<p>The Human Resources Department seeks to provide leadership and expertise on human resource matters by serving as internal consultants to University employees. It is the goal of the Human Resources Department to develop and support a diverse workforce; to attract and retain quality employees; to facilitate open, two-way communications between supervisory and staff personnel; provide competitive total rewards; to develop and maintain a climate of mutual trust, confidence and sensitivity to the needs of our employees and the University; and to build and enhance motivation, a spirit of cooperation and job satisfaction. We seek to serve as advocates for equity, diversity and inclusion, to provide excellent customer service and to strengthen and support the University in achieving its aspirations through the human dimension.</p> <p>Accountabilities</p> <p>The Human Resources Associate for Benefits is primarily responsible for providing support in the area of benefits administration including leave administration.</p> <p>Specific Accountabilities include but are not limited to:</p> <ul> <li>Conduct new hire benefits orientations and follow up to ensure timely receipt of benefit enrollment forms and accurate payroll deductions. Update the online benefits system with enrollments and changes. </li><li>Assist employees and retirees with questions and issues related to insurance plans and leave programs in accordance with HIPAA privacy regulations. Resolve enrollment issues as needed. </li><li>Prepare pension and long-term disability (LTD) eligibility letters and ensure appropriate information is shared for timely payroll deductions. </li><li>Provide support during the annual Benefits Open Enrollment period, including coordinating all aspects of mailings (ordering supplies, envelope preparation, printing requests, web uploads, etc.) and following up with HR staff and employees. </li><li>Assist with processing Paid Family Leave (PFL) and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requests, including submitting claims, processing correspondence, and tracking leave usage. </li><li>Review monthly benefit plan enrollment reconciliations and coordinate resolution of discrepancies. </li><li>Assist with processing Workers' Compensation claims, including filing claims, managing lost-time and benefit payment arrangements for payroll purposes, coordinating with the WC carrier on bill reviews, processing payments, reviewing and paying the NY Hospital surcharge, and tracking claims for reporting and analysis (e.g., OSHA logs and internal reviews). </li><li>Assist with processing disability claims by coordinating timely filing, managing lost-time and benefit payment arrangements for payroll purposes, serving as a liaison between employees and carriers, ensuring follow-up medical documentation is obtained, and providing information regarding long-term disability claims. </li><li>Prepare termination letters as provided by audit reports and submit updates in the online benefits system. </li><li>Assist with processing Work-Related Tuition Benefits, Tuition-Free Courses, and CHEG including distributing forms, preparing approval letters, notifying payroll of classes scheduled during work hours, and tracking and processing reimbursements. </li><li>Serve as primary backup for the HRA-Payroll area and Administrative Department Coordinator during peak times and in the absence of other staff members. </li><li>Complete special projects and assignments as needed (e.g., brochures, mailings, and special events). </li><li>Works as a member of a team and provides coverage and assistance as required. </li></ul>