Senior Benefits Generalist

Job Summary

:

The Senior Benefits Generalist will report directly to the Director, Employee/Labor Relations & Benefits and is responsible for collaborating with employees and supervisors to solve human resources-related issues related to benefits administration. The Senior Benefits Generalist will serve as the primary contact for the University's (b) Elective Deferral Savings Plan, as well as other University sponsored retirement plans that are administered by the Central Office (collectively, the "University Plans"). The incumbent will also Serve as a point of contact, and coordinates transactions and activities, as needed, for the retirement plans that are administered by: University campuses ("Campus Plans"); and/or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts/MA SMART Plan.

Essential Functions:

• Administer benefit and insurance programs (dental, health insurance, life insurance, LTD, HCSA, DCAP, SERS, and ORP) by advising employees of their benefit options and acts as liaison with benefit providers. Process necessary forms to enroll or change benefits and managing necessary records.
• Coordinates and conducts benefit orientations for staff. Responds to routine questions on a daily basis regarding benefits and/or benefits eligibility.
• Assists in developing, communicating, and maintaining company policies, procedures and processes while adhering to Federal and State employment laws.
• Process all materials regarding the administration for leave of absences (FMLA). Works with leave administration vendor to manage and track leaves.
• Manage Workers’ Compensation by interviewing injured employees, taking reports, submitting claims, calculating sick time buybacks and refunds, and processing necessary forms.
• Process employment verifications, insurance verifications, and unemployment verifications.
• Assists with ensuring compliance with various federal and /or state laws to include FMLA, MA PFML and ADA.
• Coordinate and communicate benefits information during open enrollment. Enter benefit changes in MAGIC, if necessary or PeopleSoft system, ensuring accuracy.
• Responsible for the day-to-day operations of the University Plans, including, but not limited to: participant enrollments, processing bi-weekly participant payroll contributions/deferrals, bi-weekly validation of participant transaction activity in the payroll system, processing employer contributions on monthly and ad hoc basis, responding to participant inquiries, participant and provider problem resolution, and providing plan information and education.
• Works collaboratively with the Campus HR offices on the operational aspects of all University and Commonwealth Plans. In addition, provides support, as needed, to Campus HR offices for the Campus Plans that they administer.
• Serves as a primary contact and source of information for the Commonwealth's Deferred Compensation SMART Plan (the "SMART Plan"). Responsibilities include: the bi-weekly voluntary contributions/deferral process associated with the MA SMART plan, processing one-time deferral requests through payroll, responding to participant inquires, and participant and provider problem resolution.
• Serves as a point of contact, as needed, for the other Commonwealth Plans, including the Optional Retirement Program and the State Employees' Retirement System for individuals in the System Office and at the campuses.
• Works and corresponds regularly with plan providers and participants.
• Maintains confidential files and records for all University Plans and the associated participants.
• Prepares plan level reports (# of participants, contributions, plan balances, etc.) on an as needed basis.

Other Functions:

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience):

• Bachelor's degree.
• Five years of Benefits related experience.
• Strong working knowledge of Benefits laws and regulations.
• Must possess strong communication and presentation skills.
• Must be able to interact effectively within a team environment.
• Work independently and collaboratively on assigned projects while taking the lead role when directed or needed.
• Strong problem solving and project management skills while having the ability to manage changing/multiple priorities in a highly interactive and confidential environment.
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion
• Ability to effectively interact with individuals at varying levels within the University. Must be able to participate effectively in team efforts.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience):

• Master’s degree in human resources or related field.
• Experience using PeopleSoft software.
• Experience working in a higher education or state environment.
• PHR or SHRM-CP certification.
• Knowledge of governmental retirement plans such as b plans and b plans.

Working Conditions:

• Typical office environment.
• Must be able to travel occasionally to all UMass campuses and the Boston central office.
• May requires occasional hours on nights and weekends.