Manager of Benefits & Leave

at  Western Technical College

POSITION SUMMARY

Western Technical College is a preferred employer in the 7 Rivers Region and is committed to providing a safe and respectful workplace for all co-workers. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about helping others learn, dedicated to serving students, and committed to the principles of equity and social justice. Western believes that serving the full breadth of our student and co-worker populations requires cultural competency and enthusiasm for diversity of all kinds. We recognize the intersectional nature of discrimination and are committed to counteracting these biases and eliminating the effects they have had on our students, co-workers, and communities. If you are a motivated individual who can contribute to excellence in teaching, learning, social justice and equity, please consider this employment opportunity at Western.
Summary of Position: Under the direction of the Director of Human Resources, and in coordination with other Human Resources staff, this position would administer the benefit programs and oversees the leave administration. Guide employees through enrollment process in insurance plans and resolve employee issues with third party administrators and vendors. Complete various reports and special requests related to benefit data and processes. The Manager is responsible for special projects and processes at the direction of the Director and Vice President of Finance and Ops. The Manager maintains strict confidentiality and adheres to employee privacy laws.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field with 3 years occupational experience OR
• Education in related field combined with related occupation experience totaling 7 years OR
• Related occupational experience totaling 7 years

1. Maintain and uphold the College values of Learning, Excellence, Accountability, Diversity, Student Success, Teamwork, Integrity, and Respect. Regular attendance is required.
2. Complete all required College training and responsible for maintaining the skills necessary to complete the essential functions of the position as defined by the department.

3. Student Success is the cornerstone of Western’s culture and the college may assign employees as needed to other areas or additional duties to foster this success.

4. Manage College Benefits Programs - Supporting Action/Task May Include:

• Research and recommend vendors, benefit design, and serve as a liaison with benefit vendors and local providers. Respond to vendor requests and make recommendations to senior leadership
• Consult with employees and retirees about pertinent issues related to billing, coverage, and eligibility
• Benefit reconciliation
• Provide oversight and ensure compliance regarding Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements and tracking.
• Serve on the WTCEBC Consortium Board and work collaboratively with the other Technical Colleges, Executive Director and Consultants and respond to request for information.
• Manage the RFP process for all benefits including assisting with data collection, preparation of bid specifications, summary of proposals, follow up with client or vendors for additional information
• Draft and maintain employee communication materials
• Ensure COBRA guidelines and processes are met.
• Track and make recommendations regarding department budgets
• Review benefit enrollment forms for accuracy and manage manual entries with benefits website for all vendors in the group plan
• Administer retirement programs
• Oversee the benefits open enrollment processes; conduct in-person and virtual staff meetings annually and, as required or recommended, for managers.
• Develop internal benefits-related metrics; collect and analyze data for reports and executive level decision making

• Coordinate with external stakeholders to provide statistical/analytical co-worker benefits data in preparation of annual benefit planning, insurance RFP processes, and evaluation of proposed benefit changes.

  1. Oversee FML, ADA, Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability - Supporting Action/Task May Include:

• Partner with community businesses and college partners in healthcare education; remain current in health care trends and developments in the Coulee region

• Oversee ADA and Family Medical Leave programs Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability and ensure compliance with state and federal laws.
• Employee Assistant Program (EAP) administration; conduct and manage the relationship with the College’s EAP provider; contract with vendor to provide full range of EAP employee services; coordinate reports and annual reviews.