What are the responsibilities and job description for the Benefits and Leaves Specialist position at Lewis & Clark College?
Working at Lewis & Clark College
The campus is located on 137 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds in Portland’s southwest hills. Our strong commitment to sustainability is reinforced through recycling programs, energy conservation, alternative transportation options, and farm to fork initiatives. For benefit-eligible positions, we offer a competitivebenefits package that includes options for health, dental, vision, tuition, life insurance, retirement and more.
Lewis & Clark College is committed to achieving a diverse workforce. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status, such as race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or age.
PRIMARY PURPOSE
The Benefits and Leaves Specialist will assist with the daily functions of the Human Resource department including processing benefits and leaves, answering HR queries from
employees, and enforcing college policies and practices. This position reports to the Chief Human Resources Officer.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Leaves Administration
Handles all long-term absences, including FMLA, OFLA, PLO, and disability leave administration process from the employee’s initial notice of the need for leave to the return to work; provide employees with accurate information on deductions from pay relating to absences, medical certification requirements, return-to-work dates, etc.
Maintain reasonable communication with employees, managers, and third-party administrators on leave to facilitate smooth and timely return to work; advise employees and managers on the interaction of leave laws with paid time off, workers compensation, and short-term and long-term disability benefits
Oversee the return-to-work process for employees returning from extended FMLA, workers compensation, or other leave(s)
Facilitate other leave requests, which may include accommodation requests under the ADA
Receive and process accident reports and workers’ compensation claims and file all insurance forms and reports in a timely manner
Establish and maintain contact with injured employees and provide assistance with claims and obtaining health care as appropriate
Communicate with workers’ compensation insurance carrier, doctors, nurses, campuses, and health care providers to ensure appropriate processing of claims
Work closely with campus and department administrators and supervisors to facilitate reporting work-related illnesses and injuries
Benefit Administration
Manage all benefit and retirement programs from plan design through day-to-day administration, including 403(b) and 457(b) retirement plans, group medical, dental, and life insurance, disability plans, flexible spending accounts, and employee assistance plan
Manage tuition programs
Responsible for benefit compliance related reporting and communication to meet all state and federal mandates
Assists employees regarding benefits claim issues and plan changes; escalates and resolves benefit issues
Manage annual open enrollment and wellness fair
Conduct audits of internal benefits policies and procedures, plan documents, and summary plan descriptions
Conduct new employee benefits orientation; ensure new hire enrollment in medical / dental plans; provide education regarding benefits plans and college policies and procedures
Ensure compliance with retirement plan documents in regard to eligibility, participation, and enrollment in 403(b) and 457(b) plans
Provide educational resources and opportunities for financial planning with retirement vendors and other resources
Ensure the accuracy of all benefits enrollments in the HRIS to provide vendors with accurate eligibility information
Prepare all benefit premiums monthly
Balance the budget accounts and provide budget projections as requested
Support Departmental Objectives
Build, adapt, and maintain tools and reports
Suggest strategies for process improvements
Develop and maintain documentation and standards
Support change management processes within the department
Train new and existing employees on systems and processes
Provide support and advice on cross-functional projects
Participate in team meetings; provide knowledge, support, and advice for interdepartmental process improvements, projects, or policy revisions
Other duties as assigned by the AVP & CHRO
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES & BEHAVIORS
Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality
Proficient knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations
Proficient writing and documentation experience with demonstrated success in effective messaging
Proficient expertise in excel and analytical analysis and reporting
Proficient understanding of the financial and business acumen to drive profitability
Proficient presentation and public speaking
Proficient knowledge of employee benefits and applicable laws
Proficient knowledge of the leave requirements and other legal protections afforded by the FMLA, ADA, and other applicable laws
Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills
Commitment to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace
Superior time management skills with a proven ability to efficiently manage multiple, concurrent, time-sensitive projects and priorities
Superior problem-solving abilities to meet ambiguous and multicultural needs
Extremely organized with meticulous attention to detail
REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in Human Resource administration
PREFERRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE
Two years of leaves and / or benefits administration experience preferred
Human Resources Certification preferred
Workday experience preferred
WORK SCHEDULE
Full Time
37.5 hours / week
Benefits Eligible : Yes
PAY RATE
FLSA STATUS : Exempt
Starting at $63,000 per year with consideration for experience
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
General office environment
Regular office hours
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, working on a computer
Communicate effectively via phone, email, online meetings, and in person
Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times
Salary : $63,000
