Benefits Specialist

Agency: Northern VA Community College, Division of VP Administration

Work Location: Fairfax (City) - 600

Full-time position with a work schedule of Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

About the Role

The Benefits and ADA Support Specialist provides high-quality customer service and professional support to employees, applicants, retirees, and other stakeholders regarding employee benefits and disability accommodations. The incumbent assists in the administration of the College’s benefits programs by responding to inquiries, processing benefit transactions, maintaining records, and helping resolve benefits-related issues. In collaboration with the ADA Coordinator, this position serves as an initial point of contact for employees seeking workplace accommodations, assists with the coordination and tracking of accommodation requests, maintains confidential records, and supports the implementation, communication, and monitoring of the College’s disability accommodation processes and training initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Support the Human Resources Benefits Unit in administering employee benefit programs for faculty and staff.
• Process benefit enrollment and election forms, including health, life, disability, flexible spending, and voluntary retirement plans (403(b) and 457).
• Respond to employee, retiree, vendor, and third-party inquiries regarding benefits.
• Maintain accurate benefits records and documentation.
• Assist in resolving benefits-related issues and provide guidance on available benefit programs.
• Serve as the initial point of contact for employee accommodation inquiries.
• Assist the ADA Coordinator with the intake, tracking, documentation, and processing of accommodation requests.
• Maintain confidential ADA records and case files.
• Support the coordination of communications, documentation, and follow-up related to the interactive process.
• Assist with the development and delivery of ADA resources and training materials.
• Answer questions from vendors, employees, and staff regarding all benefits offered by the college via phone, email, and in person.
• Monitor SmarterTrack inquiries, responding to general inquiries and distributing more complex inquiries to appropriate senior benefits staff.
• Serve as primary contact for Optional Life administration and process all related forms.
• Serve as primary contact for Legal Resources and process all related forms.
• Perform Optional Life and FBMC billing reconciliations.
• Prepare HIPAA notices for new hires.
• Process 403b Salary Reduction Agreement Forms.
• Audit benefit processes for accuracy.
• Work in conjunction with the ADA Coordinator on processing ADA requests.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.

Requirements

• Experience providing customer service in a professional office or human resources environment.
• Experience processing confidential personnel, benefits, or employment-related information with a high degree of accuracy.
• Experience using computer applications, including but not limited to Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Microsoft Outlook.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and ability to navigate the internet and use standard office computer systems.
• Excellent accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to accurately interpret state policy.
• Ability to build collaborative and mutually beneficial working relationships with people of varying backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and prioritize daily activities.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in written and oral formats.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively with co-workers, colleagues across the College, and the general public.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Working knowledge of PeopleSoft.
• Ability to manage confidential information and sensitive situations.
• Knowledge of Americans with Disabilities Act, Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, and other relevant laws.
• Knowledge of practices and activities covered by employment nondiscrimination requirements of ADA and PWFA.
• Knowledge of training principles and techniques.
• Ability to exude a high level of emotional intelligence.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all matters.
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize with minimal supervision.
• Ability to interact professionally with all members of the College community as well as external customers, including state agencies, government officials, community leaders, and the academic community.

Additional Considerations

• Experience in benefits administration, including demonstrated knowledge of COBRA, HIPAA laws, family and medical leave, workers’ compensation, and tax-deferred annuity plans laws and regulations.
• Some experience in human resources.

Pay

Hiring range: $60,000 - $70,000