BENEFITS and HR SPECIALIST

Preferred experience includes: managing leave cases (FMLA, STD, NYS PFL) and workers' compensation claims.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Demonstrates sensitivity to and respect for the cultural diversity of others, advancing best practice regarding cultural competence. Supports the administration of employee leave programs including paid and unpaid leaves of absence, FMLA, short term disability, long term disability, NYS paid family leave and workers' compensation. Interprets and administers Mary Cariola policies and procedures and educates and counsels employees and managers on policy and legal compliance related to employee leaves and return to work requirements. Interfaces with the employee, insurance carrier and third-party administrators and vendors, attendance office, nursing staff and the employee's supervisor as necessary to make sure all required information is reported. Assist employees with benefits questions and provides them with benefits transactional support. Supports Benefits Manager with monthly vendor invoices, audits, and administration. Assists in the enrollment administration procedures for medical, dental and vision insurance plans, processing enrollments and de-enrollments quickly and accurately. Assists with other benefit plan enrollment procedures as needed. Maintains Employee Discipline spreadsheet; creates and distributes reports to Supervisors as needed. Performs and tracks all Motor Vehicle Record checks for Agency and School Program as required. Assists with the implementation and sustainability of Mary Cariola wellness/wellbeing initiatives as identified. Interfaces with appropriate supervisors and managers to ensure proper light duty assignments are secured for employees who are returning to work with restrictions/accommodations. Maintains data in Human Resources Information System (UKG) and Time and Attendance system (Workforce Management) and leave tracking as appropriate and in timely manner, meeting required deadlines. Maintains working knowledge and keeps current with regulatory changes concerning various leave program laws and regulations. Provides support to the HR Supervisor for unemployment claims. As needed/requested, pre-screens direct care candidates from both UKG and Indeed, identifying those to move forward for interview. May communicate with potential candidates to dialogue about the hiring process. Process and manage background checks for interns, volunteers and new hires. Understands and uses relevant vendor systems for all required background screening (MetroData, Criminal Background, LENs, etc).Interfaces with hiring managers and recruiters with results of background screenings. Maintains current driving status for all relevant employees and sends monthly lists of drivers to program heads. Supports the communication of any agency increase or compensation adjustments. Responsible for turnover reporting and tracking. Supports HR projects as assigned. Maintains documentation as required and creates and distributes reports as necessary. Demonstrates flexible and efficient time management and ability to prioritize workload. Maintains confidentiality of all Human Resource records and information; ensures that all rules and regulations concerning confidentiality and retention of documents are followed. Adept in understanding HRIS system (UKG) and other vendor technology systems and/or a willingness to learn. Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications: EDUCATION

Required: Associates or better in Human Resource Administration or related field. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.