Benefits And Leave Analyst

The Benefits and Leave Analyst is responsible for day-to-day administration of firm-wide benefits and leave of absence programs for an assigned subset of the firm population in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and firm policies. Core areas of responsibility include new hire benefits, disability and FMLA leaves of absence, life events, and general employee and partner benefits questions. Additional areas of responsibility will rotate quarterly among members of the Benefits team to support cross-training, coverage, and team development. A hybrid work schedule is available for this position.A career at Nixon Peabody is the opportunity to do work that matters. It’s the chance to use your knowledge to shape what’s ahead. To share, to innovate, to learn at a firm that taps the power of collective thinking.We’ve created a dynamic, energizing environment that promotes success for our clients and each other. We offer fast growth, connectedness and training in business as well as law. And our rigorous standards assure you are part of a diverse team of top talent at every turn.If you’re someone who’s looking toward the future, we’d love to hear from you.Location: Rochester, NYProvide excellent customer service to partners, employee attorneys, and professional staff regarding benefits and leave of absence education, eligibility, and other general benefits and leave questions for an assigned subset of the firm population.Act as a primary point of contact for employees requesting or inquiring about disability, FMLA, and parental leaves of absence, providing clear information and timely support. Maintain accurate and confidential leave records and documentation.Act as a primary contact for assigned new partners and new hires regarding benefits questions and for assigned partners and employees navigating qualifying life events and Open Enrollment questions, including conducting benefits orientations.Process benefits enrollments, changes, and terminations for assigned partners, employee attorneys, and professional staff, including new hire elections, life event changes, and coverage terminations.Collaborate with HR team members, managers, and other stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition for employees returning from leave.Participate in quarterly rotation of additional benefits and leave responsibilities as assigned by the Manager, Benefits. Rotating assignments may include (but are not limited to) areas such as voluntary benefits, wellness programs, invoice reconciliation, or other functional areas as determined by team needs.Assist with and cross-train on Dayforce Benefits Administration tasks, including benefit plan setup, configuration, maintenance, file feeds, and troubleshooting.Maintain and audit benefits information in HRIS system to ensure accuracy with carriers and payroll. Identify, correct, or escalate discrepancies, as appropriate, and recommend process improvements.Monitor Benefit and Leave of Absence phone lines and email inboxes, handling routine, sensitive, and complex requests. Coordinate communication between employees, vendors, and brokers regarding escalated or complex issues and claims.Collaborate with the team on Open Enrollment and HRIS updates and maintenance, contributing within assigned areas of responsibility.Assist in developing, implementing, and/or maintaining employee communications, and other written materials (forms, procedures, brochures, website/HRIS updates, etc.) related to assigned areas.Participate in other benefits and leave related tasks, such as reconciling payroll deductions for benefits and ensuring accurate and timely payment for leaves of absence.Enter invoices for payment into the accounting system.Leverage the firm’s technology, including AI, and HRIS to understand and continue to automate the benefits workflow processes.Ensure compliance with requirements under federal and state regulations and firm policies (including, but not limited to, COBRA, FMLA, HIPAA, Health and Welfare Plans, and Voluntary Benefit plans).Demonstrate flexibility and a collaborative mindset in support of the team's rotating coverage model, including willingness to cross-train and back up colleagues across areas.Perform other duties as assigned.To perform this job successfully, you must be able to perform each essential job responsibility listed above, satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation. Nixon Peabody retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position. The requirements listed below are representative of the skills and abilities required.