The Senior Benefits Specialist works under the direct supervision of the Benefits Manager to support the administration of employee benefit services, policies, and programs across North America. This role operates in a highly decentralized, complex, and fast-paced environment, requiring strong attention to detail and exceptional customer service skills. The Specialist will be responsible for providing guidance on health and welfare benefits, including enrollments, status changes, and vendor coordination. A primary focus of the role includes managing leave of absence cases in partnership with a third-party administrator (TPA), ensuring compliance with FMLA, ADA, and other applicable regulations. The ideal candidate will be skilled at balancing empathy with policy adherence while handling sensitive matters with discretion.
Essential Functions:

Benefits Administration & Compliance
• Administer North America benefit programs, including but not limited to medical, dental, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, disability, tuition reimbursement, COBRA, enrollment changes, and terminations.
• Maintain knowledge of federal and state regulations impacting benefits to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to resolve issues, process benefit changes, and ensure accurate payroll deductions.

Employee Support & Communication
• Provide prompt and thoughtful customer service through the benefits inbox and hotline, assisting employees and managers with benefit-related inquiries.
• Lead new hire benefits orientations and deliver clear, accessible benefit education through various formats.
• Translate complex benefit concepts into easy-to-understand guidance for employees.

Leave Management (Primary Focus)
• Serve as the primary contact for all leave-related matters, including FMLA, STD, LTD, ADA, and personal leave.
• Partner with a third-party administrator (TPA) to manage leave cases, ensure accurate tracking, and apply policies consistently.
• Coordinate benefits and job protection across leave types, ensuring timely communication and accurate data across systems.
• Handle confidential information with discretion, showing empathy while ensuring full legal compliance.
• Support the ADA interactive process in collaboration with HR and legal to identify reasonable accommodations.
• Monitor and reconcile benefit deductions and premiums for employees on leave.

Wellness Program Leadership
• Lead the planning and execution of wellness initiatives that support employee physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
• Organize wellness activities such as educational sessions, fitness classes, and speaker events to promote healthy lifestyles.

Team Collaboration & Projects
• Participate in ad hoc and cyclical projects such as Open Enrollment, process improvements, and vendor reviews.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support HR and benefits operations.

Preferred but Not Required:
• Certified Leave Management Specialist (CLMS) certification
• Experience with managing leave programs.
• Experience working with multiple employee classifications.
• Experience working on or managing total rewards programs
• Experience using Google suite, Ceridian/Dayforce, Adobe Acrobat
Job Requirements:
• 3+ years of experience in benefits administration
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• In-depth knowledge of FMLA, ADA, and other federal/state leave laws.
• Proficiency with Excel and benefits systems (e.g., Ceridian/Dayforce, Google Suite).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
• Strong customer service orientation, with the ability to balance empathy and policy.


WHY AQUENT? WHAT WE OFFER ...
• Remote first work environment - equipment provided + internet reimbursement
• Work/life balance: we say it, we mean it
• Generous benefits package:medical, vision and dental benefits, generous 401(k), FSA, tuition reimbursement, and more
• An unusually generous and flexible vacation - AKA unlimited PTO
• Free use of our Hawaii and Florida beach houses
• Individualistic approach: we encourage a personal touch to your work; we don't believe in a "one-size-fits-all" approach
• Industry reputation: we are the world's largest creative staffing firm


ABOUT AQUENT

Aquent is the leading global work solutions company helping guide businesses toward the talent, technology, and services they need to excel. From specialty recruiting and talent experience to creative strategy and project management, Aquent is making the future of work better for everyone. Its brands include Aquent Talent, Aquent Studios, Aquent RoboHead, Aquent Scout, Aquent Employer of Record, and Aquent Gymnasium. To learn more, visit aquent.com.

Aquent is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

If you require ​an ADA reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, or a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact Carolyn Sarante, Director of Employee Relations at csarante@aquent.com or Lucas Manzaneres, Employment Relations Specialist, at lmanzaneres@aquent.com.PDN-9f407e62-3913-4f11-a6ec-77b945ae21c8