Benefits and Wellness Manager, HR

Vermont Law School Royalton, Vermont
manager hr hr retirement payroll compliance manager management coordinate leaves health team administer
January 30, 2023
Vermont Law School
Royalton, Vermont
Description:

Benefits and Wellness Manager

Human Resources

Position Summary:

The HR Benefits and Wellness Manager is an integral part of the HR Team at Vermont Law and Graduate School and plays a critical role in the employee experience. This position collaborates in the development of legally compliant and comprehensive benefits programs, manages the benefits administration and wellness programs to attract and retain top-caliber staff and faculty to VLGS. Hybrid work arrangement possible for the right candidate.

Essential Functions and Principal Accountabilities:

Benefits Management:

  • Own the benefits programs at Vermont Law and Graduate School to develop, implement, administer, and maintain benefits programs, policies, and procedures. Ensure programs meet employee needs, comply with legal requirements, and are cost effective.
  • Coordinate with brokers on benefit vendor relations and renewals.
  • Coordinate with business office on reconciliation of benefits and retirement billing.
  • Manage new hire enrollment, special enrollments, and open enrollment processes for employee benefits.
  • In partnership with the Plan Sponsor and Plan Advisor, manage the VLGS retirement plan in conjunction with the retirement committee; ensure employees are enrolled, work with VP of Finance and Plan Advisor to update documents appropriately, participate as a member of the retirement committee meetings, manage annual disclosure process, process loans and termination requests by employees, and coordinate employee educational opportunities.
  • Manage employee exit interviews, benefits terminations, and COBRA coordination.
  • Answer employee benefits questions and escalate coverage and other questions to broker and vendors as needed.
  • In partnership with the Payroll Specialist to ensure systems integrations for all benefits.
  • Work with Payroll Specialist to verify and audit deductions due to changes in coverage, after open enrollment, and during other large migration projects.
  • Process unemployment and worker's compensation claims.
  • Manage employee leaves of absence, FMLA and FMLA compliance work, and short- and long-term disability claims and leaves.
  • Evaluate and assess effectiveness and satisfaction of employee benefit programs.
  • Ensure compliance with all employment postings in VLGS workplace locations.

Compliance:

  • Perform non-discrimination testing on all benefits and retirement plans in coordination with brokers, benefits companies, and contractors as well as with the business office.
  • Conduct annual Worker's Compensation Audit.
  • Provide information as needed for 5500 and other reports.
  • Enter data as needed to provide information on unemployment claims, DOL audits and questionnaires, and other official inquiries.
  • Complete student loan forgiveness forms for staff and faculty.
  • Organize and maintain electronic filing system for employee files within Paylocity HRIS system with backup.
  • Assist with updates in benefits and leaves policies for the VLGS staff and faculty handbooks as requested.
  • Maintain federal and state postings in all VLGS campus and off-campus offices.
  • Administer onboarding and employee verification upon new employee hire, in conjunction with recruiting.
  • Provide backup for payroll functions.
  • Other duties as required.

Wellness:

  • Lead the VLGS wellness committee and manage both committee and HR-led wellness programs for staff and faculty at VLGS.
  • Create and resource wellness programs that meet the needs of a diverse staff and faculty.
  • Develop and initiate programs and policies to enhance inclusion, wellness, and mental health for the VLGS staff and faculty both on and off campus.
  • Lead activities committee and assist committee members with events.
  • Participate with HR and Staff Advisory Committee in planning and execution of annual Staff Appreciation events.
Requirements:

Please attach a resume and cover letter to your application for further consideration.

Education, Skills and Experience:

  • Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 5 years' experience in an HR field, or master's degree with a minimum of 1-2 years' management/supervisory experience in an HR field.
  • Understanding of, appreciation for, and commitment to inclusion, including the ability to work with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds, identities, and viewpoints. Commitment to improving diversity campaign with key stakeholders at VLGS.
  • In-depth knowledge of industry benefits programs, requirements, and evolving trends.
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving skills with a strong attention to detail.
  • Ability to use discretion in handling confidential information.
  • Excellent English oral, written and presentation skills; exceptional listening skills.
  • Ability to use HR Metrics and other data for quality reporting and decision-making.
  • Good understanding of budget preparation, cost estimating and fiscal management principles and procedures.
  • Understanding of state and federal laws relating to payroll and HR compliance.
  • Proficiency in a PC, Windows-based operating environment; experience with Microsoft Office (0365) applications, virtual work environments and social media applications. Proficiency in Excel.
  • Ability to learn and gain proficiency in web based HRIS/payroll system within 90 days of beginning position.
  • Must be able to adapt to new and emerging technology as established and communicated by the law school.
  • Ability to receive and process feedback and make appropriate changes to work habits.

Other Requirements:

  • 90% Desk-oriented work, primarily computer oriented.
  • Repetitive motion (keyboard, mouse, etc).
  • Limited travel may be required, mostly within the State of Vermont.
  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and deadlines and reorganize under pressure.
  • Ability to work independently and within a team.
  • Ability to manage the pressure of multiple deadlines.
  • Ability to separate personal feelings and maintain cool demeanor when dealing with difficult situations.
  • Must be able to work legally within the United States without sponsorship
  • Physical ability to perform all essential functions of the job with or without basic accommodations.
  • Willingness and ability to follow any current or future health and safety policies or protocols laid out by the school.

Note: All job requirements are subject to possible revision to reflect changes in the position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.


Report this job

Similar jobs near me

Related articles