Benefits Specialist

Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. 

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

Job Description

We have an opening for a Benefits Specialist to provide information and counseling for leave of absence. You will work with limited guidance using organization guidelines and policies, to assist with the administration of all leave requests, and other accommodations requiring specialized attention, ensuring leaves are processed in a timely manner and is in compliance with federal and state rules and regulations.  This position is in the Benefits & Compensation Division in the Human Resources Directorate.

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

In this role you will

• Be responsible for communications with employees regarding their leave and/or modified work schedule needs and responsibilities to qualify for and to take leave.
• Coordinates FMLA, CFRA, SDI, PFL, Paid Parental Leave, and other applicable state and federal leave administration processes for employees in multiple states, from the employee’s initial notice through their return to work. This includes gathering and completing all required paperwork, determining leave eligibility, and designating qualifying FMLA leave.
• Coordinates the return-to-work process for employees on leave; Facilitates smooth and timely communication with employee, employee’s manager, and all integrated partners for duration of leave, until employee returns to work.
• Coordinates all aspects of supplemental pay for eligible employees by integrating available benefits with PFL, Short Term Disability, Paid Parental Leave, and sick and vacation when applicable.
• Interprets and provides information to managers and employees on the interaction of leave laws with paid time off, workers compensation, and short-term and long-term disability benefits.
• Facilitates other leave requests, which may include accommodation requests under the ADA; Assists with administration of other company time-off programs as assigned in accordance with internal policy and applicable laws.
• Maintains complete and accurate records of leave and accommodation requests in accordance with specified legal requirements and documentation of best practices.
• Preserves confidentiality of employee medical documentation and files.
• Maintains knowledge of all applicable leave and accommodation laws including the FMLA, ADA, CFRA and other state and local laws; Contribute to revisions to company leave policies to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Assist with the insurance premium billing and collection process in coordination with Payroll, including tracking employee premium payments during unpaid or reduced-pay leaves, communicating payment requirements and deadlines, reconciling payments, and following up on outstanding balances to help employees maintain continuous coverage and avoid benefits termination.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Additionally, at the H01.2 level

• Assists with the Implementation of new benefits programs/features.
• Serve as a resource, interpret and provide guidance on complex policies and regulations regarding at least two major benefits programs via telephone or through the service desk.
• Research and resolve benefits issues; contact benefits providers to assist in the resolution of employee benefits questions/issues.
• Conduct training and orientation sessions; Participate in annual Open Enrollment
• Review and analyze audit reports for enrollment problems, discrepancies, and compliance with LLNS Summary Plan Descriptions, ERISA, and Federal and State laws. Run basic reports and conduct analysis for management decision making

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business, Management or related field or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Basic knowledge and experience with a variety of employee benefits programs and applying benefits practices, techniques, standards, processes and systems.
• Experience providing benefits information and guidance to employees and their families.
• Experience with regulatory requirements and relevant state and federal laws, pertaining to leave management.
• Excellent customer service skills that demonstrate responsiveness to customer needs and requests, commitment to excellence, and experience maintaining effective working relationships.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Basic knowledge and experience using automated business tools and specialized applications, including MS Office applications.

In addition, at the H01.2 level:

• Comprehensive experience providing one-on-one and/or group benefits counseling in areas such as retirement, survivor benefits, disability, leave of absence, group insurance plans or a variety of financial savings plans.
• Effective interpersonal skills necessary to advise, counsel, recommend and approve actions on a variety of benefits issues.
• Excellent problem-solving, and decision-making skills; experience working with limited guidance and as an effective team member.
• Experience with on-line HRIS/benefit data systems.

Pay Range

$79,920 - $117,312 Annually

$79,920 - $97,848 Annually for H01.1

$95,820 - $117,312 Annually for H01.2 

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage.  An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Additional Information

#LI-Hybrid

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

None required.  However, if your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process.  This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check.  

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 3112, generally prohibits citizens of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea without dual US citizenship or legal permanent residence from accessing specific non-public areas of national security or nuclear weapons facilities.  The restrictions of NDAA Section 3112 apply to this position.  To be qualified for this position, Candidates must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112.

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.