Benefits & Leave Manager/Liaison - HRS035 - Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM

Job Details

Job Location

Corporate Office (Main Office) - Lake Success, NY

Education Level

4 Year Degree

Salary Range

$85,000.00 - $90,000.00 Salary/year

Description

Position Summary: The Benefits & Leave Manager/Liaison will co-lead HR Operations which includes, but is not limited to benefits and leave administration, employee benefit plans, workers compensation, unemployment, training, personnel records, and staffing. The Liaison will serve as a communication link between departments and Human Resources and will serve as the backup to the Director of Human Resources.

ESSENTIAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Serve as the primary backup for the Director of Human Resources in their absence, assuming responsibility for overseeing HR operations and decision-making.

• Oversee the benefit administrators and ensure all benefit and leave processes and workflows are efficient and compliant while supporting the team in reducing escalations and improving customer service.

• Full knowledge of the two employee benefit plans – 401k and TDA plans, to include day to day management of the plan, responding to employee inquiries and assisting with pension plan audits.

• Review of employee benefit plan loan and hardship withdrawal applications, ensuring compliance with the plan documents.

• Responsible for day-to-day communication to employees of any plan changes and updates.

• Assist with analysis of staff increases for both union and non-union contracts, as well as uploading new pay rates into Paycom.

• Assist with longevity calculations and increases as per the CBA agreements.

• Ensure that updated benefit documents are shared, publicized and available in the benefit hub, the Intranet, onboarding presentations, and compliance boards.

• Monitor, troubleshoot, and implement electronic data transmittals between our HRIS and benefit carriers.

• Ensure benefit and HR operations related invoices are reconciled accurately and timely for seamless processing.

• Generate, schedule and rollout all staff communication pertaining to benefits, wellness, and HR agency initiatives.

• Assist with processing personnel action forms and ensuring timeliness in their approvals. This includes daily monitoring of the dashboard queue.

• Responsible for processing all transactions for employee referrals and sign-on bonuses monthly.

• Handle employee and labor relations escalated issues and inquiries while providing guidance and support to employees and managers as needed in the absence of the HR Director and in support of the CAO. This includes the review of disciplinary actions, interpretation of HR policies and the collective bargaining agreement.

• Make informed HR-related decisions in alignment with organizational policies, procedures, and legal requirements as well as ensure compliance with relevant employment laws, regulations, and company policies in all HR practices and procedures.

• Demonstrate working knowledge of the employee health and welfare programs to include, medical, dental, STD/LTD, workers compensation, FMLA, Leaves of Absences, COBRA; and oversee the application of best practices in both HR Operations and Recruitment, including cases related to the Fair Chance Act.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee records and HR documentation.

• Serve as a liaison between HR and other departments, vendors, and the broker on record, fostering collaboration and effective communication. Work closely with HR team members to coordinate efforts and ensure consistency in HR practices and procedures.

• Communicate HR policies, procedures, and initiatives to employees and managers, providing guidance and clarification as needed. This includes managing the agency Intranet where information is housed.

• Provide support and guidance to HR staff, assisting with training, development, and performance management as needed. Promote ongoing professional development activities to enhance HR team knowledge and skills.

• Assist the HR Director with assigning, coordinating, and reviewing work to promote efficient operations; develop and adjust work and vacation schedules; conduct annual performance evaluations, create efficiencies in all HR systems and effectively execute transactional tasks as needed.

• Assist the HR Director with creating, completing, and interpreting forms & policies when needed. Responsible for yearly distribution and obtaining employees’ signatures for annual forms ensuring regulatory compliance.

• Assist with generating and analyzing high level reports. Prepare such reports for presentation.

• Participate in committees as assigned to facilitate communicating information to the impacted departments or relevant parties.

• Develop and maintain contingency plans and protocols for handling HR-related emergencies or unexpected absences.

• Ensure that backup systems and processes are in place to minimize disruptions and maintain continuity of HR operations.

• Act quickly and decisively to address urgent HR issues and maintain employee morale and confidence. Assist with external audits.

• Perform other duties as requested.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).

• 5+ years of progressive experience in HR roles, with demonstrated expertise in employee relations, HR operations, and compliance.

• Strong knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and best practices.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organization, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.

• Proven leadership abilities and experience managing HR teams or projects.

• Proficiency in HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite.