05857 - Human Resources Benefits Specialist

Human Resources Benefits Specialist

Administer the Commonwealth's employee benefit programs and leave policies available in state government, as well as Federal policies to VDOT staff. How you will contribute:

• Benefit Training and Education: Plan, direct and lead open enrollment sessions and communications using various media to deliver the message. Conduct training on relevant benefit programs and or issues as changes occur. Provide technical advice and training to employees, managers, payroll and HR staff to ensure the office has a competent back-up to cover the full scope of operations during times of need.
• Data Management and Reporting: Ensure accuracy and timely processing of all benefit and employee related payroll and personnel transactions by coordinating data submittals with the Shared Services team within established timelines. Upload and post benefit and employee related data in personnel records in conjunction with Shared Services to ensure proper recording and maintenance of personnel files. Coordinate with Payroll and the Shared Services team to resolve data discrepancies. Track injury and illness data reported by management, complete reports including OSHA 300, OSHA 300-A, and distribute in accordance with VDOT policies. Perform OSHA recordkeeping.
• Health and Life Insurance Administration: Work with Total Rewards Team and Department of Human Resources Management on benefits issues, policies and changes. Inform and explain programs to individual employees. Plan, develop, coordinate and conduct new employee orientation and other informational presentations for classified and wage employees. Ensure policy interpretations and consultations are consistent. Work with participants seeking changes to insurance plans and collect supporting documentation. Coordinate with Shared Services team to process benefits changes in systems. Promote online use of benefits programs and systems at all times in order to reduce administrative tasks and paper process.
• Leave Program Administration: Provide advice and guidance to employees and managers on leave programs offered by the Commonwealth. Research issues related to leave and leave balances, and provide assistance in order to resolve problems.
• Retirement Administration: Counsel employees regarding benefit programs to meet their needs for retirement planning. Implement and develop various communication techniques for the employee population. Review notification letters from VRS and ensure employees retiring receive all necessary forms and extended coverage information. Consult with employee regarding health coverage, options and costs and required time to notify. Answer questions about continuation of other benefits and disability credits. Key disability credit balances into system. Ensure payroll coordinator has calculated leave payout. Track retirement applications in process and those that are completed. Verify VNAV reports to ensure they are accurate and complete and coordinate corrections with Shared Services team. Prepare cost letters for purchase of service.
• VSDP and Disability Case Management: Provide oversight for all aspects of employee claim processes from initial report to final claim payment for VSDP, WC, ADA, FMLA, Return to Work. Provide advice and guidance to employees and supervisors in all areas of disability case management. Work with supervisors to identify transitional work assignments that can be performed. Monitor work schedules and leave, and update databases.
• Worker's Compensation Administration: Administer Worker's Compensation program resolving policy or work related issues, return to work issues and accessibility to ADA. Monitor claims through database and provide reports regarding trends of work related issues. Verify data entry of accident and injury database content and maintain data as needed going forward. Coordinate with Shared Services team to process transactions as needed.

What will make you successful:

• Ability to analyze claim submissions, determine eligibility and provide guidance and direction to customer groups.
• Ability to develop database spreadsheets.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to interpret medical and legal terminology as it relates to Worker's Compensations and Risk Management.
• Ability to organize, develop and prepare information summaries in case resolution.
• Ability to organize, develop and prepare statistical reports derived from daily data updates.
• Knowledge in the coordination of disability coverage and Worker's Compensation benefits.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of Human Resource Management with emphasis on Worker's Compensation, third party sick leave and Family Medical Leave benefits.
• Knowledge of Virginia Worker's Compensation Act, applicable case law and related Federal and State law and procedures.
• Knowledge of the principles and application of disability benefits, return to work processes and case management.
• Skill in providing good customer service and providing guidance and direction to employees and managers.
• Skill in the use of computers and software applications.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to analyze claim submissions, determine eligibility, provide guidance and direction to customer groups.
• Ability to develop database spreadsheets.
• Ability to organize, develop and prepare information summaries in case resolution.
• Knowledge in the coordination of disability coverage and Worker's Compensation benefits.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of Human Resource Management with emphasis on Worker's Compensation, third party sick leave and Family Medical Leave benefits.
• Knowledge of Virginia Worker's Compensation Act, applicable case law and related Federal and State law and procedures.
• Knowledge of the principles and application of disability benefits, return to work processes and case management.
• Skill in the use of computers and software applications.

Additional Considerations:

• A combination of training, experience, or education in Business Administration, Human Resources or related field desired.
• Experience with State benefits and leave programs, detailed elements of Risk management, Insurance Claims processing, Program Administration, and HR software databases as well as use of transactional spreadsheet resources.
• PHR or CBP certification.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer