Benefits Specialist

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT SPECIALIST

DEPARTMENT/SITE: HUMAN RESOURCES

SALARY RANGE: $52,200.00 TO $73,000.00

HOURS OF WORK: 8.30 AM TO 4.30 PM

UNION AFFILIATION: EXECUTIVE & CONFIDENTIAL

COMPENSATION: PUBLIC SECTOR BENEFITS, INCLUDING ENROLLMENT IN THE NJ STATE HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM AND PENSION SYSTEM; PAID HOLIDAYS, PAID VACATION/PERSONAL LEAVE, AND SICK LEAVE.

DEFINITION:

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Human Resources, coordinates and administers the organization’s employee benefits program; advises employees on insurance, fringe benefits, and pension/retirement plans; assists with benefits enrollment and claims processing; maintains accurate records and documentation, ensures compliance with applicable laws and policies, collaborates with vendors and service providers and performs other related human resources duties as required.

Essential Responsibilities

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities and duties.

Ø Coordinates and administers the organization's employee benefits program.

Ø Meets with employees and advises them on their eligibility for paid and unpaid time off, insurance, health benefits, hospitalization, and other benefit plans.

Ø Counsels employees on leave-related matters including Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), workers’ compensation, and short- and long-term disability.

Ø Assists employees in completing benefit-related forms and ensures timely processing.

Ø Processes enrollments, adjustments, terminations, and additions for medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

Ø Handles benefit-related cases involving Concentra and other occupational health matters, ensuring appropriate documentation and follow-up.

Ø Ensures timely and accurate payments to vendors and service providers associated with employee benefit programs.

Ø Supports employees  in  accessing employment-related  resources,  including community health services.

Ø Prepares informational materials such as brochures, bulletins, and presentations related to employee benefits and wellness programs.

Ø Manages the annual open enrollment process, including communication, system updates, and employee support.

Ø Reviews existing employee benefit programs and makes recommendations for improvements or new offerings.

Ø Required to learn and use various types of software, electronic, and/or manual systems used by the agency for HR and benefits administration.

Ø Experience with UKG (or similar HRIS systems) preferred.

Education/Experience/License:

Ø Bachelor’s  degree in  Human Resources,  Business Administration,  Public Administration, or a related field is preferred.

NOTE: Applicants who do not meet the education requirement may substitute additional experience as indicated on a year-for- year basis with thirty (30) semester hour credits being equal to one (1) year of experience

Ø Minimum of 3 years of experience in employee benefits administration, preferably within a government or public sector environment.

Ø Experience managing employee benefit programs including health insurance, FMLA, workers’ compensation, and leave administration.

Ø Familiarity with vendor management and benefits payment processes.

Ø Knowledge of local government benefit programs and regulations is a plus.

Ø Experience using HRIS or benefits administration software (such as UKG) is desirable.

Ø Strong customer service and communication skills with the ability to explain complex benefits information clearly to employees.

Ø Knowledge of employee benefits programs, including health insurance, FMLA, workers’ compensation, and leave administration.

Ø Ability to explain benefit options clearly and assist employees with forms and enrollment processes.

Ø Familiarity with vendor payment processes and benefits-related billing.

Ø Skill in using HRIS or benefits administration software to manage employee records and benefits data.

Ø Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with employees, vendors, and management.

JCHA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and New Jersey civil rights law, it is the policy of Jersey City Housing Authority (JCHA) to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship.