Organization: MassHousing

Location: One Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108

Posting Closes: Close of Business on April 25, 2024

Website: www.masshousing.com

MassHousing recently affirmed its longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion in its 5-year Strategic Goals.

The Organization

MassHousing will confront the housing challenges facing the Commonwealth to improve the lives of its people. A bold mission for an innovative agency. Since its inception in 1966, MassHousing has provided more than $27.5 billion for more than 125,000 apartments and more than 105,000 home mortgage loans. Beyond lending, we also work to promote economic growth and empowerment for families, individuals, and businesses; help communities increase their housing stock; provide hope and homes for vulnerable populations, and look for new, cost-effective ways to provide equitable housing opportunities. We have a relentless determination to confront the Commonwealth's housing challenges and improve lives.

We know that we cannot meet our mission without a workforce that is committed to standing with us in our efforts. We achieve this by making investments in staff development and prioritizing individuals who align with our values including an unwavering dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

As an employee of MassHousing you are offered a great career opportunity which is more than a paycheck. MassHousing’s total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits which you should consider towards your overall compensation, including but not limited to:

• Tuition reimbursement up to $10,000 per calendar year
• A 35-hour work week and a hybrid work schedule
• Back up Child/Elder Care
• Retirement Savings including a pension and a deferred compensation plan (with a match)
• Comprehensive health, dental and vision plans
• 12 paid Holidays per year and generous sick, vacation, and personal time
• Short-Term Disability
• Central Boston office location, convenient to public transportation and amenities on site

If you're ready to join our dynamic team of mission driven professionals, this might be the job for you! Interested candidates should send a letter of interest and a resume to MassHousing by logging in to https://prd01-hcm01.prd.mykronos.com/ta/6003873.careers?CareersSearch

Position Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Human Resources Operations Manager, the Benefits Administrator plays a crucial role in administering and managing employee benefits programs within MassHousing for over 300 employees. This position is responsible for supporting and assisting employees with benefit enrollments and knowledge throughout the entire employee lifecycle. The Benefits Administrator ensures that all benefits-related processes are executed accurately and in compliance with MassHousing policies and regulatory requirements.

Key responsibilities include facilitating benefits enrollment processes, resolving employee inquiries and issues related to benefits, coordinating with insurance providers and vendors, processing benefit invoices and billing, and maintaining accurate records of employee benefit elections and changes. Additionally, the Benefits Administrator will be involved in conducting benefits orientation sessions for new employees, providing ongoing education and communication regarding available benefits programs to current employees, and providing benefit guidance to exiting employees.

This role collaborates closely with the Human Resources team to maintain accurate records of employee elections and benefit plan information. This role works very closely with the Payroll Administrator and has the capacity to learn and provide backup support for the Payroll Administrator.

This position has been designated as “Flex” under MassHousing’s Alternative Work Schedule (AWS)-hybrid work model. However, during the first 90 days, the employee may be expected in the office more frequently for training and onboarding. Flex means in the office at least two days a week.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as primary point of contact and guidance for employee inquires and concerns related to benefits.
• Ensure accurate processing employee benefit enrollments including changes, new enrollments, terminations, and qualifying life events.
• Administer Employee Leave programs, including FMLA, MA PFML, Disability, and Medical, including processing Workers' Compensation claims.
• Organize and facilitate annual open enrollment and administrative processing of enrollment forms/changes.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations governing employee benefits programs as well as all regulatory requirements, such as ERISA, ACA, and HIPPA.
• Conduct audits and reconcile benefit invoices to ensure accuracy and cost-effectiveness.
• Prepare and distribute benefit-related communications and content including open enrollment materials and summary plan descriptions, material for employee handbooks, intranet portals, and other communication channels, and employee education sessions and workshops.
• Assist with wellness initiatives and programs for employees.
• Prepare and file required reports and forms as well as participate in benchmarking studies/surveys to compare benefit programs against industry standards and best practices.
• Assist with the development and implementation of benefit policies and procedures.
• Assist with benefits-related audits and respond to requests for information from regulatory agencies.
• Provide training to all staff on benefits administration processes and procedures.
• Advise HR Team, managers, and employees on benefits eligibility, plan provisions, regulations, and coverage options.
• Back up the Payroll Administrator processing bi-weekly pay cycle for 300 employees, maintaining compliance with company policies and government regulations.
• All other duties and special projects as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

These skills and qualifications include, but are not limited to:

Knowledge of Employee Benefits

• Understanding of various employee benefit programs, including deferred compensation 457(b), health insurance, flexible spending, dental, vision, disability plans, and voluntary benefits.
• Familiarity with benefit laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of benefit plan design, administration, and compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of all pertinent federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements both adopted and pending affecting employee benefit programs, including ACA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125, Workers Compensation, Medicare, OBRA, Social Security and DOL requirements.

Communication Skills:

• Effective written and verbal communication skills to interact with employees, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to explain complex benefit concepts in clear and understandable terms.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build rapport and trust with employees and team members.

Organization Skills:

• Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and priorities effectively.
• Attention to detail to ensure accuracy in benefit administration and record keeping.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee information.
• Strong mathematical and writing skills required.

Problem-Solving Skills:

• Analytical and critical thinking skills to identify and resolve benefit-related issues and challenges.
• Ability to research and evaluate benefits options and regulatory requirements.
• Creative problem-solving abilities to address employee needs and enhance the overall benefits experience.

Customer Service Orientation:

• Customer-focused mindset to provide responsive and helpful assistance to employees seeking benefit information or support.
• Empathy and patience to address employee concerns and navigate complex benefits situations.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality service and ensuring a positive employee experience.

Technical Proficiency:

• Proficiency in using benefits administration software or HRIS systems to manage employee data and benefit enrollments.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to adapt to new technologies and tools to support benefit administration and communication efforts.

Collaboration and Teamwork:

• Ability to collaborate effectively with HR colleagues, benefit vendors, and other departments to achieve shared goals.
• Willingness to work as part of a team and contribute to a positive work environment.
• Capacity to work independently and take initiative to address benefit-related tasks and projects.

Continuous Learning and Adaptability:

• Willingness to stay informed about changes and trends in the employee benefits field through ongoing education and professional development.
• Adaptability to evolving organizational needs, industry regulations, and technology advancements.
• Openness to feedback and a commitment to continuous improvement in benefit administration processes and practices.

Minimum Education and Training

Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or field directly related to assignment and five years of professional experience in work related to assignment preferred.

Salary Range: $78,915 to $102,589

MassHousing is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Why Work at MassHousing?