Benefits & Leave Management Specialist

Who we are: At Vireo Health, we’re not just another cannabis company—we’re a movement. Founded by physicians and driven by innovation, we blend science, technology, and passion to create top-tier cannabis products and experiences. Our team of 500+ bold creators and trailblazers are shaping the future of the industry, and we want you to be part of it. We take pride in being one of the most diverse and inclusive workplaces in cannabis, fostering a culture where everyone belongs. Through employee engagement, community events, and non-profit partnerships, we’re building more than a business—we’re building a community. As we rapidly expand nationwide, we’re looking for talented, driven, and passionate people to join us. If you’re ready to turn your passion into a career, let’s grow the future together. What the role is about: The Benefits & Leave of Absence (LOA) Specialist is responsible for administering and supporting employee benefit programs and leave management for a diverse cannabis workforce across multiple states. This role serves both hourly and salaried employees, including union and non-union populations, and provides day-to-day guidance on benefits eligibility, enrollments, life events, LOA requests, ADA accommodations coordination, worker’s compensation and return-to-work processes. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, service-minded, and experienced in high-volume employee support environments, with strong knowledge of compliance requirements and the ability to communicate clearly with employees, managers, HR partners, vendors, and union contacts. What impact you’ll make:

Benefits

Administration: Administer health and welfare benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life/AD&D, disability, FSA/HSA, EAP, voluntary benefits, and retirement plans (as applicable). Support benefits eligibility and enrollments for new hires, annual open enrollment, qualifying life events, and status changes for hourly and salaried populations. Maintain accurate benefit records and employee elections in HRIS/benefits administration platforms, ensuring alignment with vendor files and payroll deductions. Provide benefits education and support to employees, answering questions in a clear, respectful, and compliant manner. Partner with payroll to ensure accurate deductions, retroactive adjustments, and reconciliation of benefit billing and premium payments. Support union benefits administration as applicable, including: Eligibility tracking and required union documentation Coordination with union benefit funds or plan administrators Contractual benefit interpretation and communication support Audits and reporting related to union populations Leave of Absence (LOA) Management Serve as the primary point of contact for leave requests and administration, including: FMLA, state paid family/medical leave programs, ADA accommodations (process coordination), workers’ compensation coordination (with Risk/Safety), parental leave, personal leave, military leave, and company-specific leave policies Coordinate with third-party worker’s comp vendor to ensure leave cases are opened, documented, tracked, and closed appropriately. Manage leave-related communications with employees and managers, including timelines, required documentation, benefit impacts, return-to-work requirements, and job protection parameters. Track and update leave statuses accurately in HRIS and communicate with payroll regarding pay status, benefits continuation, and leave coding. Support employees through the leave lifecycle, including intermittent leave tracking, extensions, and return-to-work planning. Assist with COBRA administration support, terminations, and employee inquiries (either directly or through a vendor). Support audits, open enrollment testing, vendor file feeds, and reporting needs. Maintain SOPs, job aids, and internal documentation for benefits and LOA processes. What you’ve accomplished: 3+ years of experience in benefits administration and/or LOA management (HR, HR Ops, shared services, or similar). Experience supporting hourly employees and high-volume employee populations. Working knowledge of benefits eligibility, enrollments, life events, and leave management best practices. Familiarity with union and non-union employee groups and ability to interpret/adhere to different plan rules or contract provisions. Strong understanding of compliance concepts related to benefits and LOA (FMLA/ADA/COBRA). Proficiency with HR systems (HRIS, benefits platforms) and Excel. Excellent communication skills, customer service skills and ability to explain complex policies in plain language. Strong attention to detail, organization, and documentation discipline. What would make you stand out: Experience in a multi-state workforce (especially in regulated industries like cannabis, manufacturing, distribution, retail, or healthcare). Exposure to collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) Knowledge of state paid leave programs (e.g., NY, MD, MN) Located in one of our current markets including MN, NY and MD Salary range: $60,000-$70,000. Competitive benefits offered. Why Choose Vireo Life’s too short to work somewhere that doesn’t ignite your passion. The cannabis industry is fast-paced, innovative, and full of opportunity—where science meets creativity, and wellness meets culture. At Vireo Health, we’re pioneering the future of cannabis with a team that’s as dynamic as the industry itself. Here, you’ll find a workplace that’s collaborative, inclusive, and driven by HEART and purpose, where your work has a real impact on people’s lives. Whether you’re cultivating the highest-quality plants, crafting cutting-edge products, or shaping unforgettable customer experiences, you’ll be part of something bigger. If you’re looking for a career that’s exciting, meaningful, and full of growth, let’s build the future of cannabis together. ✅ A Growing Industry: Work at the leading tech company in the cannabis industry and help shape the future ✅ Passionate Culture: Join a team that truly cares about the plant, the people, and the purpose behind what we do ✅ Employee Perks: Enjoy competitive pay and benefits, paid time off and employee discounts ✅ Making an Impact: We’re committed to education, sustainability, and giving back to the communities we serve. EEO Statement Vireo Health, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. www.vireohealth.com Apply To This Job