HR Benefits Associate

Join our team of dedicated employees focused on student success and transformation!

ACM is a close knit, family-like work environment who care deeply for each other, just as we do our students. Some of the many benefits of working at ACM include ample paid time off, great retirement and insurance options, on site facilities, and opportunities to connect with the community, co-workers, and students.

Allegany College of Maryland's main campus is nestled on beautiful, scenic acres in the mountains of Allegany County - Cumberland, Maryland. A downtown center extends our reach into the heart of the community’s business and tourism sector. Our small, attentive college atmosphere engages students of all ages and backgrounds in rich, challenging learning opportunities at all of our campuses. To learn more about the college visit our website here: www.allegany.edu

See more about Cumberland, MD here https://www.ci.cumberland.md.us/724/Features-of-Cumberland-Maryland

Please apply if this sounds like the place for you!

Must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Basic Statement of Responsibilities

The HR Benefits Associate is responsible for the administration of the benefit program for both employees and retirees, employment processes for new hires, and provides administrative support to the Human Resources Department

Essential Functions

1. Benefit Administration

• Administers benefit programs which include, but are not limited to, medical, dental, vision, flex spending, HSAs, Life Insurance and other voluntary benefits, paid time off, sick leave bank, Maryland State Retirement/Pension, Maryland State Optional Retirement Plan (ORP), and 403(b) plans; disseminates benefit coverage selections to Payroll Administrator;
• Coordinates transfer of data to external contacts for services, premium and plan administration; serve as the primary contact for plan vendors and third-party administrators;
• Ensures compliance with applicable government regulations relating to employee benefits;
• Participates in insurance meetings (Health, Dental, Liability, etc.) as needed;
• Provides benefit orientation to all new hires and assists supervisors in Onboarding of new hires;
• Reconciles and approves payments to benefit providers; resolves any disputes in billing or in provision of services;
• Answers employee questions and provides assistance and/or guidance in relation to employee benefits;
• Coordinates Annual Open Enrollment Meetings;
• Communicates Annual Open Enrollment changes and information as needed;
• Maintains Employee benefit files;
• Manages the Educational Assistance Program;
• Runs reports and processes for health care reform/ACA;
• Administers Wellbeing Programing; Collaborate with Nurse Managed Wellness Center, Wellness Committee, and similar wellbeing groups for ACM Wellbeing initiatives.

2. Retiree Support and Benefit Maintenance

• Prepares and sends monthly, quarterly, or yearly health and dental invoices to Retirees;
• Collects and deposits retiree insurance payments;
• Communicates any changes to retiree benefit plans and open enrollment meetings;
• Works with upcoming retirees on retiree benefit options after retirement;
• Completes retirement paperwork with employee including, but not limited to, MSRA paperwork, benefits education, and plan administration; provide ACM retiree emails upon request.
• Works with retirees to resolve insurance or billing related issues.

3. Employment Processes

• Responsible for post-employment-offer onboarding, including data management of demographic information, position, wages, leave and other information as needed, into HRIS. Requests IT access and email set up, verifies and collects all required information, including Employment Verification documents and Official Transcripts;
• Prepares salary letters and contracts as needed including but not limited to annual contracts, contract changes, and additional appointments;
• Follows processes for termination of employees, including suspending computer and IT access, collection of ACM property, COBRA notifications, and notification to the Payroll Administrator;
• Maintains leave balances for sick leave bank, new hires, retirees, and terminations in HRIS and Sick Leave databank;
• Assists with ad hoc employee requests and queries as needed.

4. Administrative Support and Other

• Responds to requests for employment verifications and unemployment information
• Maintains new employee handbooks, employment forms and stationery;
• Prepares vouchers/check requests as needed for payment of assorted billings;
• Maintains HR storage area in cooperation with HR Recruitment and Payroll Associate;
• Assists in data entry and filing in the HR Office;
• Serves as a Maryland State Retirement Coordinator and Notary Public;
• Serves on various committees and task forces as requested;
• Assists in special projects and as assigned;
• Contributes to the annual and five-year comprehensive department assessment process as per the college assessment plan;
• Other duties as assigned.

Education, Experience, and Specialized Skills

• Associate’s degree required and a minimum of two (2) years of administrative, customer service, human resources, payroll benefits or related office experience required. Equivalent combinations of education, training and relevant experience may be considered.
• Preferred: Experience and understanding of Human Resources practices relating to employment, benefits, and accounting or payroll practices.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment; strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy; excellent customer service and interpersonal skills; strong organizational, follow-up and record keepings kills; ability to learn and apply benefit administration processes.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and interruptions simultaneously.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate records and data.
• Ability to follow established procedures while ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and institutional policies.
• Ability to learn and maintain working knowledge of employee benefits, COBRA administration, qualifying life events, retirement plans, leave administration, ACA reporting, and other HR compliance requirements.
• Strong customer service skills with the ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees, retirees, vendors, and external partners.
• Ability to independently follow up on outstanding items and ensure timely completion of required processes.
• Demonstrated initiative, dependability, and proactive problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise discretion when handling sensitive information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint.
• Ability to learn and effectively utilize HRIS and related software systems

Allegany College of Maryland is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to its faculty, staff, and job applicants through non-discrimination in its employment practices including, but not necessarily limited to, recruitment, hiring, training, promotional opportunities, compensation, discipline, and termination. The college complies with all applicable equal opportunity requirements and county, state, and federal law regarding provision of equal employment opportunity.