HR Benefits Specialist (HEOa)

Position Overview Reporting directly to the HR Benefits Manager, the HR Benefits Specialist administers, implements, and ensures compliance with Lehman College and CUNY benefits policies and regulations. The role supports a diverse workforce, advising faculty and staff on benefits matters and coordinating with various benefits carriers and retirement systems. Responsibilities Designs and administers benefits orientation, open enrollment informational sessions, and employee meetings related to benefits such as health insurance, pension, flexible spending accounts, life, supplemental annuity, dental, employee assistance programs, leave, and transit benefits. Assists with worker’s compensation and unemployment insurance activities. Maintains an in-depth understanding of CUNY rules, regulations, laws, collective bargaining agreements, and college policies and applies them to responsibilities. Advises faculty and staff on HR benefits policies and procedures, responds to inquiries, and resolves issues with a high level of customer service. Provides retirement information and determines eligibility for retiree health benefits and pension. Facilitates and conducts orientation sessions/workshops for new employees and other informational sessions as needed. Tracks health‑care eligibility for part‑time employees. Manages data integrity of benefits records and assists with benefits‑related audits and logs. Reviews termination paperwork and COBRA eligibility. Serves as liaison with Office of Labor Relations, CUNY Central Benefits, Payroll Offices, TIAA, NYCTRS, NYCERS, PSC‑CUNY Welfare Fund, other welfare funds, EAP, and health‑insurance carriers. Provides service and salary history to retirement systems. Assists the HR Benefits Manager with special projects and performs related duties as assigned. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree and four years of related experience. Experience in a CUNY College HR department or unionized higher‑education environment preferred. In‑depth knowledge and experience in benefits administration. Strong work ethic, ability to maintain confidentiality and safeguard employee information. Ability to interact collaboratively in a team, assisting diverse faculty and staff. Excellent customer service, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills. Professional discretion, confidentiality, and high ethical standards when interacting with all staff levels. Ability to take direction and work proactively in a team environment. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), Outlook, and PeopleSoft or other HRIS. CUNY Title Overview Organizes and provides employee benefits programs for faculty and staff and coordinates benefits matters on behalf of a college or unit. Counsels and assists staff on employee benefits matters. Designs, creates, and conducts workshops and employee meetings related to benefits changes, including the annual open enrollment period. Administers college benefits, providing information to carriers, retirement systems, welfare funds, and others as needed, managing data accuracy and completeness. Coordinates complex programs such as worker’s compensation or leaves of absence. Compiles data, monitors benefits statistics, prepares required and ad‑hoc reports, and conducts routine periodic audits of data entry. Represents the college at university benefits related meetings. Develops and maintains employee benefits manuals, newsletter, policy descriptions, and other materials; maintains benefits‑related information on the college website. Maintains accurate, confidential employee records. Performs related duties as assigned. Compensation & Benefits Salary commensurate with education and experience, ranging from $57,252 to $70,815. CUNY’s benefits package includes health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits, savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study, generous paid time off, and access to extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs across campuses. Equal Employment Opportunity CUNY is an equal opportunity employer. People with disabilities, minorities, veterans, and women are encouraged to apply. CUNY also includes Italian Americans among its protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr Lehman College