HR Associate (Benefits, Onboarding & Offboarding)

Position SummaryThe Human Resources Associate serves in an administrative role within the ASU, provides functional support to employees within the MDO clusters and other assigned departments. This is a results-oriented position focused on a variety of HR tasks that enhance and improve the MDO’s operations.  Assignments are received from, carried out for, and reported to the Human Resources Deputy Manager.Essential FunctionsOversee and manage the full scope of employee benefits programs for our organization, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), pension plans, retirement programs, and ADA compliance. The Benefits Manager will be responsible for ensuring that all benefits programs are administered efficiently, in compliance with regulations, and aligned with organizational goals. This position will serve as a key point of contact for 1100 + employees regarding their benefits, providing exceptional service and ensuring clarity on plan provisions, eligibility, and enrollment processes.Duties include, but not limited to:Manage all aspects of benefits enrollment, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, and other voluntary benefits. Ensure accurate and timely processing of enrollments, life status changes, and separations.Provide guidance to employees on benefits records in the HRIS system (Oracle) and ensure any updates or changes are accurately reflected.Serve as the primary point of contact for employees’ benefits, FMLA, ADA, and retirement inquiries, providing exceptional customer service and clear guidance.Act as a liaison between employees and Health & Welfare providers to resolve any claim issues, plan changes, or discrepancies. Review benefit plan rules, premium updates, and work processes.Oversee the annual open enrollment process, including communication, planning, and execution of benefits-related events and initiatives.Handle inquiries and reporting related to Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).Assist in developing and updating employee benefit communication materials, policies, procedures, and forms to ensure clarity and transparency.Respond to inquiries regarding retirement plan enrollments, contributions, and plan changes. Work closely with payroll to ensure proper application of pension deductions.Administer FMLA leave requests in compliance with federal and state regulations. Ensure all records are accurately maintained and monitor leave usage.Communicate FMLA rights and responsibilities to employees and ensure necessary documentation is submitted.Work to ensure FMLA leave is appropriately coordinated with other company leave policies.Provide employees with information about pension benefits, eligibility, and distribution options.Assist with accommodations for employees with disabilities, ensuring the company’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).Work closely with employees and management to address accommodation requests and develop reasonable solutions.Maintain knowledge of ADA regulations and state laws to ensure ongoing compliance.Coordinate and conduct benefits-related training sessions for employees and managers to ensure they understand how to access and utilize their benefits.Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to benefits, including FMLA, ADA, COBRA, HIPAA, and others.Prepare and submit required reports to regulatory agencies and management, including compliance-related documentation and audits.Administer all leave-of-absence requests, including reviewing and processing submitted documentation. Manage departmental FMLA, determining eligibility, and conducting audits.Support with Oracle transactions related to hiring, terminations, and employee grade steps as needed.Assist the Human Resources Deputy Manager with various special projects and provide guidance on benefit-related matters.Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesProficiency in HRIS systems, especially Oracle, and Microsoft Office SuiteAbility to manage multiple tasks and projects with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.Flexibility to both work independently and with the capacity to collaborate across diverse teams and city departmentsStrong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills,In-depth knowledge of federal and state regulations regarding FMLA, ADA, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, and other employee benefit laws.Experience in pension and retirement plan administration is highly preferred.