This position is responsible for coordinating employee leave requests including medical leave related to work injuries while also supporting the processing and administration of workers’ compensation claims, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance with relevant regulations. The Benefits and Leave Specialist will work closely with the Benefits and Leave Manager providing organizational and recordkeeping support for the employee leave, workers’ compensation, benefits, and wellness programs.

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following (other duties and responsibilities may be assigned):

• Receives and processes employee leave requests within HRIS system, including medical leave due to work-related injuries.
• Verifies eligibility for leave based on company policy, federal, and state regulations.
• Processes employee leave packets.
• Provides communication to necessary parties regarding an employee’s leave.
• Works closely with employees to ensure that all relevant completed medical documentation is submitted for timely review. Maintains appropriate contact with all employees on leave and coordinates all aspects of return to work for employees on leave.
• Consults with Benefits and Leave Manager regarding employee leave requests.
• Partners with and makes recommendations to the Benefits and Leave Manager regarding matters related to requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Communicates with employees regarding status of leave approvals, extensions, accommodations and required documentation.
• Manages all administrative aspects of leave claims to include tracking hours used/taken and working closely with Payroll to ensure that pay for employees is accurate and correct.
• Processes invoicing for benefits consulting firm and benefits vendors.
• Submits Employer Statement for employee disability claims through disability insurance carrier admin. Portal.
• Processes missed premium deduction invoices for employees out on leave.
• Assists Benefits and Leave Manager with annual open enrollment.
• Process new benefit elections and benefit changes within vendors and in the HRIS system.
• Ensures timely processing of employees’ fitness reimbursement requests.
• Partners with Benefits and Leave Manager for implementation and roll out of annual wellness program.
• Processes employees’ requests for new medical or dental card orders.
• Provide benefits termination packets to terminated/inactive status employees.
• Files worker’s compensation claims with insurance carrier.
• Establishes and maintains case files, logs, and indexes; reviews documentation and records.
• Participates with internal stakeholders to conduct/coordinate investigations into reported claims.
• Coordinates with Benefits and Leave Manager on leave updates when necessary.
• Maintain strict standards for employee confidentiality and related information in addition to security of electronic information; complies with organizational, federal and state regulations and PSGC’s policies on confidentiality.
• Responsible for appropriate file documentation, storage and governance.
• Responsible for updating and approving transitional return to work program participant timecards.
• Performs other duties, including non-core responsibilities as assigned.
• Must have regular and reliable attendance. 

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no direct reports

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties in assigned area in a satisfactory fashion.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for this employment position.  REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS MAY BE MADE TO ENABLE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, risk management or business administration strongly preferred.
• Three years related experience working with employee leaves strongly preferred.

Knowledge of

• Knowledge and experience working with state and federal workers compensation laws.
• Microsoft Office Suite, for preparation of presentations and reports.

Skills, abilities and physical requirements

• Ability to maintain confidentiality required.
• Ability to analyze information and convert related activities into a comprehensive work plan.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
• Demonstrates strong customer service skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; including the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of employees and present professionally in front of (and to) various audiences.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make recommendations to drive enhancements and process improvements.
• Strong attention to details, accuracy, and quality principles.
• Excellent organizational, flexibility and time management skills; being able to manage various projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Must be professional, with the ability to comfortably work with multiple independent requests.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, power tools, and to handle other computer components.
  • Ability to routinely travel to other company sites.
  • Ability to wear required safety equipment including respirators, hearing and eye protection, and protective clothing occasionally as required.

Work Environment

The characteristics listed herein describe the work environment the employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this employment position.  REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS MAY BE MADE TO ENABLE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS.  While performing the duties of this employment position, the employee:

• Works in an office environment primarily.
• Works sitting most of the time and walking or standing occasionally.
• Works in a power plant or coal mine environment occasionally.
• Exposed to a quiet to moderately noisy environment primarily; very noisy and dirty environment occasionally.
• Exposed to industrial safety hazards occasionally.

Compensation and Benefits

At Prairie State, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as one grows and develops within a role. The base pay range we reasonably expect to pay for this role is between $ 73,500.00 salary exempt per year and $87,000.00 salary exempt per year. Individual pay decisions depend on various factors, such as skills, qualifications, and relevant experience. In addition, this position is eligible to participate in the Company’s monthly incentive program.

Employees are also eligible to receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, retirement savings plan with Company match, life and disability insurance, and tuition reimbursement. Click here to learn more about Prairie State’s benefits.

Prairie State offers all full-time employees paid time off, accruing 160 hours annually with gradual increases based on length of service, as well as nine paid holidays per year. Paid maternal and paternal leave is also available to employees that meet the eligibility requirements.

Note: Prairie State benefits, compensation, and employee incentive programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.