Benefits Specialist

Core Job Responsibilities

• Processes and analyzes all employee benefits administration transactions in a timely and accurate manner.
• Assists with new-hire orientation, benefits explanations and onboarding for all employees including leaders, providers and staff.
• Performs quality checks and audits to verify benefits-related data is correct in all HR related systems.
• Affirms that all benefit related information is kept confidential per Mohawk Valley Health System confidentiality policies and only shares information as appropriate and necessary.
• Assists employees regarding benefits claim issues and plan changes, returning calls and emails within a 24-hour business window to acknowledge receipt of the message. Thoroughly researches and communicates resolutions back to the employee within a 48-business hour window, whenever possible, in accordance with department business standards.
• Becomes well-versed and knowledgeable about all Mohawk Valley Health System benefits plans and can explain them adequately to staff.
• Understands when it is appropriate to elevate benefits-related questions to a leader or another benefits specialist.
• Understands and is familiar with the various different benefits offerings from each unique union contract and can accurately explain the benefits options to union employees.
• Understands all leave-of-absence types and internal processes for disability, medical, personal, FMLA, NYPFL, worker’s compensation, etc.
• Understands, communicates and troubleshoots PTO related inquiries and elevates problems as appropriate.
• Works closely with Payroll, HRIS and Recruitment teams
• Maintains appropriate time-management skills and asks for help as needed.
• Supports all Human Resources team members, participating in team meetings, team events and modeling Mohawk Valley Health System Code of Conduct and Standards of Behavior.
• Supports colleagues in achieving objectives and contributes to team goals.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Education/Experience Requirements

• REQUIRED:
• An associate's degree in Human Resources, Business or related field, but relevant job experience and/or other training/certification may be substituted for the education or degree.
• Two years' experience in Benefits administration.
• At least two years' experience working with HR information technology.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to occasionally work outside of normal working hours to meet employee needs.
• Ability to travel to offsite locations within reasonable distance as needed – not on a regular basis.
• PREFERRED:
• A bachelor's degree in human resources or related field of study.
• Prior experience with payroll administration, DayForce, or other API file feeds.

Licensure/Certification Requirements

• PREFERRED:
• SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification credential.

Job Details

Req Id: 98294
Department: HUMAN RESOURCES
Shift Hours Worked: 8.50
FTE: 1
Work Schedule: SALARIED GENERAL
Employee Status: A1 - Full-Time
Union: Non-Union
Pay Range: $56,010.47-$89,616.15