Administrator – Benefits & Leave

Overview

As a Benefits and Leave Administrator, you will manage the benefits and leave programs for the Agency and support the end-to-end processes of all Agency-wide benefits, retirement, and leave of absence programs with a focus on a positive employee experience, compliance, and continuous program improvement.

Essential Duties

• Serve as a Benefits and Leave subject matter expert, ensuring program requirements are met.  Coordinate with third-party vendors to manage benefit programs, leave and disability administration, and oversee ADA requests and accommodations. Work closely with other HR staff on future planning, revision, compliance, and communication of Agency benefit and leave programs.
• Answer benefits and leave of absence questions and provide consultation to employees.  Determine eligibility for various leave types requested by employees and provide employees with required notification and documentation.  Make decisions regarding insurance eligibility for status changes and authorize qualifying events to allow for special open enrollment. 
• Document leave management activities.  Monitor and provide recommendations for leave-related and ADA workflow enhancement opportunities and improvements.  Gather, measure, research, and analyze benchmark data such as leave and benefit utilization and trends.  Effectively communicate data-based recommendations to management designing continuous improvement initiatives and identifying trending statistics. 
• Provide direction and oversight with respect to benefit and leave administration, FMLA, ADA accommodations, and benefit and leave related policies and procedures.  Collaborate with Human Resources Business Partners, workers compensation analysts, and others in developing return to work strategies or accommodations under the ADA or ADAAA, when necessary. 
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of benefit, leave, and absence records and data, conduct system audits, and prepare reports.
• Monitor State and Federal regulations relevant to leave and benefits. Make recommendations to internal partners on how to respond to new laws/regulations.
• Serve as a liaison between the agency and vendors, benefit trust, State and Federal leave providers, and short- and long-term disability providers.  Understand and assist with medical documentation and FMLA Certification and State PFML forms.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature, as assigned.  For example, coordinate the sick leave donation program. 

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Human Resources, or related field.
• 2 years of experience in benefit and/or leave management.
• 3 years of experience performing highly detailed work involving sensitive or privileged information.

An equivalent combination of education and experience to successfully perform the job duties is also accepted.

Knowledge Requirements

• Federal, State, and Local regulations governing benefits and how various laws intersect (e.g.: HIPAA, ADA, and ADAA).
• HRIS and HRMS tools, such as PeopleSoft.
• Grammar rules.
• General office procedures, practices, and etiquette.
• Customer service best practices.
• Procedures for handling privileged or confidential documents

Skill Requirements

• Fostering an inclusive workplace by upholding Community Transit’s core values in support of the organization’s vision and mission.  Inspiring team commitment, pride, and trust while promoting cooperation and motivating members to achieve shared goals.  Demonstrating courtesy, sensitivity, and respect in all interactions.
• Data analysis.
• Strong interpersonal and written communication.
• Adaptive, flexible, and comfortable amidst ambiguity.
• Time management, multi-tasking, and adjusting to changing priorities.
• Process improvement.
• Data entry and management.
• Organization and attention to detail.
• Working cross-functionally.
• Great customer service and active listening.
• Exercising good judgment to problem solve and navigate difficult situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HRIS tools.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills

• 5 years of experience in HR, Benefits, Leave Administration/Management, or related field.
• SPHR, PHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, NPELRA, or Employee Benefits Specialist certifications.
• Demonstrated proficiency in using Smartsheet and a range of data analytics technologies.

Working Conditions

Hybrid telework may be available.  Availability is at management discretion and may not be available for this position based on the nature of the work.  Work is performed in an office environment and requires the use of office equipment and technology.  You will be required to move throughout and between different office buildings and may need to complete tasks in noisy environments.  You may also be required to lift and carry materials up to 10 pounds occasionally. 

Application and Selection Process

• Only on-line applications accepted. 
• Applicants for this job may be considered for other openings up to six months after the date this position is filled.
• Applicants who meet the minimum requirements may be scheduled for an interview as well as a variety of tests to demonstrate knowledge, and skills for the position.  The evaluation process may include interviews, background check, reference checks and various performance tests.

Employee Benefits

• Employees (and their families) are covered by medical, dental, vision, basic life and disability insurance.
• Employees participate in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and have the option to enroll in the agency’s deferred compensation plan.
• In addition to WA Paid Sick Leave, employees in this position, accrue of 24 days of Paid Time off (192 hours) in their first year and ten (10) paid holidays throughout the calendar year.
• Full list of all benefits and details can be found here.

If you are related to or share the same living quarters of a current Community Transit employee, please let your Recruiter know as your eligibility for this position may be affected.

Community Transit provides a tobacco-free and drug-free work environment.  As a recipient of federal funds, Community Transit is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on a basis prohibited by Federal, State or Local law.  We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.  EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, protected veteran status or disability.