Overview
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, NY
- Provide 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.
Job Requirements:
- 4-6 years of progressive benefits and/or leave of absence administration experience required.
- Associate’s degree required. Work experience in lieu of a degree will be considered.
- Strong understanding of employee benefits and working knowledge of various benefit plans.
- Strong understanding of federal and state leave laws and regulations (including FMLA, PFL, PFML, STD, LTD).
- Expertise in compliance awareness, and strong knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations.
- Strong project management skills, ability to multi-task.
- Strong analytical skills, ability to identify, research, and resolve issues by making sound decisions in accordance with team and firm goals, policies, and procedures.
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
- Ability to interact with personnel at all levels of the firm and respond to their questions and concerns in a professional, effective, and positive manner.
- Excellent interpersonal, active listening and customer service skills with the ability to handle sensitive/confidential employee issues with discretion.
- Demonstrated adaptability and a collaborative mindset, with a willingness to cross-train, take on rotating assignments, and provide backup coverage across areas as team needs evolve.
- Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a demanding environment, managing changing priorities with constant interruptions.
Nixon Peabody LLP is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer: Disability / Veteran. Nixon Peabody is committed to creating a fair workplace and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
To comply with Federal law, Nixon Peabody participates in E-Verify. All newly hired employees are verified through this electronic system established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to confirm their identity and employment eligibility. Please refer to the Notice of E-Verify Participation and the Right to Work posters on the Nixon Peabody Careers page for more information.
In accordance with applicable Federal and State laws, the anticipated annual salary range for this position, depending on location, is as follows:
- Rochester, NY: $63,500 to $90,750
In addition to a standard benefits package, this role may be eligible for additional contingent compensation based on an array of factors, including but not limited to: work performance, geographic location, work experience, education, and qualifications. Because such contingent compensation is not yet calculable or may be zero ($0) in some circumstances, the above-listed salary range(s) are Nixon Peabody’s good faith estimate of the annual salary(ies) it reasonably expects to pay for the position at the time of this posting.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Victor, NY 14564
