SWBMG - Benefits and Leave Manager

About Sutter West Bay Medical Group:
Sutter West Bay Medical Group (SWBMG) is growing rapidly, currently comprising 260+ employed physicians representing 50 clinical specialties, dedicated to providing the highest-quality care to our patients and being the best place to work.

Position Overview:
The Benefits and Leave Manager is a key role within the SWBMG HR team, responsible for managing and overseeing all aspects of employee benefit programs, leave administration, and workers’ compensation. This individual will work closely with the HR Director to support the organization’s HR functions, ensuring that all benefit plans are compliant, competitive, and effectively administered. This role also ensures timely and accurate management of leave programs and assists with employee inquiries related to benefits and leave policies.
The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of benefit plan administration, leave management, and workers’ compensation, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, growing environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Benefits Administration:
• Oversee the administration of employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, and retirement plans.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all employee benefits-related inquiries, ensuring accurate and timely responses.
• Coordinate annual open enrollment, ensuring employees are well-informed and supported in selecting their benefits.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Maintain and update benefits documentation, including summaries of benefits and plan options, as well as employee communications.
• Support relationships with external benefits providers and brokers to optimize offerings and service levels.
• Provide Administrative support to the SWBMG Benefits Committee.

Leave Administration:
• Oversee the administration of all leave programs, including FMLA, Paid Family Leave (PFL), disability leaves, and other leaves of absence (medical, personal, etc.).
• Process and track employee leave requests, ensuring compliance with applicable leave laws and company policies.
• Work with managers, employees and other stakeholder groups to ensure proper documentation and communication related to leaves of absence.
• Ensure timely return-to-work coordination and monitor employees’ return from leave to ensure appropriate accommodations and continued compliance.

Workers’ Compensation:
• Manage the workers’ compensation claims process, including coordination with insurance carriers, claims adjusters, and healthcare providers.
• Monitor and track open claims, ensuring that claims are handled promptly and in compliance with state regulations.
• Provide guidance to employees on workers’ compensation benefits, including return-to-work procedures and light-duty assignments.
• Work with managers to ensure a safe workplace and proactively identify opportunities to mitigate workplace injuries.

Reporting and Compliance:
• Prepare and distribute regular reports on benefits usage, leave statistics, and workers' compensation claims.
• Maintain up-to-date records of all benefits, leave, and workers’ compensation transactions in accordance with regulatory and company requirements.
• Assist with audits related to benefits plans and leave programs.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant state and federal regulations related to employee benefits, leave of absence, and workers' compensation.

Collaboration and Communication:
• Work closely with the HR Director and cross-functional teams to support employee engagement initiatives related to benefits and leave programs.
• Provide training and guidance to managers and employees on benefits, leave policies, and related procedures.
• Foster a positive, inclusive work environment by promoting wellness and benefit offerings to employees.

Continuous Improvement:
• Keep up to date on industry trends, best practices, and regulatory changes to recommend improvements to benefits offerings and processes.
• Identify and implement process improvements related to benefits administration, leave management, and workers' compensation.

Education:
Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.

Experience:
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in benefits and leave administration, with a focus on healthcare or large employer settings.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state laws related to employee benefits, FMLA, ADA, workers' compensation, and other leave programs.
• Experience with benefits management software and HRIS systems.
• Prior experience in a medical group or healthcare environment is highly preferred.

Skills and Abilities:
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships at all levels within the organization.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced, growing environment.
• Knowledge of workers' compensation and safety regulations.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with benefits reporting and compliance.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Certifications such as SHRM-CP, PHR, or CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist) are a plus.
• Experience with benefits and leave administration within a multi-state organization.
• Strong project management and process improvement skills.

* It is the policy of the Sutter West Bay Medical Group (SWBMG) to provide equal employment for all qualified individuals; to prohibit discrimination in employment because of race, color, creed, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, national origin, age, medical condition, disability or status as a veteran or a disabled veteran. We promote the full realization of equal employment opportunities through a positive continuing program within our service area. Equal employment opportunities apply to every aspect of SWBMG’s employment policies and practices.