HR Generalist, Benefits & Leaves

SUMMARY   

Reporting to the Director of Human Resources this position is a key component in the Human Resources operations for Benefits and Leaves activity.  This position requires maintaining an excellent working relationship with administrative and program departments. Frequent daily contact with department managers is required to maintain the smooth flow of information necessary to support the identified HR responsibilities. Provide excellent customer service to staff and assist staff with their questions.    

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

The duties and responsibilities of the HR Generalist, Benefits & Leaves, will include, but are not limited to the following:

• Work with Broker to recommend and implement new benefits programs. Examine possible plan designs and benefits cost changes. 
• Serve as primary contact for plan vendors and third-party administrators. 
• Coordinate transfer of data to external contacts for services, premiums and plan administration. 
• Evaluate and revise internal processes to reduce costs and increase efficiency. 
• Document and maintain administrative procedures for assigned benefits processes. 
• Ensure compliance with applicable government regulations. Ensure timeliness and accuracy of required notices. 
• Coordinate daily benefits processing. Handle enrollments, COBRA, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, disability, accident and death claims, rollovers, loans, hardships and compliance testing. 
• Oversee maintenance of employee benefits files, maintain group benefits database and update employee payroll records. 
• Monthly reconciliation of all benefit plans for payment. 
• Complete benefits surveys and review information obtained from the results. 
• Provide customer service support to employees and external vendors. 
• Develop communication tools to enhance understanding of the company's benefits package. 
• Design and distribute materials for benefits orientations, open enrollment and summary plan descriptions. 
• Update HRIS system with new benefits for open enrollment through the system.
• Assist with setup of benefit file feeds.
• Oversee and administer leave requests for FMLA/PFL/Personal and short and long term disability leaves.  
• Update timecards for employees on leave in the HRIS system.
• Communicate with employees regarding their needs for leave and/or modified work schedules. Ensures that employees are aware of their responsibilities and of any documentation and notice required to qualify for and to take leave. 
• Handles the FMLA leave administration process from the employee’s initial notice of the need for leave to the return to work. This includes gathering and completing all required paperwork, determining leave eligibility, designating leave as FMLA-qualifying, requesting medical certification as needed, and accounting for intermittent and reduced schedule leave use. 
• Maintains reasonable communication with employees on leave to facilitate smooth and timely return to work; relays communication between employees and their managers during leave within reason. 
• Advises managers and employees on the interaction of leave laws with paid time off, workers compensation, and short-term and long-term disability benefits. 
• Oversees the return-to-work process for employees returning from extended FMLA, workers compensation, or other leave(s). 
• Facilitates other leave requests, which may include accommodation requests under the ADA. 
• 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. 
• Maintains knowledge of all applicable leave and accommodation laws including the FMLA, ADA, and state and local laws. 
• Performs other related duties as assigned. 
• Respond to employee inquiries.  Direct employees to proper contacts.
• Conduct exit interviews.
• Utilize expertise in diverse HR disciplines to provide comprehensive and effective HR support.
• Work with the HR Director to assist with and creation and implementation of HR Policies.  Updating and maintaining Employee Handbook.
• Employee Relations, when necessary conduct investigations as they relate to employee complaints or policy violations.
• Review Tuition Reimbursement applications for eligibility and timeliness, ensuring forms are completed and properly approved.
• Process approved applications and inform employees if denied, provide employees with update and reason for denial.
• Upon completion of courses, review employee information submitted with respect to grade received and bill from learning institution.
• Process reimbursement for properly submitted reimbursement requests.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Ability to read, write, speak and understand English. 
• Good interpersonal skills are required in order to interact effectively with employees, co-workers, other departments, outside contacts, etc. 
• Proficiency in the use of a personal computer. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and E-Mail. 
• Due to sensitive nature of the position, must be able to maintain the strictest confidentiality. 
• Ability to analyze problems and recommend corrective measures. 
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple tasks. 
• Good organizational skills. 
• Good oral and written communications skills. 
• Willing to travel on a regular basis to various agency program sites. 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE  

• Bachelor’s Degree in the Human Resources or related field. 

Salary Range: $60,000 - $75,000 per year