Benefits & Safety Coordinator

The Benefits and Safety Coordinator is responsible for the administration and continuous improvement of employee benefit programs, leave programs, wellness initiatives, workers' compensation administration, safety programs, loss control initiatives, and organizational risk assessment activities.

This position serves as the primary liaison between associates, benefit providers, brokers, vendors, and third-party administrators while ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

The Benefits and Safety Coordinator manages benefit enrollments, leaves of absence, workers' compensation claims, safety initiatives, disaster preparedness planning, and wellness programs.

The position partners closely with Human Resources, Payroll, Accounting, Operations, and third-party service providers to support a safe workplace, control organizational risk, enhance employee wellbeing, and ensure accurate administration of employee benefit programs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time.

Benefits Administration
• Enroll new hires and newly eligible associates in benefit plans and provide benefits orientation.
• Process benefit enrollments, status changes, qualifying life events, and benefit terminations.
• Manage annual open enrollment processes and benefit plan transfers.
• Maintain relationships with benefit vendors, brokers, and carriers to resolve complex benefit issues and discrepancies.
• Review benefit claims issues and assist associates in navigating benefit programs.
• Provide vendors with appropriate documentation for life, disability, retirement, and other benefit claims.
• Evaluate and compare existing benefit programs with market practices and industry benchmarks.
• Analyze benefit utilization data and develop recommendations for management review.
• Assist with benefit communications, educational materials, and employee presentations.
• Issue required annual notices and summary plan information to associates.
• Maintain employee benefit records and ensure compliance with benefit plan requirements.
• Partner with Payroll and Accounting to reconcile insurance invoices and ensure accurate deductions and carrier payments.

Leave Administration
• Process leave of absence requests, approvals, denials, and return-to-work documentation.
• Administer FMLA, state leave programs, ADA accommodations, and other applicable leave programs.
• Provide guidance to associates and managers regarding PTO, sick leave, wellness leave, and other paid leave programs.

Workers' Compensation, Safety, and Loss Control
• Serve as the primary coordinator for workers' compensation claims and claim administration.
• Monitor, track, and follow up on all open workers' compensation claims to ensure timely resolution.
• Coordinate injury reporting, claim documentat...