Manager of Benefits-Health, Welfare - New York, United States - Hearst

Description

Job Description

Are you a seasoned professional seeking a pivotal role where your expertise can make a tangible difference? We are currently seeking a dynamic individual to fill the position of Manager of Health, Welfare, and Immigration Administration. As a subject matter expert, you will be the cornerstone upon which our business relies for support, guidance, and partnership in these critical areas. Your ownership mentality and proactive oversight will ensure that all aspects of leave management, workers' compensation administration, benefits administration, work accommodation facilitation, and immigration processes are executed with precision and compliance. From navigating the complexities of FMLA to spearheading key internal immigration projects, you'll be at the forefront, driving excellence and innovation. If you're ready to take on a multifaceted role that combines leadership, analytical prowess, and a passion for employee welfare, we invite you to apply and become an integral part of our dynamic team.

Responsibilities

What you'll do

Leave of Absence and Workers Compensation Administration

• Administers and supports employee-qualified leave of absence programs such as FMLA, short & long-term disability, State plans like paid family leave, paid sick leave as well as parental and paternity leave.
• Ensures leave programs and policies are in accordance with the applicable federal and state employment laws (FMLA, ADA, USERRA, Pregnancy Discrimination Act, etc.).
• Reconcile with Payroll NYS disability and NYS Paid Family Leave benefit offsets on a bi-weekly basis and communicate with the affected employees.
• Workers' Compensation Administration - All aspects of administration including all aspects of claims administration, vendor management & payment coordination.
• Manage all administrative aspects of leave and workers' compensation claims. Track time used/taken and ensure all leave payments are accurate, correct and made in a timely manner.
• Serves as the subject matter expert for all leave and workers' compensation programs. Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of all government, state and local regulations and laws and advise employees on company policy, guidelines, and documentation requirements.
• Ensures that the workers' compensation program is managed in accordance with applicable OSHA and workers' compensation laws.
• Maintain, track and report on accurate and clear records for all leaves and workers compensation claims.
• Ensures that all reportable workers' compensation claims are submitted to the company's vendor in a timely manner.
• Ensures that HIPAA and Employee Privacy guidelines are closely monitored and effectively executed.
• Ensure all involved parties including employees, managers, HRBPs as well as leadership and legal receive all necessary and required information and documentation in a timely manner.
• Works closely with employees to ensure that all relevant and required documentation is submitted in a timely manner. Maintains appropriate contact with all employees and coordinates all aspects of return to work. Follow-up when necessary and ensure recertification paperwork is returned in a timely manner.
• Partners closely with all HR business partners on all leave cases and workers' compensation claims. Meets regularly with HRBPs to review claims' status, and future actions.
• Manages vendor relationships, ensuring accurate and timely processing of claims and payments.
• Use a data-driven approach to evaluating trends, making recommendations, or implementing changes to existing programs.

Benefits Administration

• Benefits administration: Assists with the administration of all corporate-sponsored employee benefits programs and manage benefit programs specific to Hearst Magazine employees.
• Benefits enrollment:Guide employees through the enrollment process by helping them understand their benefits. Conduct a weekly benefits orientation for new hires and answer any enrollment-related questions they may have.
• Compliance: Ensure consistent and full compliance with company policies and relevant laws, such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and other regulatory requirements.
• Vendor management: Work with corporate benefits, insurance carriers and other vendors to ensure employee data is entered correctly and benefits are delivered on time and as needed.
• Record-keeping: Track, maintain and report on required records or documents. Coordinate with the payroll team on payments, payroll deductions or retroactive payments and deductions.
• Addressing employee concerns: Direct employees with benefit questions and concerns to the Corporate Benefits hotline or benefit plan vendor. Oversee and assist employees with escalated benefit matters that the employee has not been able to resolve on their own.
• Manage, maintain, and update all benefit information posted on the People & Culture page.
• Develop a robust benefits promotion and education strategy designed to highlight and promote the benefit programs available to employees. The program should include things like in-person and online meetings, written communications, and online resources.
• Oversee and ensure compliance around OSHA posting requirements.
• Use a data-driven approach to evaluating trends, making recommendations, or implementing changes to existing programs.

Work Accommodation Administrator

• First point of contact for employees requesting a work accommodation.
• Subject matter expert able to council employees & managers on work accommodation requirements.
• Responsible for collection of required documentation when an accommodation is requested.
• Maintain proper records and ensure timely follow-up of accommodation recertifications or requests for extensions of existing accommodations.
• Ensure compliance with all ADA, state, federal & local laws, and regulations.
• Use a data-driven approach to evaluating trends, making recommendations, or implementing changes to existing programs.

Immigration Administration

• Effectively manage and oversee the end-to-end Immigration process.
• First point of contact on all immigration matters.
• Manage each aspect of each immigration case as the single conduit between the candidate/employee, manager, and attorney.
• Partner with internal partners, parent company and legal team to develop, maintain and regularly update an Immigration policy.
• Track all renewals and changes, ensure timely filing of all paperwork, and maintain consistent communications between all parties.
• Drive key internal immigration programs/projects including policy creation, H-1B Cap; Internal Education; Template Design; and escalation protocols.
• Serve as consultant to employees, candidates, talent acquisition, HR, and key stakeholders, leveraging industry knowledge and acquired experience.

Other Responsibilities

• Administer other programs such as tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, Amazon Gift Cards, Gym memberships/reimbursements.
• Severance Agreement/ERP Payment Management - Responsible for all aspects of the severance process including producing agreements, processing executed agreements, communications, reporting, and record keeping.
• Work on projects and other duties as needed.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive experience in Human Resources, with at least 3 years of specialized experience in health, welfare, immigration, or related fields.
• Knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations pertaining to leave management, workers' compensation, benefits administration, work accommodation, and immigration.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and trends to drive strategic decision-making.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and record-keeping.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex information to diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven track record of exercising sound judgment and maintaining confidentiality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS software. Experience with leave management systems and immigration software preferred.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
• Additional certifications related to leave management, workers' compensation administration, or immigration law a plus.

Other Requirements:

• Willingness to stay updated on changing regulations and industry best practices through continuing education and professional development opportunities.
• Flexibility to adapt to evolving business needs and work occasional evenings or weekends as required.

Note: The qualifications listed above are intended to provide a general guideline for evaluating candidates and may be adjusted based on specific organizational needs and requirements.

The base salary for this role in NY is between $98,000 to $117,000 annually. The base salary for this role in PA is between $89,000 to $105,000 annually. The actual base pay offered is dependent upon many factors, such as: transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

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