Benefits Specialist - Maternity and Paid Parental Leave

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are committed to a diverse and equitable workforce with an inclusive culture that values and celebrates the diversity of our people, talents, ideas, experiences, and perspectives. This is important for continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$89,670.00 - $111,324.00 Annually

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. Many factors are taken into consideration when setting starting pay including education, experience, the external labor market, and internal equity.

Hybrid telecommuting options may be available.

We’re looking for a Benefits Specialist to provide information and counseling for leave of absence, specifically all Maternity and Paid Parental Leaves. You will work with limited guidance using organization guidelines and policies, to assist with the administration of all Maternity and Paid Parental Leave requests, and other accommodations requiring specialized attention, ensuring leaves are processed in a timely manner and comply with federal and state rules and regulations.  This position is in the Benefits & Compensation Division in the Human Resources Directorate.

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.
• Coordinate the FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act), CFRA (California Family Rights Act), PFL (Paid Family Leave) and Paid Parental Leave administration process from the employee’s initial notice to their return to work. This includes gathering and completing all required paperwork, determining leave eligibility, and qualifying FMLA leave designation.
• Coordinate 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.
• Coordinate 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.
• Interpret and provide 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.
• Facilitate 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.
• 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.
• Review and analyze audit reports for enrollment problems, discrepancies, and compliance with LLNS Summary Plan Descriptions, ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act) , and Federal and State laws. Run basic reports and conduct analysis for management decision making.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE L-level security clearance the position will need to be cleared to a L after hire which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business, Management or related field or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Comprehensive 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.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Excellent problem-solving, and decision-making skills; experience working with limited guidance and as an effective team member.
• Basic knowledge and experience using automated business tools and specialized applications, including MS Office applications.
• Comprehensive experience providing one-on-one and/or group benefits counseling in the 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.
• Experience with on-line HRIS/benefit data systems.

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 2024 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) - visit 
• Our core beliefs - visit   
• Employee engagement - visit 

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) L-level clearance.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter.  Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  L-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

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.

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: 

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.

We invite you to review the Equal Employment Opportunity posters which include EEO is the Law and Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision .

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 .