Benefits Manager

Birch Family Services is a leading provider of education, employment, and community support services for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities and their families in New York City. Every year, the organization supports more than 2,000 people across 31 locations in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. From preschool to graduation, employment, housing, and beyond, Birch Family Services provides fully integrated programs and services to support individuals in achieving their goals across their lifetime.

Position Summary:

The Benefits Manager is an intermediate position within the Human Resources structure. This individual is primarily responsible for benefits administration, assisting employees with benefit questions/issues, benefits communications and education, liaising with benefits carriers and third-party vendors and administering wellness incentives and programs. The Benefits Manager records employee changes and enrollments in benefit programs in HRIS and vendor systems. He/she ensures that such programs are compliant within regulatory and plan provisions, develops and maintain cost efficient administrative processes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Administer all agency benefit programs, including health and welfare plans, retirement plans, leaves of absence, voluntary benefits
• Ensures the accuracy of all benefits enrollments in the HRIS to provide vendors with accurate eligibility information
• Handles benefit inquiries and concerns to ensure quick, equitable, courteous resolution. Researches and responds to complex questions and advises employees on existing benefits
• Ensures all eligible staff are offered and properly enrolled for medical insurance in compliance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA)
• Ensures eligible staff are enrolled in the InfiniSource COBRA on separation from the Birch.
• Provides new-hire benefits orientation and education sessions
• Assist Human Resources management in obtaining statistics and information in renewal process of any Health, Life and Retirement plans that benefit the company
• Assists with open enrollment process
• Verifies the calculation of the monthly premium statements for group insurance policies and maintains statistical data relative to premiums, claims, and costs. Resolves administrative problems with the carrier representatives
• Reconcile and submit all benefits invoices for payment processing
• Oversees and manages employee time and leave accrual tracking
• Coordinates workers compensation claims with employees, managers and third-party administrator. Follow-up on claims
• Maintains monthly WC and safety training, OSHA spreadsheets
• Administer leaves of absence in partnership with agency's third-party administrator. Demonstrated knowledge in FMLA, PFL, ADA, STD, LTD and Workers Comp
• Serve as liaison between employee, Leave Administrator, Payroll and Managers
• Prepared earning statements for Workers Comp claims, as well as for NYS short term disability and Paid Family Leave
• Audit documentation in relation to leave and return employees from Leave of Absence (LOA)
• Administer benefits payment process for employees on leave of absence
• Produce weekly status reports for communication of leaves with Managers
• Maintains appropriate and effective interpersonal relationships with team and department members, other staff, supervisors, administrators, and outside agencies

EDUCATION

Bachelor's Degree (four year college or university)

EXPERIENCE

At least three years of employee benefits experience

Demonstrated working knowledge of federal and state regulations affecting employee benefits programs, including ACA, ERISA, FMLA, PFL, ADAA, Section 125, COBRA and Workers Compensation

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Oral and Written Communication
• Interpersonal Skills
• Accuracy
• Adaptability
• Dependability
• Problem solving
• Planning/organizing
• HR Knowledge
• Computer Skills
  • Functional knowledge of HRIS Databases
  • Computer logical

Physical Demands:

This position operates in a professional office environment and requires the ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for extended periods.
• Use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and external partners in person, over the phone, and via email.
• Occasionally move about the office to access files, office equipment, and attend meetings.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

EEO Statement

Birch Family Services provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Birch Family Services complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Birch Family Services expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Birch Family Services’ employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.