Job Type Full-time Description JOIN THE ECS4Kids TEAM At ECS4Kids (formerly Episcopal Children's Services), we honor young children's immense potential by helping them enter school ready to learn. We cultivate lifelong learners by immersing children in enriching guided experiences and discovery-oriented approaches. Through programs like Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK), Head Start, School Readiness, Child Care Resource & Referral (CCRR), and more, our dedicated professionals work with families and caregivers throughout Florida to promote children's well-being. These enable us to strengthen key areas including motor development, cognitive development, social and emotional development, language and communication skills, and problem-solving skills. Partner with us to help empower communities to rise above generational poverty with comprehensive early childhood education and holistic family support. We have career opportunities available in several counties throughout Northeast and Central Florida. ECS4Kids offers a competitive benefit package which includes: Medical, dental and vision insurance 403(b) plan with 5% employer match Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Long-term & short-term disability insurance Employer-paid life insurance Paid holidays Generous paid time off Career development Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The HR Benefits Specialist is responsible for administering and managing employee benefits programs and leave processes for the agency. This role ensures compliance with federal, and state regulations related to benefits, Workers' Compensation, ADA accommodations, FMLA, and other leave of absence programs. The position works closely with HR leadership, managers, and employees to provide guidance, resolve issues, and maintain accurate records. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: Benefits Administration Manage all aspects of employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, and wellness initiatives. Coordinate annual open enrollment and assist employees with benefit selections. Serve as a primary liaison with insurance carriers, brokers, and benefit vendors. Research and resolve billing discrepancies and carrier issues. Recommend and implement enhancements to benefit offerings to support talent attraction and retention. Leave Administration Administer and track all leave programs, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, Workers' Compensation, and other leave of absence requests. Ensure compliance with applicable laws and company policies. Advise managers and employees on leave eligibility, processes, and return-to-work procedures. Maintain accurate documentation and reporting for regulatory compliance. Employee Support & Compliance Provide guidance to employees regarding benefits and leave policies. Partner with management to ensure consistent application of policies and procedures. Prepare reports for internal use and regulatory agencies (IRS, DOL, etc.). Assist with new hire orientation and onboarding related to benefits and leave. Additional Duties Support HR initiatives, special projects, and employee engagement programs. Participate in staff development and training sessions. Assist with Workers' Compensation claims and light-duty assignments. Perform other related duties as assigned by HR leadership. (These job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of duties. Employees will be required to perform other related duties as required.) Requirements EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred. 2-3 years of experience in benefits and leave administration. HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP) preferred. Knowledge of employment laws, FMLA, ADA, and Workers' Compensation regulations. (A comparable amount of training, education or experience can be substituted for minimum qualifications.) SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES: Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills. Strong understanding of benefits and leave compliance requirements. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS systems. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information. Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines. Desire to learn and grow in the profession. CERTIFICATIONS: Valid Driver's License Certificates of acknowledgement required: Conflict of Interest, Code of Ethics, Confidentiality agreements, IT Systems and Security, Anti-Fraud, HR Employee Acknowledgement Form. Applicants must successfully pass a drug screen and background check as a condition of employment. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: Works in an office setting with occasional travel to program sites required ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS: Acceptable eyesight & hearing (with or without correction) Ability to reach, lift, bend knees, stoop, push or pull items weighing 25 lbs. or less (Reasonable accommodation will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.) Background Requirements A Level II Background Screening which consists of a local, state, and federal criminal check will be completed on all employees and any contracted employee position, intern position or volunteer position in which individuals have contact with children, have access to confidential information and / or are in a position of special trust. To learn more about the system used to conduct these checks, you can use this link - https://info.flclearinghouse.com/ Salary Description $55,000 - $58,000 per year