Benefits and Onboarding Specialist 0924-0008

$68,317 - $69,817/Yr

Erie 1 Boces - West Seneca, NY

Full-time - Entry Level

West Seneca, NY

Educational Services

About the position

The Benefits and Onboarding Specialist position at Erie 1 BOCES involves a variety of responsibilities centered around benefit administration and the onboarding process for new employees. This role is crucial in ensuring that employees and retirees are well-informed about their benefits, including health, dental, life insurance, and retirement plans. The specialist will coordinate and communicate benefit plans, maintain accurate enrollment records, and reconcile monthly invoices from vendors. Additionally, the position requires assisting in the creation and implementation of an effective onboarding process for new hires, ensuring a smooth transition into the organization. The work is performed under the direct supervision of the Human Resources Coordinator, and while the specialist will not have supervisory responsibilities, they will play a key role in supporting the HR team. Responsibilities include reviewing documentation to process benefit applications, providing explanations of benefits to employees and retirees, and performing calculations related to premium payments and payroll deductions. The specialist will also prepare and maintain detailed databases and spreadsheets to track benefit submissions and payments, ensuring accuracy and compliance with organizational policies and collective bargaining agreements. Moreover, the specialist will assist in developing communication campaigns for benefit-related activities, participate in benefit fairs, and coordinate wellness activities. They will also be involved in the annual rollover of employee records, generating reports, and reviewing compensation and benefit allocations. This position requires a proactive approach, good judgment, and the ability to establish effective working relationships with others, making it essential for the specialist to possess strong communication skills and a good understanding of office management principles.

Responsibilities

• Assist in performing various activities in benefit administration and onboarding.
• Coordinate and communicate benefit plans for employees and retirees.
• Maintain accurate enrollment records and reconcile monthly invoices from vendors.
• Assist in the creation and implementation of an onboarding process.
• Review documentation to process benefit applications, enrollments, and qualifying changes.
• Provide explanations of benefits to employees and retirees, including health, dental, life, and flexible spending.
• Perform calculations including premium calculations and payroll deductions.
• Prepare and maintain detailed databases and spreadsheets to track benefit submissions and payments.
• Assist in the development and implementation of communication campaigns for benefit-related activities.
• Participate in benefit-related events such as Open Enrollment and Benefit Fairs.
• Assist in the annual rollover of employee records and review compensation and benefit allocations for accuracy.
• Collaborate with staff on matters of HRIS capabilities and serve as a liaison to Finance Services for benefit-related matters.
• Review and reconcile invoices from insurance vendors with employee deductions.
• Participate in reviewing, revising, and maintaining benefit-related policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelor's Degree and two (2) years of professional personnel experience; or
• Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with an Associate's Degree and four (4) years of professional personnel experience; or
• An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of the above qualifications.
• Good knowledge of the principles and practices of office management.
• Ability to operate an automated database.
• Ability to deal with the public and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in HRIS systems and processes.
• Knowledge of benefit administration and compliance regulations.

Benefits

• 403(b) retirement plan
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid holidays
• Generous paid personal/sick time
• Generous paid vacation days
• Premium Health and Dental plans (E1B pays 85%)
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• NYS Retirement System