Location: Kingston Rhode Island 02881
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (with a 1-hour lunch break)
Hours per Week: 35 hours
Contract: 4 Months
Position Type: Full-Time
POSITION SUMMARY:
Manage the day-to-day operation and oversight of the Rhode Island public higher education 403(b) Retiree Medical plan for all eligible employees and retirees at the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, the Community College of Rhode Island, the Office of Postsecondary Commissioner; assist with the 403(b) retirement plan at URI, as well as optional retirement savings plans; assist in the implementation of all benefits programs for URI employees and provide support to other functional areas in the department.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Manage the relationship with vendors, track new plan offerings, and resolve any emergent plan issues. Develop communications, informational materials and workshops/meetings for employees regarding the 403(b) Alternate Retirement Program, as well as the State of Rhode Island Employee Retirement System (ERSRI); Attend Joint Alternate Retirement Plan Committee (JARPC) meetings.
Manage the system-wide day-to-day operation of the 403(b) Retiree Medical Retirement plan; develop and maintain the billing system and provider/carrier reconciliation and COBRA systems for eligible employees and retirees, including the database support system for both health and life insurance; consult with information technologists regarding systems plan modifications consistent with both institutional and health care providers’ regulations; maintain all program files and documents; develop regular and customized statistical reports regarding plan activities; communicate with and counsel employees and retirees on plan benefits, options, and modifications, including Social Security and Medicare regulations.
Assist with the 403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Choice (RC) plan for University employees; counsel employees regarding plan options, regulations, and benefits; process new enrollments, changes, withdrawal/loan requests and retirement actions in conjunction with institutional and plan requirements; as needed, on an annual basis, calculate and communicate all participants’ maximum tax sheltering options and limitations in conformance with University and institutional policy and Internal Revenue Service laws and regulations; provide liaison to plan providers and systems administration.
Assist employees in the enrollment process, changes and terminations for eligible additional retirement savings plans, including the 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Choice Plus (RCP) plan and 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan; process transactions paperwork and maintain records and database regarding plans; process enrollments, changes and retirement paperwork for employees participating in the State of RI Employee Retirement System (ERS); assist employees dealing with the ERS Office.
Meet with employees to provide retirement counseling. Provide comprehensive guidance on retirement eligibility, retirement process, available retirement benefits, required documentation, and associated timelines to ensure that employees re fully informed and supported throughout their transition to retirement.
Meet individually with new employees enrolling in benefit plans as requested; interpret program options and process paperwork to the State Benefits Office.
Participate in the coordination of open enrollment drives for University employees and retirees, including logistic support for providers/carriers’ representatives.
Participate in the creation and coordination of wellness programs and initiatives for University employees.
Provide support to other functional areas in the department and serve as a backup for other Human Resources department staff on an as needed basis.
Maintain a strong working relationship with key University and external entities or offices, including the Controller and Payroll Offices, State Benefits and Office of Personnel Administration, State Controller, ERS, Office of Postsecondary Commissioner, Human Resources Offices at Rhode Island College, Community College of Rhode Island and all plan carriers/providers, employees, retirees, and the public.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Perform other duties as assigned.
LICENSES, TOOLS, AND EQUIPMENT:
Automated computer systems to include word processing, Power Point, spreadsheets, and database management; calculator, telephone, copying machines, fax machines. Microsoft Office.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
This position is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
QUALIFICATIONS:
REQUIRED :
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Minimum of three years of progressively responsible employee benefits experience with retirement plan coordination and consultation.
- Demonstrated experience using Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, HRIS and other standard office productivity applications.
- Demonstrated strong interpersonal and verbal communications skills.
- Demonstrated proficiency with written communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of employees at various levels of the institution and the general public.
- Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups/populations.
- Concentrated experience in retirement plan management and employee/retiree consultation.
- CEBS (Certified Employee Benefits Specialist) certification or completed coursework. Demonstrated experience using Workday or other HCM technology.
All employment decisions, including hiring, are made without regard to protected status. Qualified individuals with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting the URI benefits office at 401-874-2416. For TTY assistance, contact R.I. Relay Services at 711.
