The Leaves & Benefits Specialist is a vital contributor to the Human Resources Team. This exciting role will assist in providing services throughout the College community by delivering exceptional customer service to employees, managers, and external parties by responding to inquiries regarding leave programs, employee benefits, and other agencies associated with state employment. The L&B Specialist will work closely with the HR Leaves & Benefits Manager in a variety of HR activities including payroll processing. Opportunities to develop a variety of skills in the field of human resources through continuous professional development and training with experienced human resources professionals.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Ensures compliance with collective bargaining agreements, Federal and State laws, rules, and regulations as well as agency policies.
Works with HR/CMS on a variety of HR transactions in partnership HR Payroll Team.
Perform payroll related duties as required.
Serves as the College's ADA Coordinator and works with employees on providing expertise on the review, decision, approval and administrating of accommodations.
Monitors several reports to ensure accurate processing of leave time and generates and reviews reports to ensure accuracy of agency payroll information as it relates to employee leaves.
Processes all HR correspondence and inquiries from employees and/or external parties.
Stay abreast of any benefit changes; update procedures and informational materials; and inform employees.
Advise employees of their benefit options and process necessary forms to enroll employees and their family members.
Process employees' benefit changes and updates.
Maintain all necessary records of benefit programs.
At least bi-annually, reconcile GIC records with college records ensuring that all employees have the benefits for which they are entitled and desire.
Works as an intermediary to effectively coordinate all Federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML).
Track employees on approved leaves and inform employees' supervisors of dates of absence and leave status.
Receive and process applications for workers compensation with appropriate agencies.
Serve as a liaison to the State Retirement System and assist employees to understand and meet requirements of the retirement process.
Coordinate information sessions with vendors to provide employees information on open enrollment for health insurance, pension plans, retirement options.
Inform new employees of their benefits during hire and at new employee orientation.
Attend annual professional development trainings and stay current with changes to leave and benefits rules, and regulations
Other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements:
Associate degree in Business Administration, Human Resources or other related field, and/or two (2+) plus years of experience in benefits administration or as a personnel professional
Ability to exercise effective judgment and discretion in handling confidential materials, and sensitivity to changing needs and situations.
Ability to work independently and contribute to the success of the department as a team player.
Capable to work effectively in a dynamic, time-sensitive, high-volume environment.
Able to communicate effectively in both written and oral expressions to convey information.
Skilled to use technology to improve workflow processes and automate daily tasks.
Ability to explain complex information simply.
Knowledge of Government and State regulations; ability to interpret complex State regulations
Demonstrated knowledge of Commonwealth of Massachusetts employee benefit systems.
Strong Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite Tools
Knowledge and experience in video conferencing tools such as Zoom and Teams.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the workplace.
Willingness to attend to meetings (In-person & Virtual) throughout the Commonwealth as necessary.
Preferred Qualifications:
Knowledge of FMLA Rules, Regulations, and processes.
Experience working as a HR Professional in higher education
Professional experience working in HR/CMS including leaves administration, specifically working knowledge and experience with FMLA, PFML, Workers' Compensation, and payroll
Strong consultative and presentation skills to ensure high-quality customer service.
Experience working in a union environment.
Additional Information:
Salary Range: $48,000- $52,000 annually, actually salary commensurate with experience. This position is a part-time benefited position
Employees of Roxbury Community College are considered employees of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and receive benefits that include:
High quality and affordable health insurance through the Commonwealth's Group Insurance Commission (GIC)
Reasonable Dental and Vision Plans
Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Assistance programs
Low cost basic and optional life insurance
Retirement Savings: State Employees' Pension or Optional Retirement Program (ORP) and Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan or 403(b).
12 paid holidays per year and competitive Sick, Vacation and Personal Time
Tuition Benefit for employees and dependents at state colleges and universities
Short-Term Disability and Extended Illness program participation options
Professional Development and Continuing Education opportunities
Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
Cell Phone Bill Discounts with Verizon and T-Mobile Cell Phone Carriers
Access to the Commonwealth's Mass4You, employee assistance program
Free employee parking on the Roxbury Campus
Public Transportation is available to the College via the MBTA Orange Line Roxbury Crossing Station & connecting bus stops which is an eight-minute walk to the campus.
Location: Roxbury campus
Hours: 30 hours per week, Monday-Friday 10:00AM-4:00PM schedule will be flexible depending on the needs of the office and HR College events. this position will be eligible for telework in accordance with the College's telework policy.
Roxbury Community College is an urban, public, 2-year College serving a diverse community including people of color, recent immigrants and nontraditional populations. The College mission is to facilitate student success in achieving educational goals through the delivery of high quality transfer and career programs. RCC strives to honor traditional commitments, and to be responsive to new challenges and insights through workforce training, ESOL and community education.