HR Benefits Specialist

Arnot Health System • City of Ithaca, NY

6d • $65,000 - $80,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Benefits Specialist at Cayuga Health System is responsible for managing and administering comprehensive employee benefits programs, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and organizational policies. This exempt role involves conducting employee consultations, overseeing invoice management, coordinating open enrollment, and managing FMLA-payroll related functions. The Benefits Specialist also handles daily administrative duties, such as managing email inquiries and leading special HR projects. This position plays a critical role in supporting employees with their benefits and ensuring the smooth operation of benefits and leave management programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Human Resources, Finance or a related field. 4 years equivalent combination of education, work experience, and relevant HR-related certifications may be substitutable.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of insurance regulations, plan designs.
• Familiarity with COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, FMLA, ACA and related state and federal regulations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, to ensure trust and compliance with Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, and to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective positive working relationships with co-workers and CHS team members.
• Ability to apply proactive and innovative solutions to everyday challenges.
• Working knowledge of all applicable employment laws.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Nice To Haves

• Benefits or HR certifications (e.g. CEBS, PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP) or relevant certifications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Employee Consultations: Conduct bi-monthly on-site meetings with employees to provide expert assistance and guidance on retirement benefit enrollment and processing.
• Invoice Management: Oversee the preparation, coding, and submission of weekly claim invoices and monthly administrative invoices for CMC and SCH, ensuring accuracy and compliance with financial procedures.
• Pension Mailings: Supervise and assist in the completion of term vested pension mailings, maintaining meticulous records and adherence to deadlines.
• Open Enrollment Coordination: Assist with the coordination of the Open Enrollment process, including planning, communication, and execution of enrollment activities.
• FMLA Package Preparation: Oversee the preparation of FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) packages, ensuring all documentation is accurate and compliant with legal requirements.
• FMLA-Related Payroll Support: Provide expert support for payroll changes and timekeeping related to FMLA, ensuring compliance with company policies and legal regulations.
• Email Management: Manage and respond to the Benefit and Retirement daily email inboxes, providing timely and accurate information to employees and resolving complex inquiries.
• HR Projects: Lead special HR projects, demonstrating initiative and expertise in handling various human resources-related tasks and ensuring successful project outcomes.
• Additional Duties: Perform all other duties as assigned, utilizing professional judgment and expertise to address emerging needs and challenges within the HR department.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level