Benefits And Leaves Specialist - Office Of Human Resources

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APU is seeking employees who desire to engage in our thriving culture by cultivating community through professional interactions, demonstrating a posture of lifelong learning, and modeling Christ-like character. Working together, employees at APU commit to establishing a university atmosphere that is edifying to God and to one another.

Reporting to the Benefits Manager, this position will serve as the primary contact for employees related to Benefits and Leaves, with an emphasis on leave of absence (LOA) administration for Family and Medical Leave (FMLA), Short-term Disability (STD), and Workers’ Compensation (WC). Provides excellent customer service to employees, university leadership, and HR Business Partners on all aspects of Benefits and Leaves by phone, in person, and by email or other written correspondence. Coordinates the leave of absence process, including interpretation of federal, state, and university leave policies and procedures. In conjunction with the Benefits Manager, this position is also responsible for coordinating ADA interactive processes.

 Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field, or bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field with applicable relevant work experience.
• PHR/SPHR, SHRM-CP, or other related HR certifications a plus.

Required Experience

• Three to five years of Human Resources-related experience, including one to two years working with benefits, LOA administration (including FMLA, PDL), disability case management, workers’ compensation, ADA interactive process, and HIPAA.

Primary Duties/Essential Functions

BENEFITS

• Point of contact for employees with questions and needs related to health and life insurance benefits, the retirement plan, and other university employee benefits.
• Assists Benefits Manager with open enrollment process annually. 
• Processes new enrollments, terminations, claim issues, and life event changes on an ongoing basis.
• Works closely with Payroll, HRIS, and university vendors to maintain efficient processing of benefits.
• Works closely with Accounts Payable to submit invoices and track payments for benefits.
• Coordinates with benefits carriers as needed for employees on COBRA and/or in the early retiree program, and processes eligibility and payments for those participants.
• Under guidance of the Benefits Manager, handles a variety of day-to-day employee benefits matters. 

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

• Coordinates all leaves of absence (LOA) and short-term disability (STD) and workers’ compensation (WC) claims.
• Coordinates the ADA interactive process for employees seeking accommodation.
• Point of contact for employees initiating leaves of absence (LOA) and for questions and processes related to FMLA, STD, and WC.
• Interprets and clarifies LOA policies to address inquiries from employees, managers, and HR Business Partners.
• Analyzes STD/FMLA claims to determine eligibility and certification in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Provides disability case management.
• Communicates absence and return to work information to employees, supervisors, and managers.
• Coordinates with HR Business Partners regarding job assignment or reassignment as necessary.
• Processes LOA status updates and coordination of pay through HRIS and electronic timekeeping system.
• Manages all invoicing processes and reconciles received payments for all benefit-related contribution and premium payments for employees on leave.
• Identifies and immediately escalates potential opportunities for risk/exposure to the university.

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

• Manages all aspects of the Workers’ Compensation claims from initial report of injury through investigation and coordination of benefits. Fulfills all documentation requirements to assure accurate claims management.  Works with injured employees and claims adjusters to assure quality treatment and effective return to work.
• Provides oversight for third-party administrator with regard to WC and disability claims.
• Works closely with the Risk Manager in assessing trends and communicating injury details on a regular basis.

OTHER HR DUTIES

• Assists with employee relations matters related to LOA’s in collaboration with HR Business Partners.
• Regular, punctual attendance as required by the supervisor based on department needs.
• Performs other duties as required.

Skills

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to clearly explain complex concepts to a wide range of personnel.
• Ability to quickly build rapport and trusting relationships with people at all levels.
• Strong analytical skills; able to analyze problems and devise viable solutions.
• Effective at managing multiple priorities with a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Strong attention to detail and confidentiality.
• Ability to demonstrate a high sense of confidentiality and sense of urgency.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team, as well as an independent contributor.
• Self-starter with a positive attitude.

Mental Demands

• Ability to understand written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to understand, apply, and improve documented procedures.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to counsel and provide customer service to employees.
• Exercise good judgment, discretion, and maintain confidentiality.
• Perform daily responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• In agreement with goals of Azusa Pacific University to provide Christian-based higher education for its students.

Physical Demands

• Requires repetitive motion and sitting at computer keyboard.
• Hearing and speaking on the telephone.
• Meetings may require walking and/or driving to various University locations.
• Ability to pull, push, bend, grasp, reach and lift up to 20 lbs.

Visual Demands

• Computer monitor and reading.

Environment

• Pleasant office, comfortable temperatures. 

Technologies

• Proficient in Google Apps., Microsoft Office, Word, and Excel.
• Working knowledge of other related systems such as HRIS (PeopleSoft), timekeeping (Kronos), and payroll (ADP).
• Ability to assess and implement outsourcing options and systems changes.

Compensation

• Grade 11: $28.53 to $32.81 is the hourly compensation for this role and reflects what Azusa Pacific University reasonably expects to pay for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on the qualifications, experience, and internal equity. In addition to compensation, APU offers a competitive benefits package.

Azusa Pacific University is a Christ-centered, multicultural community that values and seeks faculty and staff who are committed to diversity, work effectively with diverse populations, and engage others in ways that honor our rich cultural mosaic and biblical foundation. Please click the links to learn more about 'what we believe', our 'mission statement', and our 'statement of faith'.

You can learn more about APU by watching the stories of faculty, staff, and alumni as they carry out our mission here: http://www.apu.edu/stories/

Azusa Pacific University will conduct a background check on all final candidates.

Review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled unless otherwise stated. Azusa Pacific University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.