Human Resources Associate (Benefits)
Employer: Cayuga Community College
Location: Auburn, NY
Type: Full-Time
Posted: [contact details available in the full listing]
Category: Human Resources
Company Description
Cayuga Community College, a unit of the State University of New York with locations in the cities of Auburn and Fulton, is a two-year community college sponsored by Cayuga County. Committed to being the community college for both Cayuga and Oswego counties, the College offers transfer and career-oriented curricula on a degree and certificate basis through day, evening, online, and summer sessions. For groups such as high school students, government agencies, retirees, and industrial, business…
and professional personnel, the College also offers credit and credit-free specialized instruction according to need and interest.
Cayuga Community College is a supportive and inclusive institution where students are encouraged to grow, discover their highest potential, and advance their educational and professional goals. We are committed to student success and providing accessible learning opportunities that lead to valuable career and transfer pathways.
Job Description
DEPARTMENT: Human Resources
APPOINTMENT: 12 Months, Managerial and Confidential, Exempt
REPORTS TO: Director of Human Resources
SUMMARY
Under the supervision of the Director of Human Resources, the Human Resources Associate (Benefits) is responsible for full-cycle benefits processing, new hire, retirement, wellness, and leave programs. This position serves as a primary resource for faculty, staff, and retirees regarding health insurance, retirement, wellness initiatives, leaves, disability benefits, and related employment programs. The Human Resources Associate (Benefits) ensures compliance with applicable federal and state regulations while delivering exceptional customer service and employee education.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Process all employee and retiree health, dental, vision, life, disability, and other benefit program enrollments, changes, qualifying life events, and terminations.
- Ensure high quality service to employees and retirees regarding all aspects of the College's benefits program and provides enrollment support for employees and retirees as they transition to Medicare or retiree Medicare Advantage.
- Makes recommendation to enhance benefit programs, address College initiatives related to benefits, and create efficiencies. Compose correspondence, reports, presentations, and other materials to effectively communicate benefits programs to faculty, staff, and retirees.
- Serves as the liaison between the individual and the insurance carrier to resolve benefit-related issues or questions.
- Process all group life insurance enrollments and complete annual salary update filings.
- Process Long-Term Disability (LTD) enrollments and case submissions.
- Coordinate and process Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) employee leave requests and designations.
- Review and collect employment and other details to complete unemployment claim related forms. May attend hearings on behalf of the college.
- Conduct employee pre-retirement meetings and other exit meetings. Issue separation-related benefits communications and offboarding items including COBRA and unemployment notices.
- Reviews college tuition assistance forms and support the SUNY tuition waivers process.
- Coordinates health benefits, wellness, and retirement system workshops, presentations, and webinars.
- Coordinate and serve as primary point of contact for employee and retiree annual open enrollment processes. Composes the annual benefit offerings, updates, and changes.
- Research and develop employee communication proposals regarding benefit plans, wellness initiatives, policy updates, and program enhancements.
- Assist the Director of Human Resources in developing, implementing, and evaluating initiatives, programs, and procedures that support the organization's benefits and wellness objectives.
- Monitor leave documentation and ensure compliance with applicable regulations, internal procedures, and tracking.
- Provide new hire support for all benefits related items including retirement programs, including Employees' Retirement System (ERS), NYS Teachers' Retirement System (TRS), Local Retirement System (LRS) programs, and SUNY Optional Retirement Program (ORP).
- Prepares conversion documentation, unemployment, and benefit continuation information for separating employees as applicable.
- Review benefit invoices to maintain accurate enrollment records.
- Participate in special projects and initiatives related to benefits, wellness, and employee engagement.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
- A Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field and 3 years of related benefits administration experience OR an Associate's degree in human resources, business administration, or related field required with an additional 5 years of related benefits or benefit administration experience.
- Working knowledge of employee benefits administration and leave management.
- Advanced experience with Microsoft Office Suite products.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of TIAA, ERS, TRS, and LRS retirement systems preferred.
- Experience in higher education or public-sector human resources.
- Experience administering retirement and wellness programs.
KNOWLEGDE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Thorough understanding of employee benefits, wellness, retirement, and leave programs.
- Ability to interpret and explain complex benefits information to diverse audiences.
- Knowledge of FMLA, COBRA, and related employment laws.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Customer-service-oriented approach with a commitment to employee support and engagement.
- Infrequent travel to Fulton, NY campus may be required.
Application Instructions
To be considered for this position, please submit resume and cover letter at the time of application.
A professional reference check will be required prior to a formal offer of employment. Finalists will be notified and references will be requested at that time in the process through a separate online platform. Cayuga Community College requires three professional references, at least one of which must be a current or former supervisor.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Salary will commensurate with credentials and relevant experience unless an exact amount is listed.
Offers are contingent upon the completion of a background check.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer. Cayuga Community College is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
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