Benefits Manager

About Us Howard Community College ( HCC ) is an exciting place to work, learn, and grow! We are proud to have received the Great Colleges to Work For honor for 12 consecutive years, 2009-2020.

Howard Community College values diversity among its faculty, staff and student population. We are an innovative institution that is committed to responding to the ever-changing needs and interests of a diverse and dynamic community. No matter where you want to go in your career, you can get there from here!

Position Title Benefits Manager

FLSA Exempt

FT/PT Full Time

Hours Per Week 37.5

Work Schedule M-F 8:30-5


Grade 17


Minimum Compensation $75,634

General Responsibilities Responsibilities include management of health, retirement, and related benefits, as well as oversight of the college's wellness program. Position also oversees leave and disability programs to include FMLA , ADA , and Worker's Compensation issues. Work is performed under general direction and is subject to review for technical accuracy and conformance with established policies and practices.

Work Performed Leads and manages implementation and maintenance of all employee benefits including health, dental and life insurance, flexible spending accounts, self-administered supplemental life insurance, long-term disability insurance, Employee Assistance Program, legal plan and other optional benefits . Responsible for on-line flexible benefits program administration and reporting. Acts as liaison between benefit agencies and employees. Serves as liaison to college retirees. Keeps informed of and manages college compliance of federal laws and regulations.

Plans and manages open enrollment process and annual benefits fair.

Responsible for establishing and setting up benefits code files and plans in the college's information management system. Responsible for entering, updating and maintaining employees' benefits in college's information management system and Benelogic on-line system. Provides reports.

Serves as retirement coordinator for MSRPS and Optional Retirement Programs, and supplemental retirement programs.

Administers employee tax-sheltered annuity programs (403b and 457b plans) and leads the auditing process for participation. Keeps informed of federal laws and regulations. Tracks employee contributions ensuring they meet strict IRS guidelines.

Leads and manages college wellness program by planning and scheduling classes, and tracking participation and managing budget process for Wellness Program. Develops new resources to keep employees well informed of latest health information. Meets and consults with Student Wellness Program Coordinator on co-sponsored programs. Co-sponsors annual health fair. Meets and consults with Professional Development Coordinator on co-sponsored programs.

Manages college's employee life insurance program, which includes a self-administered supplemental life insurance program. Provides reports.

Manages college's employee long-term disability program and addresses issues related to ADA accommodations. Provides reports.

Manages college compliance with COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) and resolves problems regarding payments. Keeps informed of federal laws and regulations.

Oversees the work of the Benefits Specialist who assists with planning, paperwork, and processing related to benefits and COBRA .

Manages college's compliance with HIPAA . Keeps informed of federal laws and regulations.

Manages college leave plans and emergency leave bank. Oversees the processing of Family and Medical Leave and monitoring compliance with the Act. Keeps informed of federal and state laws and regulations.

Oversees the work of the Benefits Specialist in the administration of Workers' Compensation cases. Completes all WC paperwork in the absence of the Specialist.

Serves as Employee Assistance Program ( EAP ) liaison, including referrals. Manages and conducts Benefits Orientation Program and Exit Interview Program and provides reporting information for internal reports such as workforce snapshot.

Develops, updates and maintains Employee Benefits Program Guide and brochure, as well as other benefits related publications.

Keeps employees apprised of upcoming programs, changes and updates to benefits, etc.

Conducts surveys of benefits information, analyzes results and recommends changes as needed.

Reviews and edits benefit related procedures.

Serves on various committees as assigned.

Plans and coordinates informational meetings with various retirement and health agencies.

Furnishes services and information to employees and visitors to human resources office.

Notarizes legal documents for the human resources office (e.g. retirement forms).

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education Required Bachelor's degree

Minimum Number of Years Experience Required 5

Other Knowledge Required

• Bachelor's degree in human resources or related field or equivalent experience required.
• 5 years of HR experience with at least 1 year of experience administering employee benefits plans required.
• Professional human resources certification preferred.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local regulations on benefits, COBRA , FMLA , HIPAA , human rights, employment practices, immigration, tax reform, retirement, wage and hour and other related legislation.
• High level of skill in work coordination and management.
• High level of skill in communications and employee relations.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of personnel administration, recruitment, selection, affirmative action, training, classification, and salary and benefits administration.
• Experience with on-line employee benefit enrollment systems preferred.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Decision making/problem-solving skills.
• Ability to learn and apply HCC personnel procedures and to interpret and apply sound personnel practices.
• Ability to collect, compile and analyze information and data.
• Ability to use own initiative to locate and resolve problems.
• Ability to use personal computer and applicable software.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of staff and management.
• Ability to determine needs and to resolve conflicts.
• Ability to operate office equipment such as fax machine, copier and other equipment.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to the office of human resources code of ethics.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Regular attendance is a requirement of this job.
• Overtime may be required.

Supervisory Position Yes

Division Human Resources (Div)

Department Human Resources

Posting Number B093P

Number of Vacancies 1

Best Consideration Date 09/29/2022

Job Open Date 09/15/2022

Close Date 10/15/2022

Open Until Filled No

Job Category Staff

Benefits Summary Howard Community College offers competitive salaries, excellent medical and dental selections, tuition reimbursement and paid leave programs. As a participating member of the Maryland Retirement and Pension System, HCC offers two retirement options: The Pension, which requires a 7% employee contribution and The ORP , a 403(b) with a 7.25% employer contribution only. Employees in positions that do not require a bachelor's degree must participate in The Pension. Employees that possess a bachelor's degree and hold professional positions that require a bachelor's degree may choose to participate in either The Pension or The ORP .

Application Instructions *Pre-employment criminal background investigation is a condition of employment.

HCC is interested in all qualified applicants who are eligible to work in the United States. However, HCC will generally not sponsor applicants for work visas. Due to HCC policy, only employees living in states contiguous to Maryland are eligible for work at HCC and include Virginia, West Virginia, Washington DC, Pennsylvania. Candidates must live in the commutable area or willing to relocate at their own expense if offered the position because HCC does not offer relocation benefits.

Please complete the entire HCC Employment Application (Candidates will be evaluated on completing the college's application in full).

Quick Link for Internal Postings https://howardcc.peopleadmin.com/postings/2280

EEO Statement Howard Community College ( HCC ) is an Equal Employment Opportunity & Affirmative Action employer & values diversity within its faculty, staff & student population. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.
HCC understands that persons with specific disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance with the job application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 443-518-1100.

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