Senior Benefits and Leave Specialist

Job Summary The Sr. Benefits & Leave Specialist supports UFCU's comprehensive benefits programs by managing vendor relationships, performing detailed internal audits, and ensuring data accuracy across systems. While day‑to‑day benefits administration is outsourced, this role provides internal oversight, handles employee inquiries, supports leave and 401(k) management, and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements. The position requires strong analytical skills, accuracy, and the ability to multi‑task while delivering an exceptional, employee‑centric experience. The Sr. Benefits & Leave Specialist reports to the Director, Rewards & People Operations. About UFCU Our Credit Union was founded in 1936 and has grown to serve members throughout Texas and beyond. At UFCU, we are more than just a financial institution, and our people are more than just employees. We are dedicated to our purpose of empowering our Members to achieve financial success and build brighter futures . In pursuit of our aspiration that UFCU is loved by millions of Members and built to thrive for generations , we are guided by our values: Purposefully Member-Obsessed We are driven by a profound sense of empathy to deeply understand our Members' needs and preferences, what brighter futures means to them, and the obstacles in their way. We act in our Members' best interests, forever seeking to empower their financial success. Possibilities Reimagined We are inspired to courageously experiment, learn, and iterate in pursuit of positive impact for our Members, UFCU, and coworkers. We challenge assumptions, embrace diverse perspectives, and make use of data and insights. Performance Excellence Rooted in Unwavering Integrity We do the right thing, always. We champion teamwork, accountability, continuous improvement, and celebrate successful outcomes of others, fostering an inclusive environment of excellence and collaboration. Essential Functions Serve as the primary liaison with multiple benefits vendors to ensure timely and accurate service delivery. Act as the liaison between the benefits administration vendor and the credit union, coordinating data, resolving issues, and supporting employee benefits transactions tied to credit union programs. Conduct ongoing internal audits and reconciliations to ensure accuracy of benefits enrollment, payroll deductions, eligibility, and demographic updates. Investigate and resolve benefits-related issues by partnering with vendors, payroll, HR, and the credit union where applicable. Validate vendor data files, troubleshoot discrepancies, and ensure data integrity across all systems. Answer employee questions regarding benefits plans, eligibility, enrollment, leave, and processes with professionalism and empathy. Support leave of absence processes (FMLA, ADA, personal leaves, Workers' Compensation, etc.), including coordinating with vendors, HRBPs, managers and employees, tracking employee status, and ensuring accurate communications and system and payroll updates. Monitor vendor performance against SLAs, identify service gaps, and escalate issues as needed to maintain quality standards. Support annual enrollment activities, including system testing, communication review, and employee assistance. Prepare compliance and audit documentation, reports, and summaries for internal stakeholders. Generate and analyze reports related to benefits utilization and leave trends for HR leadership. Manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines. Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Knowledge Strong working knowledge of benefits plans, eligibility rules, plan design features, and cross‑system impacts. Solid understanding of leave programs (FMLA, ADA‑related workflow, disability) and how they intersect with benefits and payroll. Good familiarity with compliance requirements (ERISA, HIPAA, ACA) and the ability to apply them in day‑to‑day scenarios. Knowledge of data integrations and vendor file processes, including how to identify and correct recurring errors. Understanding of audit controls, reconciliation steps, and root‑cause identification for benefits‑related issues. Skills Skilled at analyzing data, spotting patterns or recurring issues, and recommending practical improvements. Strong communication skills, able to explain benefits and leave processes clearly to employees and partners. Comfortable navigating multiple systems and resolving issues that cross HRIS, payroll, and vendor platforms. Abilities Ability to independently resolve most benefits or leave issues and identify when specialized escalation is required. Ability to interpret policies and apply judgment in nuanced or uncommon employee situations. Ability to maintain accuracy while juggling multiple deadlines and shifting priorities. Ability to collaborate effectively across teams and influence vendors to ensure timely resolution. Ability to contribute to process improvements, system cleanup, and benefits cycle enhancements (OE, audits, file updates). Core Competencies Demonstrating Member Obsession Puts themselves in the Member's shoes Looks for friction points Makes it personalized and easy Demonstrating Performance Excellence Sets standards for elevating excellence Ensures elevated quality Takes responsibility Conducts continuous improvement Demonstrating Innovation Challenges current thinking Approaches change with a positive mindset Experience Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field or equivalent work experience. 2-4+ years of experience in HR, benefits administration, or a related field. Must be bondable Physical Demands While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus. Employee will make extensive use of the telephone and virtual communications requiring the ability to explain complex information effectively and accurately. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This position requires frequently working onsite at the UFCU Plaza in Austin, Texas. This position may involve periodic stressful conditions. Frequent computer use at a workstation of up to two hours at a time. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.