HR Benefits Specialist (HEOa)

HR Benefits Specialist (HEOa) Position Details Lehman College, of The City University of New York, ranks among the top five institutions in the nation for fostering social mobility. A four-year Hispanic-Serving Institution in the Bronx, Lehman offers bachelor’s, master’s, and advanced degrees and certificate programs in the Liberal Arts, sciences, and professions. The College’s community-driven mission and notable academic programs attract a diverse, international enrollment of over 15,000 students who take courses on its 37-acre, tree-lined campus and online degree programs. Many thousands more community members benefit yearly from its active cultural, educational, health, and economic outreach programs and services. Responsibilities Designs and administers employees' benefits orientation, open enrollment informational sessions, and employee meetings related to benefits including but not limited to health insurance plans, pension plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, supplemental annuity accounts, dental programs, employee assistance programs (EAP), leave and transit benefits. Assists with activities related to worker’s compensation and unemployment insurance. Maintains an in-depth understanding of CUNY rules and regulations, relevant laws and guidelines, collective bargaining agreements, and College policies, and applies these to his/her areas of responsibility. Advises faculty and staff on Human Resources benefits policies and procedures; responds to inquiries and provides timely resolution of 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 informational sessions as needed. Tracks Health Care eligibility for part-time employees. Manages the data integrity of benefits records and provides assistance with all benefits related audits and logs. Reviews termination paperwork and COBRA eligibility. Serves as the liaison with Office of Labor Relations, CUNY Central Benefits, Payroll Offices, TIAA, NYC Teachers' Retirement System, NYCERS, PSC-CUNY Welfare Fund and other welfare funds, employee assistance program (EAP) and health insurance carriers. Provides service and salary history for the retirement systems. Assists the HR Benefits Manager in special projects and performs related duties as assigned. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree and four years’ related experience required. Experience in Human Resources department of City University of New York (CUNY) College, or unionized, higher education environment preferred. In-depth knowledge and experience in benefits administration. A strong work ethic and ability to maintain confidentiality and safeguard employee information. Ability to interact and work collaboratively on a team in assisting diverse faculty and staff members. Excellent customer service, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills. Ability to interact with all levels of staff exhibiting professional discretion, confidentiality, and high ethical standards. Ability to take direction and work proactively in a team environment. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access), Outlook, and PeopleSoft or other Human Resources Information System. 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 and 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. May coordinate 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 for the College, CUNY Central, and outside parties as needed. Represents the College at University benefits related meetings. Develops and maintains employee benefits manuals, newsletter, policy descriptions, and other needed materials; maintains benefits-related information on College web site. Maintains accurate, confidential employee records. Performs related duties as assigned. Compensation and Benefits Salary commensurate with education and experience, $57,252-$70,815. CUNY’s benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world. Equal Employment Opportunity CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our 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. Job Title Name HR Benefits Specialist CUNY Title Higher Education Assistant FLSA Non-exempt Location Lehman College #J-18808-Ljbffr City University of New York