Join our vibrant community of dedicated faculty and staff who work to create a transformative educational experience rooted in faith, reason, and justice.

Eastern University is a nationally-recognized Christian university enrolling approximately 7,000 students in a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, professional, and seminary programs. The university’s main campus is located in St. Davids, PA, with many programs also offered online. Eastern’s core values of Faith, Reason, and Justice are woven into all of its educational offerings. Through dynamic programs, a vibrant campus community, and meaningful service learning opportunities, Eastern University is committed to providing students with transformative, accessible, and affordable education.

Please apply directly at: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/easternpa/jobs/4349622/benefits-assistant

I. Position Summary

Provide assistance in administering the various employee insurance programs, retirement plans and flexible and health savings plans enrollment, billing and processing, while working effectively with the HR and Payroll teams, employees and plan providers.

II. Position Responsibilities

• Assists with the coordination of all employee benefit programs and related insurance products including: workers’ compensation, Tuition Remission, Tuition Exchange, 403 (b) defined contribution plans, employee training, FMLA, LOA’s, etc. ensuring that all are handled appropriately as required.
• Ensure programs are compliant with federal, state, and local laws, including reporting requirements.
• Functions as the liaison between vendors, insurance carriers, and employees and advises employees on eligibility, coverage, costs, and other benefit related matters regarding enrollment, termination, revisions, and track any additional documentation as needs.
• Provides guidance in interpreting leave and disability policies and federal and state leave laws for employees and supervisors. Provide instructions on appropriate procedures for time off requests.
• Serves as a contact for phone, email and mail communications with employees, management, brokers, and carriers regarding benefits and training.
• Assist in reviewing and processing benefit forms and information. Maintain accurate information in the benefit portal, database, and carrier portals.
• Stay up-to-date and current on benefit and health and safety practices and recommend changes or modifications to existing policies as needed.
• Complies and maintains current and accurate benefits records and documents for employees and the benefit providers.
• Work closely with payroll to ensure accurate benefit deductions have been established and payroll updates are provided for employees taking or returning from leave.
• Audits and reconcile all invoices for the above benefit programs for accuracy and credits prior to submitting them to the finance department for payment.
• Periodically (no less than quarterly) reviews statements with the benefit’s portal and University payroll and reconciles discrepancies as required to ensure billed costs and premium deductions are current, complete, and accurate.
• Assists with the processing of the benefits programs including but not limited to; Orientation and On-boarding program for new hires and managers, Wellness and Safety Programs, OSHA reporting, Open Enrollment, 5500 reporting, etc. This includes assisting with the preparation of materials and communications, counseling employees, processing documentation and assisting employees with benefit elections and changes when needed.
• Administer and oversee the Leave of Absence process, Accident/d Injury and FMLA program for faculty and staff.
• Provide annual training for employee schedule to cover: Sexual Harassment, Discrimination, and Child Abuse Reporting. Diversity training should be provided at least every two years. As well as provide annually at least four managers trainings on HR topics to assist with compliance and manager’s interpretation.
• Responds on real-time basis to employee requests for information or assistance regarding University-sponsored benefit programs.
• Assists with special HR-sponsored events and committee meetings that may be scheduled.
• Embodies values of caring and compassion justice and integrity, confidentiality, competence and affirmation.
• Seeks to treat each member of the campus community with fairness dignity and respect, seeking a spirit of unity and harmony as we join together to achieve our common mission.
• Meets all other related duties as required.

III. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Bachelor’s degree preferred with a minimum of 3 years of related experience in Human Resources, or the equivalent combination of education and work experience. Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel training and benefit administration. Knowledge of ERISA, and IRS regulations pertaining to; benefits, reporting, and filing requirements. Good communication skills and customer services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. Attention to details, excellent multi-tasking skills as well as the ability to work independently required.

• Strong skills in interpersonal & verbal communication, writing, and organization.
• Ability to handle confidential information with great sensitivity
• Ability to work with limited supervision and high motivation
• Highly organized, ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Good reasoning abilities, sound judgment, and attention to detail is required.
• Resourcefulness, time management skills, sensitivity, and good math skills are required.
• Ability to work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines required.
• Strong computer skills (MS Word, MS Excel) required with previous knowledge of Colleague preferred.
• Prior benefits, training, and disability experience required.
• Basic knowledge of 403(b) plans, including maintenance, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements is required.

About Eastern University

Eastern University is a Christian university of the arts and sciences that integrates faith, reason and justice for students in its undergraduate, graduate, seminary, urban, professional and international programs. Applicants should have a Christian commitment compatible with its mission and be willing to support the mission and vision of the university. The university complies with federal and state guidelines of nondiscrimination in employment; members of protected classes encouraged to apply.

Background Checks

Standard University employees are required to complete the background clearance process. Employment is contingent upon the successful results of an employment background screening. The employment background screening may include but is not limited to your consumer credit history (for positions that work with the university finances or alumni funds only), verification of education and professional credentials, criminal history, driving history, residency, immigration status, performance, references, and other qualities pertinent to your qualifications for the following position.

Youth Clearances are required for positions with direct contact with children and essential personnel positions. Employees working with or around minor age children are required to complete the youth clearance process which includes the following four child protection clearances:

1) Affidavit;

2) FBI Criminal Record Check;

3) Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance and;

4) Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check.

In accordance with state laws, Act 73 of 2007, Act 153 of 2014, Act 168 (relating to the Child Protective Services Law), school employees of Eastern University who will have "direct contact with children" must complete the background check process prior to employment. Results must be submitted within ten days of receipt.

Description Disclaimer

This description is intended to describe the general level and nature of work performed by the person/people assigned to this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities of the person/people so assigned.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

Eastern University is committed to the principles of equal opportunity as defined under federal and state law, and does not discriminate unlawfully on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, color, creed, disability, national/ethnic origin, age, disabled veteran/Vietnam-era, Genetic Information and Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), or veteran status in its admission policy, program, or activities, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other University-administered programs, or employment practices and programs.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $41,000.00 - $46,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Wayne, PA 19087: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person