in 1955 when residents banded together to bring telephone service to Brunswick County for the first time. Today, our team provides high-speed fiber optic internet, Wireless, Security, and more. 

FOCUS Broadband is proud of our history and reputation for putting our customers first. FOCUS Broadband has built its reputation by providing outstanding customer service and technology. We are building a next-generation, 100% fiber-optic network in Brunswick County. We are expanding our reach to serve portions of Bladen, Chowan, Columbus, Duplin, Hoke, Pender, Perquimans, Robeson, and Scotland counties. 

As employees at FOCUS Broadband, our team enjoys rewarding, challenging, and exciting careers. Though we number more than 350 employees, FOCUS Broadband maintains a small company feel by letting employees know they are appreciated, valued, and recognized. Our team enjoys competitive earnings and excellent benefits, including a 401k with a company match with an additional company contribution to the 401k, an on-site clinic, a lucrative wellness program, tuition reimbursement to help with career advancement, and much more. FOCUS Broadband is a "Local Company with Local Priorities."

FOCUS Broadband Benefits:

• Competitive salaries
• 401k company contribution plus a tiered match
• Employer-paid premiums for Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees 
• Employer-paid Short-Term and Long-term Disability coverage
• Employer-paid AD&D (Accidental Death & Dismemberment) and Term-life
• On-site clinic available Monday-Friday
• Wellness Bonus Program - including gym reimbursement 
• Tuition reimbursement
• Generous PTO & paid holidays