Benefits Specialist

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access/Affirmative Action employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.

• Oversees the administration of Leave of Absence programs including FMLA and Disability.
• Communicates with employees regarding their needs for leave, ensuring that employees have eligibility information and know how to request leave and/or file a claim with the respective vendor for the type of leave they are seeking. Ensure that the employee understands their responsibilities and any documentation and notice required to qualify for and to take leave.
• Advises managers and employees on the interaction of leave laws with paid time off, FMLA, and short-term and long-term disability benefits including variations to USNH policies in accordance with collectively bargained agreements.
• Maintains knowledge of applicable leave and accommodation laws including the FMLA, ADA, state/ local laws. Maintains compliance with federal and state leave of absence regulations to ensure FMLA and/or LOA is managed in accordance with the university's policies and procedures and applicable federal and state regulations.
• Collaborate with leave administration vendor partners in the approval, processing and tracking of leaves. Maintain simultaneous leave records, generate leave-related letters, process leave transactions in the Time and Leave Management system, update any other internal systems as necessary, and manage communications with employees, their departments and their HR Business Partner.
• Maintains complete and accurate records of leave and accommodation requests in accordance with specified legal requirements and documentation of best practices.
• Preserves confidentiality of employee medical documentation and files.
• Process benefit premium billing for employees who are on an unpaid leave of absence.
• Actively engage in process improvements.

• Support all employees with inquiries and concerns related to the USNH Benefits Programs, including medical, dental, vision insurance, and retirement savings plan. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of all USNH Benefits.
• Provides effective and timely responses to employee inquiries received by walk-in, phone or shared email box. Escalate concerns that are outside scope, complicated or highly sensitive to subject matter experts, as appropriate.
• Assist employees with claims issues by directing them to client services teams and monitor ongoing issues for timely resolution at the vendor level.
• Participates in assigned New Hire Orientations by presenting benefit information and ensuring that employees are enrolled in benefit programs on a timely basis. Updates orientation materials in conjunction with any relevant benefit plan changes or enhancements.
• Provide follow-up and one-on-one with new hire questions and difficulty navigating through enrollment (insurance and retirement plans).
• Support annual Open Enrollment by facilitating Benefit Fair(s), prepare and present information sessions and by assisting employees with the online enrollment process.
• Share knowledge with other benefit support staff and update FAQs and other employee self-service materials. Support HR Colleagues on campus wide, educational employee benefit programs and events, as requested.

• Oversees and is responsible for the management of the workers' compensation program including the processing of all work-related injuries and illnesses to ensure compliance with USNH policies and state regulations. Review accident and injury reports to determine proper actions under workers' compensation laws and regulations; coordinate information with the third-party claims adjuster; analyze computer data for reports.
• Based on knowledge, and interpretation of policies, procedures, and regulations; calculate actual loss time, lost wages to be paid, and return to work arrangements for injured employees. Document in the Time and Leave Management and Incident Reporting systems as required. Interface as needed with legal counsel and attorneys involving claims and litigations.
• On a periodic basis, review ongoing claims and resolutions with the vendors, 3rd party advisors and HR Leadership. Attend quarterly campus safety meetings as assigned.
• Develop, provide, and arrange for training programs related to workers' compensation procedures, benefits and policies. Coordinate and interface with Environmental Health & Safety Officer and insurance carrier risk management on accident investigations, prevention, and review new programs to reduce work-related accidents and injuries.