Human Resources Specialist 1

Duties Description Under the general direction of the Assistant Director of Personnel within Benefits, the Human Resources Specialist 1 will have the primary responsibility for the administration of the Workers’ Compensation Claims Program, Unemployment Insurance Claims, Leave Programs, and M/C Life Insurance Program for the New York State Thruway Authority (Authority). Additionally, the incumbent will be cross trained to assist in administering various health insurance benefits, including dental, vision, prescription drug plans, leaves management, including ADA and FMLA activities, ACA Reporting, and various other benefits administered by the Authority. Workers Compensation Program Administration Administer the Authority’s Workers’ Compensation program and provide guidance to employees, supervisors, and management regarding workers’ compensation benefits, procedures, leave provisions, and applicable negotiated agreement provisions. Review, process, and maintain Workers’ Compensation claims and related documentation to ensure compliance with agency procedures and reporting requirements. Maintain accurate Workers’ Compensation records and databases, including all required entries in the Human Resource Management System (HRMS) and New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF) Claims Reporting System. Track and monitor lost time, leave balances, and leave usage associated with Workers’ Compensation claims. Prepare and process claim-related forms, notices, correspondence, and reports. Coordinate and communicate with NYSIF, medical providers, Payroll, supervisors, and employees regarding claim status, benefits, leave entitlements, and return-to-work matters. Monitor and reconcile leave benefits associated with Workers’ Compensation cases and recommend appropriate actions to ensure compliance with governing policies and negotiated agreements. Prepare reports and conduct periodic reviews of Workers’ Compensation case information to ensure accuracy and identify trends or issues requiring management attention. Unemployment Insurance Administration Administer the Authority’s Unemployment Insurance program. Review, process, and respond to unemployment insurance claims and requests for information received from the New York State Department of Labor. Research employment history, earnings, and separation information; coordinate with Payroll, supervisors, and operating divisions to obtain and verify required documentation. Prepare and submit timely responses, supporting documentation, and determinations to the Department of Labor. Maintain records of claims activity and ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and agency procedures. Serve as the Authority’s liaison with the Department of Labor regarding unemployment insurance matters. Service Award Program Administration Administer the Authority’s Employee Service Award Program. Maintain records related to employee service milestones and eligibility for recognition awards. Prepare and coordinate the statewide distribution of service award correspondence, certificates, and related recognition materials. Respond to employee and management inquiries regarding service credit and award eligibility. Ensure program administration is consistent with established policies and procedures. Leaves Administration Review and process requests for non-compensatory leaves, including jury duty leave, Civil Service leave, and other statutory leave programs. Provide guidance to employees and supervisors regarding leave eligibility, documentation requirements, and applicable rules and regulations. Monitor leave usage and maintain related records and reports. Military Leave Administration Administer military leave benefits for employees throughout the Authority. Interpret and apply applicable laws, regulations, policies, and negotiated agreement provisions governing military leave. Review and process military leave requests and supporting documentation. Maintain records, monitor leave usage and entitlements, and coordinate with Payroll and agency management regarding employee military leave status. Management/Confidential Life Insurance Program Administration Administer the Management/Confidential Life Insurance Program. Interpret and apply program rules, eligibility requirements, and enrollment provisions. Process enrollments, status changes, terminations, beneficiary updates, and other life insurance transactions. Coordinate payroll deductions and communicate with employees, Payroll, and insurance providers regarding coverage and eligibility matters. Respond to employee inquiries and provide information regarding life insurance benefits and program provisions. General Responsibilities Prepare correspondence, reports, and program-related documentation. Maintain confidential employee records and ensure data accuracy and integrity. Research and resolve employee benefit and leave-related issues. Provide information and technical assistance to employees, supervisors, managers, Payroll staff, and external agencies regarding benefit and leave programs. Accurate and thorough data entry in various Human Resources Management Systems such as HRMS, NYSTEP, and NYBEAS. Maintenance of accurate data related to Affordable Care Act (ACA) benefits, employee health benefits, Domestic Partnerships, and various types of leave, including Military leave. Assist with audits, special projects, program reviews, and other employee benefits initiatives as assigned. Review and respond to inquiries pertaining to non-compensatory leaves such as jury duty and civil service leave. Explain and interpret applicable rules, regulations, policies and/or procedures relating to NYSHIP, Union benefits, and other applicable benefits administered by the Authority. Reconcile accounts, process transactions, send bills, and resolve discrepancies between payroll and various enrollment systems. Review, sort, and process correspondence received from enrollees as per the rules and regulations of the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP). Liaise with the New York State Department of Civil Service as needed to ensure accurate processing of various benefits. Efficiently monitor and track shared email mailboxes and electronic fax. Interact with customers and colleagues in a courteous and professional manner. Efficiently utilize program databases, applications, and Microsoft Office Suite. Create, organize, and maintain office files. Perform tasks in an efficient, timely, and safe manner. Perform other duties and special projects as required. Preferred experience in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications TRANSFER QUALIFICATIONS FOR CURRENT STATE EMPLOYEES: Current New York State employee with one year or more of qualifying permanent service allocated to a Grade 11 or above and eligible for transfer under Section 70.1, 70.4*, or Section 52.6 of the NYS Civil Service Law. 70.4 Transfer: Candidates must have one year or more of qualifying permanent service at Grade 11 or above AND possession of a bachelor’s degree AND have standing on the Professional Careers Opportunities (PCO) OR Public Administration Traineeship Transition (PATT) eligible list. If hired into a traineeship, successful completion of the established traineeship and concurrent probationary period will lead to an appointment to a Human Resources Specialist 1, SG-18. Human Resources Specialist Trainee 1 Four years of experience performing and supervising the performance of various human resources activities such as staffing services, which consist of recruitment, examination, and placement activities; position classification and compensation; and employee services such as employee benefit, health and safety, employee counseling, and employee recognition. Human Resources Specialist Trainee 2 Five years of experience performing and supervising the performance of various human resources activities such as staffing services, which consist of recruitment, examination, and placement activities; position classification and compensation; and employee services such as employee benefit, health and safety, employee counseling, and employee recognition. Human Resources Specialist 1 (Journey-level) Six years of experience performing and supervising the performance of various human resources activities such as staffing services, which consist of recruitment, examination, and placement activities; position classification and compensation; and employee services such as employee benefit, health and safety, employee counseling, and employee recognition. Substitutions: Associate degree may substitute for two years of specialized experience; bachelor's degree may substitute for four years of specialized experience; master's degree may substitute five years of specialized experience; J.D. may substitute for six years of specialized experience. Additional Comments This is a Management Confidential position. The NYS Thruway Authority offers an extensive benefits package, including but not limited to paid time off, sick leave incentive, membership to the NYS Retirement System, and 90% tuition assistance. We offer FREE onsite employee parking. Our telecommuting program offers up to 20% (two days per pay period) upon completion of at least three months of satisfactory performance and appropriate approvals. Additional policy guidelines and work hours may be discussed during the interview. Additional Pay Information The salary range for this position includes all applicable annual components of pay which are: Base Pay: $50784 up to job rate of $90573 Recruitment & Retention Pay: $7000 This position may be filled as a traineeship. The starting salaries for this traineeship are outlined below. For current New York State employees, salary is based on the candidate’s salary at the time of hire. $50784 (Trainee 1, equated to SG-14) $58609 (Trainee 2, equated to SG-16) $65391 (Journey Level, SG-18) Eligibility for Employment All potential candidates for this position must be legally eligible to work in the United States at the time of appointment and throughout your employment with the New York State Thruway Authority. If appointed, you will be required to produce documents that verify your identity and authorization to work in the United States, as required by the Federal Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, and the Immigration and Nationality Act. Please be advised, the New York State Thruway Authority does not use eVerify, and we are unable to provide sponsorship for employment visa statuses (i.e. H-1B, Self-Sponsorship, STEM OPT). Equal Opportunity Employer The New York State Thruway Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All individuals including women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. New York State Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination based on age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, familial status, citizen or immigration status, sex, disability, marital status, gender identity or expression, prior arrests, prior conviction records, predisposing genetic characteristics or domestic violence victim status. The Thruway Authority is committed to a workplace free from discrimination based on the referenced characteristics and other federal and state protected characteristics. The New York State Thruway Authority provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Bureau of Accessibility, Equity, Diversity and Employee Engagement at View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr