HR Specialist - Benefits, Leave, and Wellness

Position Overview

Apex Skin is a physician-led and rapidly growing dermatology practice committed to delivering exceptional patient experiences. As we continue to scale, we are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive HR Specialist – Benefits, Leave, and Wellness. This position is responsible for administering employee benefits programs and managing all aspects of leave of absence processes. This role ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, provides exceptional employee support, and partners with internal stakeholders to maintain accurate benefits and leave records. The specialist plays a key role in delivering positive employee experience while supporting organizational goals.

Schedule:

• Full-time | Exempt
• Monday through Friday
• Hybrid schedule, must reside within a commutable distance to Beachwood, OH.

 

Essential Functions:

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement plans, and wellness initiatives.
• Process enrollments, changes, and terminations in HRIS and benefit vendor systems.
• Serve as primary point of contact for employees regarding benefits questions, eligibility, coverage, and claims issues.
• Support annual open enrollment including planning, communication, system setup, and employee assistance.
• Audit benefits data to ensure accuracy and resolve discrepancies with carriers or payroll.
• Assist with benefits billing, invoicing, and reconciliation processes.

Leave Administration

• Administer all leave programs including FMLA, state leaves, ADA, personal leave, military leave, parental leave, and short/long‑term disability.
• Review leave requests, determine eligibility, send required notices, and maintain accurate documentation.
• Track leave balances and ensure compliance with federal and state leave laws.
• Coordinate return‑to‑work and accommodation processes with HR and leadership.
• Partner with payroll to ensure accurate pay related to intermittent or continuous leave.
• Maintain confidential employee leave files and ensure proper record retention.

Employee Support & Communication

• Provide clear and empathetic guidance to employees regarding benefits and leave policies.
• Develop and distribute benefits and leave-related communication materials.
• Facilitate new hire benefits onboarding and orientation sessions.

Compliance & Reporting

• Maintain knowledge of regulatory updates affecting benefits and leave programs.
• Prepare and manage required filings such as 1095‑C, 5500 support, and annual notices.
• Generate reports related to benefits enrollment, leave usage, and compliance audits.

Wellbeing Program Administration

• Support the development, implementation, and ongoing management of employee wellness programs and initiatives.
• Coordinate wellness activities such as health screenings, wellbeing challenges, mental health awareness campaigns, and vendor‑led sessions.
• Partner with benefits carriers, wellness vendors, and internal stakeholders to promote holistic employee wellbeing.
• Track participation and engagement for wellness programs; provide reporting and recommendations for improvement.
• Assist in communication efforts to educate employees on available wellness resources, including EAP services, financial