Category:: Administrative / Staff
Subscribe::
Department:: 01-53-5377-Human Resources
Locations:: Longmeadow, MA
Posted:: Jul 14, 2022
Closes:: Open Until Filled
Type:: Full-Time Salaried (Exempt)
Position ID:: 150327

About Bay Path University:

When Bay Path opened its doors to students in 1897, it had a very clear goal: to provide a practical, affordable, and career-oriented education to meet the needs of companies, organizations, and communities. From the beginning, Bay Path prided itself on being entrepreneurial, constantly pushing the boundaries of the academic experience to fit the student...to start them on the road of success. We still do.

Today, that spirit and philosophy is more important than ever in higher education. At Bay Path, it's not just the number and breadth of undergraduate and graduate programs that defines us-and we have many-but it is our ability to connect the classroom to learning to leadership to experience to career that is at the core of what we do best. We know the work that needs to be done.

Bay Path University, an independent and not-for-profit institution, was named Among Fastest Growing Baccalaureate Colleges by the Chronicle of Higher Education Almanac, and is a member of the Women's College Coalition. With a main campus in Longmeadow, MA and one satellite location in East Longmeadow, Bay Path offers undergraduate, graduate (for women and men) degrees, and professional certificates.

We're committed to preparing our students to navigate a constantly changing world. Whether it is one of our innovative academic programs, groundbreaking online learning platform, or through our Women as Empowered Learners and Leaders initiative, we educate our students in ways that will help them to grow, learn to adapt, and always to flourish. Be part of the change.

We invite you to visit our website at www.baypath.edu where you can learn more about Bay Path University.

Job Description:

Supervisor: Director of Human Resources
Status: Full Time
Hours: 8:30 to 5:00
Job Location: Longmeadow
Exempt (Yes/No): Yes

JOB SUMMARY:

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for overseeing planning, implementation and the day-to-day functions of an extensive menu of benefits

offered to University employees. This position will ensure that the University's benefit strategy is implemented effectively and that the organization complies with all relevant regulations, laws and employment standards. This position requires an individual with excellent interpersonal skills, strong initiative, accountability and ownership, who possesses the ability and interest in providing a strong customer service culture, quality work product and innovative recommendations for solutions and productivity improvements.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefits programs that include and are not limited to: medical, dental, Life insurance, disability programs, 403(B) retirement, FSA, HSA, HRA, Opt-Out Program, voluntary benefits, vacation, sick and personal time, COBRA, FMLA, PFML and other Leave types.
• Lead annual open enrollment for benefits, as well as lead the execution and delivery of any standardized state or federal reports which must be regularly filed including but not limited to financial statement audit and 5500, Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting, partner with the Finance Department, provide information and documentation for accurate, timely compensation processing.
• Analyze trends in compensation and benefits to ensure the organization attracts and retains top talent.
• Partner with appropriate stakeholders to develop, influence and lead a benefits design strategy that promotes consumerism, wellness (health, finance, and mindfulness).
• Develop and lead a Wellness Program inclusive of all employees and chair the Wellness Committee.
• Meet with employees requesting Leave, review policy and procedures, provide necessary forms, maintain family medical leave files, and coordinate any paid leave with Payroll.
• Serve as primary point-of-contact with third parties, including but not limited to, benefit administration, workers' compensation, and other critical vendors.
• Manage Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) and Tuition Exchange Program (TEP) programs including policies, application process, annual reports, and processing fees and dues.
• Coordinate internal tuition remissions programs ensuring proper paperwork is filed and eligibility has been met.

Data Reporting

• Collaborates with the HRIS Manager in completing data and responding to auditor requests for the 403(B) and workers compensation audits.
• Compiles data for 403(B) audits, and responds to auditor requests.
• Responsible for ACA annual reporting requirements to include 1094 and 1095.
• Handle benefit inquiries, concerns and complaints to ensure thoughtful, courteous, and time-sensitive resolution.
• Coordinates in the preparation and distribution of Summary Annual Reports for all benefit plans including Annual Funding Notice for the retirement plan and manages mass mailings to the eligible employees.
• Present and communicate plan provisions, structure and changes to benefits by facilitation of new employee orientation as well as upon request.

Compliance

• Maintain accurate enrollment forms for all participants.
• Ensures the organizations and plans compliance with the applicable provisions of COBRA, HIPAA, and ERISA.
• Continually seek to improve benefits processes to ensure they are efficient.
• Work with HRIS Manager to fully utilize automated systems technology to improve processes and efficiencies.
• Conduct new hire orientation for full-time faculty and staff; manage orientation and separation process for full-time faculty and staff in a timely manner; communicate information to payroll in a timely manner and in advance of payroll deadlines.
• Ensure enrollments, terminations, and changes are processed with providers, payroll, and benefits broker in a timely manner.
• Coordinate Leave calendars with the payroll administrator.
• Initiate and monitor status of Life insurance and long-term disability claims as needed.
• Establish and maintain employee personnel files and benefit files consistent with applicable legal requirements.
• Assist as needed with HIRD reporting requirement.
• Maintain confidentiality and use discretion concerning personnel actions, legal actions, separations, payroll information, other confidential information of employees and students, University plans, and any other information heard or seen that is confidential in nature.
• Assist with HR department budget preparation as requested.
• Remain current with trends in benefits and human resources.
• Prepare departmental correspondence as requested.
• Conduct research as requested.
• Answer departmental telephones and assist visitors as needed.
• Attend meetings and trainings as required.
• Complete any other assignments as directed by the University.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Special projects as needed.
• Attend meetings and conferences to furnish information and take notes.
• If you operate a College owned, leased or personal vehicle at any time while performing your duties you must follow all policies and procedures outlined in the Operations Manual. Additionally, you must report any driving offense, on or off company time, which causes a loss, suspension, or any other change in your license status. You must report this change within one business day of the offense. You can report this change to the Human Resource Department or your direct supervisor. Failure to do so can lead to disciplinary action, up to and including terminations.

This list of essential job functions and other responsibilities is representative of those duties and responsibilities that are required of this position. However, the list is not to be considered as all-inclusive. A supervisor or director may assign other duties and/or other duties at alternate locations to meet mission requirements of the College and cooperation of all personnel is expected to carry out the mission.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

NA

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in related field required, Master's degree preferred.
• Three or more years of experience in Human Resource benefits administration including and not limited to: health, dental, Life/LTD/AD&D insurance, voluntary insurance, Health Savings Accounts, HSA, HRA, FSA, DCAP, FMLA and other Leave, vacation, sick and personal time.
• Current knowledge of federal and state labor laws, rules and regulations related to all human resource areas. Knowledge of Mass Wage and Hour Law helpful.
• Experience working with insurance brokers and carriers, maintaining benefit plans, managing enrollment, annual notice requirements, and compliance with federal and state laws.
• Experience with ACA annual reporting requirements; working knowledge of ADP preferred.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies and procedures and federal and state laws.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Google Applications or Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience with ADP payroll systems preferred; ability to generate reports to extract various data. Knowledge of Jenzabar ERP system helpful.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain productive, collaborative relationships with a full range of internal and external colleagues and constituencies, including faculty, staff, students and board members.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to adhere to University policies and procedures
• Evidence of a commitment to, and appreciation for, the benefits of a diverse workplace, along with the ability to support an inclusive and welcoming culture
• Ability to perform with high quality and minimal errors.
• Ability to make decisions using good judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to perform work independently, and as part of a team, with frequent deadlines and extreme external pressure to complete assignments.
• Willingness to work flexible and extended schedule including weekends and evenings when necessary.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion; maintain integrity and confidentiality of payroll and human resources information.
• Able to be flexible and shift priorities while meeting essential and inflexible deadlines within a very structured time frame.
• Ability to deal with ambiguity and problem solve.
• Should be committed to a culture of diversity, respect and inclusion; demonstrated ability to build working relationships with people having a wide variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences different from ones' own.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, faculty, staff, and students.
• Commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards of conduct.
• General knowledge of the University's mission, purpose and goals and the role of this position in achieving those goals.

Additional Information:

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Bay Path University is a diverse community devoted to proactively nurturing a campus-wide culture that promotes and ensures equity, respect, inclusion and safety for all members regardless of race, color, national origin, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity, socio-economic background, or physical ability. We are one University that opens our hearts and minds to conversations, to learning and to creating a community that is welcoming of all. Regardless of position, it is expected that each employee will embrace this commitment and demonstrate an attitude of respect toward and acceptance of all members of our community.

Application Instructions:

Applicants for this position should attach a cover letter, resume / curriculum vitae, and any other relevant information pertaining to this position and your candidacy. Please apply online. Faxes and emails will not be accepted.

Bay Path University is dedicated to building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty committed to teaching and learning in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from minorities, women and all underrepresented backgrounds. An Equal Opportunity Employer, Bay Path University is committed to fostering diversity in its student body, faculty, and staff.

Bay Path University is a smoke and tobacco-free community.

All offers of employment are contingent on satisfactory background checking.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position please email us at HR@baypath.edu or call 413-565-1281.