Specialist, Benefits

Harford Community College (HCC) has been a vital part of Harford County since 1957. As a mid-sized, comprehensive institution, we're committed to delivering high-quality education and cultural enrichment to our community. Our mission is to provide relevant, accessible education and training that connects individuals to opportunities in an ever-evolving world. As an Achieving the Dream institution, HCC is part of a national network dedicated to enhancing student success in community colleges. To learn more about our vision and values, visit our website.

Harford Community College is committed to the principles of Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity. It is the policy of Harford Community College not to discriminate against applicants on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law with regard to any employment practices. HCC is an EEO and ADA/ADAA employer that values, embraces, and supports diversity in the College community.

Excellent benefits package, including 2 weeks paid college break, 15 days of sick leave, and 18 days paid vacation. Eligible for health, vision and dental benefits, flexible spending accounts, identity theft plan, and legal benefit plan. Receive paid basic life & long-term disability insurance; employee paid supplemental life insurance available. Participation is required the mandatory retirement plan & two optional retirement plans are available (403b with match after 1 year & 457b). Receive paid basic life & long-term disability insurance. Tuition waiver for HCC classes and tuition reimbursement are also available!

The Benefits Specialist manages and administers the day to day College's benefits & retirement programs. This role manages various benefit programs such as health, dental, vision, life insurance, and other supplemental benefits. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to benefits.

Oversees communications and resources for employees: Develops and implements employee communication strategies to promote awareness and understanding of benefit programs. Conducts benefit orientation and annual enrollment benefit sessions as needed. Oversight of benefits administration portal and website. Prepares and distributes benefits-related materials, such as benefits guides, handbooks, brochures, and newsletters.

Assists with Vendor Management: Coordinates with insurance providers, third-party administrators, and other benefits vendors. Work with the Manager of Payroll and Benefits to manage vendor contracts, ensuring cost-effectiveness and quality of services. Work directly with vendors to process employee enrollment changes and terminations in benefits plans. Audits plans/reviews discrepancy reports to maintain accurate and up-to-date benefit records and employee data.

Employee Leave Program: Effectively reviews and interprets FMLA, Discretionary Leave, FAMLI, Sick and Safe Leave along with ADA requests for completeness and processes requests in a timely manner to satisfy compliance requirements. Administers other college programs such as annual, sick, personal and unpaid leaves, and workers compensation in accordance with internal policy and applicable laws.

Employee Education: Educates and enrolls employees, answers questions and resolves issues. This is accomplished through proactive communication with employees, vendors, carriers, brokers, and third-party administrators.

Evaluate Benefit Programs: Prepares reports and analyzes data related to benefit plans and contributions rates. Analyzes and recommends new benefit programs or changes to existing ones. Ensures compliance with reporting requirements and deadlines.

Must either be a certified Maryland State Retirement Coordinator or be able to obtain certification within the first 6 months of employment.

Employees of Harford Community College, including instructors for online and virtual courses, must be residents of Maryland or the contiguous states of Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia or the District of Columbia; non-residents are expected to relocate to meet this requirement.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States, as the College does not offer Visa sponsorship for this position

Associate's degree OR high school diploma/GED with A minimum of 3 years of progressive benefits administration experience and at least 1 year of Human Resources experience

A minimum of 3 years of benefits administration experience AND 1 year of experience managing retirement plans AND 1 year of experience managing leave of absence (LOA) programs

Monday to Friday 9 a.m.- 5.p.m or 8:30 a.m.- 4:30p.m.