Benefits Specialist

at  Tufts University

Overview:
The mission of Tufts University Human Resources is to foster a positive work environment that attracts, retains, and supports a diverse and talented workforce, helping employees thrive both professionally and personally. Human Resources at Tufts focuses on offering a comprehensive range of services, including recruitment, benefits administration, professional development, and employee relations. Their goal is to cultivate a workplace culture that is inclusive, supportive, and committed to the university’s mission of teaching, research, and public service.
What You’ll Do:
Under the direction of the Leave of Absence Program Supervisor, the HR Benefits Specialist will collaborate with a third-party vendor to effectively administer leave of absence requests from faculty, staff, and union members.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

• At least 3 years of leave administration experience
• Knowledge of FMLA and MA PFML requirements
• Able to work independently as well as a team player and take initiative
• Strong time management skills and ability to prioritize tasks
• Excellent customer service skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Good organizational skills and attention to detail
• Respects confidentiality of sensitive health-related information
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite required
• Knowledge of Salesforce Force and/or PeopleSoft preferred

• Communicates leave policies, as well as federal and state leave laws and collective bargaining agreements applicable to university faculty and staff.
• Schedules and conducts pay consultations with leave takers, including communication of paid time off policies, and Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Massachusetts Paid Medical and Leave (MA PFML) benefits.
• Provides instructions to the payroll department regarding leave start and end dates to ensure accurate leave benefits are paid.
• Works collaboratively with third-party leave administrator
• Documents leave decisions made by the third-party leave administrator and track the status throughout the leave cycle in the case management system.
• Communicates status and projected return to work dates to leave takers, direct supervisors, Human Resources Business Partners, and Faculty Affairs Officer.
• Provides guidance to employees regarding the return-to-work process.
• Collaborates with the Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) for ADA accommodation as needed.
• Collaborates with HR Business Partners and Faculty Affairs Officers regarding various leave of absence questions and return to work process.
• Preserves confidentiality of employee health information and documentation.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
  What We’re Looking For: