Personnel Associate - SUNY Buffalo State : Job Details

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Posting Details

Position Information

About Buffalo State

Buffalo State is one of the largest comprehensive schools in the State University of New York system. As a civically minded, urban-engaged campus community located in the city's cultural corridor, Buffalo State prides itself as having smaller learning environments coupled with larger university opportunities. Boasting a diverse and inclusive campus, Buffalo State is committed to the intellectual, personal, and professional growth of its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The school's mission is to deliver a broad array of high-quality and distinctive academic programs infused with diversity, creativity, and hands-on learning opportunities for hardworking students who seek a personalized and affordable education that engages their minds and advances their careers. Buffalo State is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, service, scholarship, creative activity, and cultural enrichment. With degree programs in education, the arts, science, arts and humanities, and professional studies, each year over 6,000 students choose Buffalo State. Buffalo State welcomes applicants who are committed to helping us fulfill our mission.

Faculty/Professional Professional

Department Human Resource Management Office

Local Title Benefits Associate

Budget Title Personnel Associate

Rank MP-5

Line Number 20041

Salary Range $60,000-$65,000

FTE Full-Time

Negotiating Unit M/C

FLSA Exempt

Department Website

hr.buffalostate.edu

Brief Job Description

The Benefits Associate serves as a key member of the Human Resources team with primary responsibility for administering all employee benefits, including SUNY retirement plans, NYSHIP health insurance and leaves of absence/policies in accordance with collective bargaining agreements, New York State Civil Service law, New York State Retirement System rules and regulations, and SUNY Board of Trustees policies as well as state and federal employment laws. Additionally, the Benefits Associate manages time and attendance for faculty and professional staff, assists and supports engagement initiatives that enhance the employee experience, and supports retention by creating and maintaining a shared sense of belonging to the University. The Benefits Associate functions with considerable independent discretion when interpreting and applying a wide variety of benefits guidelines affecting multiple employment types. The position requires a high degree of organization and attention to detail including careful and complex calculations for deductions and salary adjustments required in the administration of benefits.

Essential Responsibilities:

1. Administer the State's health insurance program ( NYSHIP ) including orientation programs, enrollment meetings, webinars, responding to employee inquiries, processing new enrollments and enrollment changes, determining effective dates of coverage, and reconciling records.

2. Administer multiple retirement plans including defined contribution programs and provide guidance on supplemental retirement savings plans, including enrollments, reinstatement/prior service credit, arrears calculations, and contributions.

3. Administer various leave programs (i.e., disability, parental/family leave, workers compensation, reasonable accommodation, etc.) including meeting and communicating with employees, determining eligibility, and processing appropriate documentation.

4. Review time and attendance records to confirm balances, determine accruals available and other options accessible to employees during their period of leave. Audit time and attendance records at the commencement of leave.

5. Administer the tuition programs available to employees.

6. Develop and disseminate benefits information to employees through various channels, such as appropriate websites, webinars, and orientation sessions. Manage and update benefits documents, announcements and website. Facilitate and deliver various educational opportunities to employees about their available benefits and encourage all employees to be prepared for their future in retirement.

7. Maintain accurate and up-to-date benefit records and data in SUNY HR information system, and related systems for benefits and retirement. Oversee the workflow of documents relevant to benefits and leaves administration. Maintain all files in a compliant and organized manner ensuring data integrity and security.

8. Develop collegial, positive working relationships and serve as liaison between our employees, the Department of Civil Service, insurance carriers, union benefit funds, SUNY , and various other parties.

9. Plan and execute events that support employee engagement and wellness, such as orientation, onboarding, wellness fairs and pre-retirement seminars.

Required Qualifications

+ Demonstrated benefits administration experience.

+ Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including excellent spreadsheet and data organizational skills.

+ Working knowledge of state and federal employment and labor relations regulations and laws (e.g. HIPAA , FMLA , ADA ).

+ Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work effectively and efficiently within strict deadlines.

+ Demonstrated ability to monitor, analyze and use relevant data.

+ Ability to prioritize and self-manage in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

+ Must possess excellent independent judgment while using sensitivity to personal and confidential information.

+ Must have the ability to develop collegial working relationships with individuals at all organizational levels and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

+ Good listener, clear communicator and organized planner.

Preferred Qualifications

+ Human Resources experience in the public sector and/or higher education.

+ Experience in administering health insurance, retirement and leave benefits.

+ Professional certifications ( PHR , CEBS ).

Anticipated Date of Hire 12/02/2024

Priority Review Date

Application Deadline Date 10/20/2024

Open Until Filled No

Special Instructions to Applicant

Contact Person

Erika Grande

Contact Email [email protected]

Contact Fax

Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting

Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Buffalo State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution that subscribes to all federal, state, and SUNY legal requirements and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or marital or veteran status (Nondiscrimination Notice). Any violation of this policy should be reported to the Equity and Diversity Office, Cleveland Hall 415, (716) ###-####. Buffalo State is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. If you have any questions, please contact Jamie Warnes at [email protected] or call (716) ###-####.

Background Investigation Statement

All applicants are subject to a pre-employment background investigation. Our Pre-Employment Background Screening Policy is available at

Clery Statement

Applicants interested in positions may access the Annual Security Report ( ASR ) for SUNY Buffalo State at The ASR contains information on campus security policies and certain campus crime statistics. Crime statistics are reported in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. Applicants may request a hard copy of the ASR by contacting the SUNY Buffalo State University Police Department at (716) ###-####.

New York State Executive Order 161

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

+ How did you hear about this employment opportunity?

+ Buffalo State website

+ Buffalo News

+ Buffalo Rocket

+ Challenger

+ Chronicle of Higher Education

+ HigherEdJobs

+ Panorama Hispano News

+ Employee Referral

+ Other

+ All applicants are subject to a pre-employment background investigation. The college's Pre-Employment Background Screening Policy is available at Prior to an offer of employment, an applicant will be required to sign an authorization release form, allowing Buffalo State to conduct a background investigation. Failure of an applicant to sign the authorization release form will disqualify an applicant from further consideration for appointment.

+ I agree to comply with the college's policy.

+ I do not agree to comply with the college's policy. (Note, this selection will disqualify you from further consideration for appointment.)

+ Please share with us what diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you and why they are important.

(Open Ended Question)

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

+ Resume / Curriculum Vitae

+ Cover Letter

+ Names and Contact Information for 3 Professional References

Optional Documents