Benefits Specialist
: Job Details :

Position DetailsSummary Operating Title Benefits SpecialistLong Classification Title Human Resources CoordinatorCampus Location DurhamDepartment UNH HR EnterpriseSummary of Position The Benefits Specialist is an HR Shared Services team member who administers the full life cycle of all leaves for USNH staff and faculty including one or a combination of the following: FMLA, STD, LTD, Military Leaves, Workers Compensation and paid/unpaid personal leaves. This position will work to administer employee leaves of absence in accordance with university policies and federal and state leave regulations, while providing instruction, guidance and excellent customer service to employees and managers. The Benefits Specialist assists employees with various benefit related issues, concerns or requests for service in accordance with University System-wide policies regarding assigned benefits programs, while maintaining a very high degree of confidentiality.Acceptable minimum level of education Associate'sAcceptable minimum years of experience 3-5 yearsAdditional Job InformationPosting Number PS4841FY25Other minimum qualifications * Associate degree and 3 years of professional experience in HR or a related field, or combination of higher education and professional experience equivalent to 5 years. * Extensive knowledge of the leave requirements and other legal protections afforded by the FLSA, FMLA, ADA, workers compensation and other applicable laws. * General knowledge of state leave laws, focus on those in New Hampshire and neighboring New England States * Ability to work independently and as part of a team. * Effective written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to communicate with all levels of the organization. * Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills. * Demonstrated successful process improvement skills. * Proven follow-through skills to complete tasks, projects and resolve issues in a timely manner. * Proven ability to manage competing priorities and multi-task in a high-volume environment while maintaining a strong attention to detail.Additional Preferred Qualifications * Knowledge of State leave laws and regulations across the US. * Familiarity with State and Federal employment law. * Experience with HCM and Time and Leave Management systems.Salary Information Salary is complemented by a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, retirement, tuition, and paid time off.Quicklink for Posting Percent Time Information (FTE) 1.00Grade 16EEO Statement

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access/Affirmative Action employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.

Institution Information The University of New Hampshire is an R1 Carnegie classification research institution providing comprehensive, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs of distinction. UNH is located in Durham on a 188-acre campus, 60 miles north of Boston and 8 miles from the Atlantic coast and is convenient to New Hampshire's lakes and mountains. There is a student enrollment of 13,000 students, with a full-time faculty of over 600, offering 90 undergraduate and more than 70 graduate programs. The University actively promotes a dynamic learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, life experiences, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry. The UNH Diversity Resource Guide with information and programming available in the seacoast area, New Hampshire, and the region can be found here: Posting Details Posting Date 09/17/2024Open Until Filled YesClosing DatePosting Open to Internal Candidates Only? NoInterested Internal Candidates Exist? NoJob Category Hourly Staff (Non-Exempt)Appointment Type RegularIf TERM position provide projected end dateEquipment/InstrumentsDrivers License and Physical Requirements. Please check all items that apply. None applicableDuties / ResponsibilitiesJob Duties Duty/Responsibility Leave of Absence Administration:

• Oversees the administration of Leave of Absence programs including FMLA and Disability.
• Communicates with employees regarding their needs for leave, ensuring that employees have eligibility information and know how to request leave and/or file a claim with the respective vendor for the type of leave they are seeking. Ensure that the employee understands their responsibilities and any documentation and notice required to qualify for and to take leave.
• Advises managers and employees on the interaction of leave laws with paid time off, FMLA, and short-term and long-term disability benefits including variations to USNH policies in accordance with collectively bargained agreements.
• Maintains knowledge of applicable leave and accommodation laws including the FMLA, ADA, state/ local laws. Maintains compliance with federal and state leave of absence regulations to ensure FMLA and/or LOA is managed in accordance with the university's policies and procedures and applicable federal and state regulations.
• Collaborate with leave administration vendor partners in the approval, processing and tracking of leaves. Maintain simultaneous leave records, generate leave-related letters, process leave transactions in the Time and Leave Management system, update any other internal systems as necessary, and manage communications with employees, their departments and their HR Business Partner.
• Maintains complete and accurate records of leave and accommodation requests in accordance with specified legal requirements and documentation of best practices.
• Preserves confidentiality of employee medical documentation and files.
• Process benefit premium billing for employees who are on an unpaid leave of absence.
• Actively engage in process improvements.

Duty/Responsibility Employee Benefits Administration:

• Support all employees with inquiries and concerns related to the USNH Benefits Programs, including medical, dental, vision insurance, and retirement savings plan. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of all USNH Benefits.
• Provides effective and timely responses to employee inquiries received by walk-in, phone or shared email box. Escalate concerns that are outside scope, complicated or highly sensitive to subject matter experts, as appropriate.
• Assist employees with claims issues by directing them to client services teams and monitor ongoing issues for timely resolution at the vendor level.
• Participates in assigned New Hire Orientations by presenting benefit information and ensuring that employees are enrolled in benefit programs on a timely basis. Updates orientation materials in conjunction with any relevant benefit plan changes or enhancements.
• Provide follow-up and one-on-one with new hire questions and difficulty navigating through enrollment (insurance and retirement plans).
• Support annual Open Enrollment by facilitating Benefit Fair(s), prepare and present information sessions and by assisting employees with the online enrollment process.
• Share knowledge with other benefit support staff and update FAQs and other employee self-service materials. Support HR Colleagues on campus wide, educational employee benefit programs and events, as requested.

Duty/Responsibility Workers Compensation Administration:

• Oversees and is responsible for the management of the workers' compensation program including the processing of all work-related injuries and illnesses to ensure compliance with USNH policies and state regulations. Review accident and injury reports to determine proper actions under workers' compensation laws and regulations; coordinate information with the third-party claims adjuster; analyze computer data for reports.
• Based on knowledge, and interpretation of policies, procedures, and regulations; calculate actual loss time, lost wages to be paid, and return to work arrangements for injured employees. Document in the Time and Leave Management and Incident Reporting systems as required. Interface as needed with legal counsel and attorneys involving claims and litigations.
• On a periodic basis, review ongoing claims and resolutions with the vendors, 3rd party advisors and HR Leadership. Attend quarterly campus safety meetings as assigned.
• Develop, provide, and arrange for training programs related to workers' compensation procedures, benefits and policies. Coordinate and interface with Environmental Health & Safety Officer and insurance carrier risk management on accident investigations, prevention, and review new programs to reduce work-related accidents and injuries.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Do you meet the definition of an Internal Candidate? Internal Candidates include: (1) active status employees who have completed the introductory period and (2) adjunct staff members who have been employed within USNH for at least 12 months in total and who have worked at least 1,000 hours during the 12 month period preceding the application for the position. Student employment does not apply toward internal status eligibility.

• Yes
• No

Documents Needed to Apply Required Documents

Resume/Vita

Cover Letter

Optional Documents