Benefits Manager - Human Resources

Committee for Public Counsel•Boston, MA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), the public defender agency of Massachusetts, is seeking a Benefits Manager to oversee all aspects of Leaves of Absence and reasonable accommodations, serves as the Agency GIC Coordinator, and manages SMART Plan administration. This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule with a minimum of two days per week in our Boston Office. In this role, you would join a strong, experienced HR team supporting an organization of passionate professionals providing legal services to indigent clients in Massachusetts. We fight for equal justice and human dignity by supporting our clients in achieving their legal and life goals. We zealously advocate for the rights of individuals and promote just public policy to protect the rights of all. Our Values Courage • Accountability • Respect • Excellence DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION MISSION STATEMENT CPCS is committed to protecting the fundamental constitutional and human rights of our assigned clients through zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, and the fullness of excellent legal representation. We are dedicated to building and maintaining strong professional relationships, while striving to accept, listen to and respect the diverse circumstances of each client, as we dedicate ourselves to meeting their individual needs. It is our CPCS mission to achieve these goals, and in furtherance thereof, we embrace and endorse diversity, equity and inclusion as our core values as we maintain a steadfast commitment to: (1) Ensure that CPCS management and staff members represent a broad range of human differences and experience; (2) Provide a work climate that is respectful and supports success; and (3) Promote the dignity and well-being of all staff members. CPCS leadership is responsible for ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion. The ability to achieve these goals with any level of certainty is ultimately the responsibility of each member of the CPCS community. AGENCY OVERVIEW CPCS is the state agency in Massachusetts responsible for providing an attorney when the state or federal constitution or a state statute requires the appointment of an attorney for a person who cannot afford to retain one. The agency provides representation in criminal, delinquency, youthful offender, family regulation, guardianship, mental health, sexually dangerous person, and sex offender registry cases, as well as in appeals and post-conviction and post-judgment proceedings related to those matters. The clients we represent are diverse across every context imaginable and bring many unique cultural dimensions to the matters we address. This reality creates a critical need for CPCS staff to be culturally competent and able to work well with people of different races, ethnicities, genders and/or sexual orientation identities, abilities, and limited English proficiency, among other protected characteristics. DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW The Human Resources Department for the Committee for Public Counsel Services strives to provide exceptional service for our clients and our staff. We aim to uphold an environment which maximizes our employees’ experience, foster personal and professional growth, and enhances our staff’s mastery of the general practice of the law. By ensuring that CPCS provides an inviting and supportive atmosphere for our employees, we can best ensure superior representation for our clients. The Human Resources Department encompasses three main practice areas: Benefits and Wellness, Payroll, and Recruiting and Hiring. POSITION OVERVIEW The Benefits Manager is a key position in the Human Resources Department which acts as the Department liaison with a variety of direct providers of state benefits. The Benefits Manager oversees all aspects of Leaves of Absence and reasonable accommodations, serves as the Agency GIC Coordinator, and manages the SMART Plan administration. The Benefits Manager will also oversee the processing and management of worker’s compensation claims and the employee assistance program. The Benefits Manager will regularly communicate with CPCS employees as well as individuals in other agencies and organizations. The Benefits Manager reports to the Director of Human Resources and supervises two HR Generalists who are also part of the Benefits Team. The Benefits Manager also works regularly with other Operations Departments and administrative staff and regularly communicates with CPCS managers, supervisors, and staff across the state, as well as individuals in other agencies and organizations.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in a related field; at least five (5) years of HR benefits experience of increasing responsibility; proficiency with the Commonwealth Enterprise Systems or similar systems; advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Access and Excel; strong analytical and problem-solving skills; excellent communication and interpersonal skills; or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office systems, including Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, Windows, and the Internet required.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
Ability to establish rapport and communicate effectively with all levels of the organization
Knowledge of both Federal and State FMLA, ADA, ACA and EEO regulations
Exercise sound, independent judgment, and discretion
Demonstrated ability to multi-task, performing multiple tasks independently and concurrently
Two to three years of supervising, mentoring, or training experience
Ability to take initiative, to work well independently and as a team member
Adherence to confidentiality, use of tact, discretion, and good judgment
Demonstrated skills in organization, problem-solving, and attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

Prior Commonwealth benefits and leave administration experience preferred.
Knowledge of PeopleSoft HRIS preferred

Responsibilities

Providing daily supervision of Benefits staff including completing annual performance evaluations and promoting staff professional development
Ensuring compliance with CPCS HR policies, procedures, and applicable statutes in matters pertaining to Benefits and Leave Administration
Managing all leaves of absence including ensuring requested leaves are examined for eligibility, applying rules regarding paid and unpaid time, ensuring appropriate documentation and forms are completed and reviewed for approval, and creating and maintaining leaves of absence reports
Serving as CPCS’ GIC coordinator and managing all benefit programs including the roll-out of annual open enrollment
Managing and processing reasonable accommodation and alternative work schedule requests
Working closely with the HR Payroll team to manage and process benefit-related deduction issues and adjustments
Serving as the SMART Plan coordinator to oversee and administer CPCS employees into the SMART Plan
Managing the workers’ compensation process, including ensuring that workplace injuries are reported and all required forms are completed
Managing and determining eligibility for the Sick Leave Bank
Partnering with other HR managers to understand all necessary work stream impacts and needs as well as to ensure clear communication of Department purpose, objectives, and achievements
Supporting the HR Recruiting & Hiring Team to ensure that new hire orientation content is up to date and relevant and all applicable benefits information is provided to new hires
Serving as a primary resource to employees and HR team members on complex issues related to leaves, accommodations, as well as the MA State Retirement system
Remaining up to date with applicable laws, acts, and policies and communicating with CPCS staff about any benefit changes
Creating and managing training programs on benefits, leaves, and accommodations, in collaboration with the HR Training Team
Assisting with other HR functions as needed, including fiscal year closing/opening, updating policies and procedures
Other duties as assigned.