HR Benefits Specialist (HEOa)

POSITION DETAILS

Lehman College, of The City University of New York, ranks among the top five institutions in the nation for fostering social mobility. A four-year Hispanic-Serving Institution in the Bronx, Lehman offers bachelor’s, master’s, and advanced degrees and certificate programs in the Liberal Arts, sciences, and professions. The College’s community-driven mission and notable academic programs attract a diverse, international enrollment of over 15,000 students who take courses on its 37-acre, tree-lined campus and online degree programs. Many thousands more community members benefit yearly from its active cultural, educational, health, and economic outreach programs and services.

Reporting directly to the HR Benefits Manager, HR Benefits Specialist is responsible for the administration, implementation, and compliance of Lehman College and CUNY policies and regulations for the Benefits functions. In addition to the CUNY Title Overview, responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Designs and administers employees' benefits orientation, open enrollment informational sessions, and employee meetings related to benefits including but not limited to health insurance plans, pension plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, supplemental annuity accounts, dental programs, employee assistance programs (EAP), leave and transit benefits.
• Assist with activities related to worker’s compensation and unemployment insurance.
• Maintains an in-depth understanding of CUNY rules and regulations, relevant laws and guidelines, collective bargaining agreements, and College policies, and applies these to his/her areas of responsibility.
• Advises faculty and staff on Human Resources benefits policies and procedures; responds to inquiries and provides timely resolution of issues with a high level of customer service.
• Provides retirement information and determines eligibility for retiree health benefits and pension.
• Facilitates and conducts orientation sessions/workshops for new employees and informational sessions as needed.
• Track Health Care eligibility for part-time employees.
• Manages the data integrity of benefits records and provides assistance with all benefits related audits and logs.
• Review termination paperwork and COBRA eligibility.
• Serves as the liaison with Office of Labor Relations, (OLR), CUNY Central Benefits, Payroll Offices, TIAA, New York City Teachers' Retirement System (NYCTRS), and New York City Employees Retirement System (NYCERS) the PSC-CUNY Welfare Fund and other welfare funds, employee assistance program (EAP) and health insurance carriers.
• Provides service and salary history for the retirement systems.
• Assists the HR Benefits Manager in special projects and performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree and four years’ related experience required.

• Experience in Human Resources department of City of University of New York (CUNY) College, or unionized, higher education environment preferred.
• In-depth knowledge and experience in benefits administration.
• A strong work ethic and ability to maintain confidentiality and safeguard employee information.
• Ability to interact and work collaboratively on a team in assisting diverse faculty and staff members.
• Excellent customer service, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to interact with all levels of staff exhibiting professional discretion, confidentiality, and high ethical standards.
• Ability to take direction and work proactively in a team environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power point, and Access), Outlook, and PeopleSoft or other Human Resources Information System.