Ulster BOCES is seeking an Employee Benefits Specialist for a full-time, 12 month position. The specialist's primary focus will be the management of all activities relating to attendance, Workers' Compensation, disability benefits, FMLA and other leaves of absence. The ideal candidate has several years of experience in human resources and employee benefits administration; has excellent writing and technical skills, and is passionate about technology; has a curious and analytical mind; is solution and results-driven, and works well under pressure. They also possess a positive, can-do attitude. High integrity, a strong work ethic, honesty, and a collaborative spirit are a must. The position is client-facing and requires a high level of customer service and professional courtesy. This is an excellent opportunity for a human resources professional looking to enter the public education sector. Regionally competitive salary and benefits. All Civil Service laws, rules and regulations apply. Fingerprinting required.

Civil Service Classification: Competitive. Merit and fitness competitive examination applies.

Salary commensurate with experience and training. Salary range: $57,000 to $67,000.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 
An employee in this class is responsible for assisting employees and retirees with all benefits.  The incumbent provides assistance and guidance concerning entitlements under benefits established in collective bargaining agreements, terms and conditions, and personnel policies. The employee also has responsibility for preparing benefits-related reports and summaries, and serving as day-to-day liaison brokers, benefits carriers, service providers and vendors.  The work performed under the general supervision of a higher level employee with leeway allowed for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative in work methods.  Supervision is not a responsibility in this class.  Does related work as required.

SPECIFIC DUTES:

1. Conducts new employee benefits orientation and onboarding, advising on benefit options and coverage eligibility during and after employment, including Family Medical Leave (FMLA), Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), and retirement (as per the applicable collective bargaining agreement/terms and conditions);
2. Oversees the administration of enrollments, changes and terminations for all active employees and retirees;
3. Responds to employee and retiree inquiries regarding benefits, eligibility and rates, and works with benefits carriers to resolve issues, when needed;
4. Answers employee and retiree questions regarding employment and retirement policies, practices, procedures and rights.
5. Conducts employee benefits off-boarding, including review of coverage end dates, COBRA continuation, attendance balances, and unemployment insurance eligibility.
6. Serves as Ulster BOCES liaison to benefits carriers and vendors, and assists with the reconciliation of monthly billing statements to ensure proper payment and enrollment subscribers;
7. Maintains retiree roster and oversees retiree billing, including retiree payments and adjustments, and Medicare Part B;
8. Manages employee attendance and leave, including Disability, Worker's Compensation and unpaid leave, and monitors attendance balances and benefits eligibility;
9. Assists with Human Resources Information Systems and employee records management, in accordance with Ulster County BOCES policies and regulatory requirements
10. Organizes annual benefits open-enrollment activities and notifies employees and retirees of options and/or changes in benefits, including employee contribution rates;
11. Maintains detailed records pertaining to insurance policies, carriers and services (coverage);
12. Maintains the benefits pages of the Ulster County BOCES website;
13. Assists with organizing and conducting employee benefits fairs, as well as wellness programs and seminars;
14. Keeps informed of statutory and regulatory changes in benefit areas that may impact Ulster County BOCES.