Human Resources Associate - Benefits Administration

License and Certification Qualifications

• Current professional HR certification issued by HRCI (PHR or SPHR), or SHRM (SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP Preferred

• H.S. Diploma or General Education Degree or equivalent Required
• Bachelors Degree in related field Preferred

• 3 years in an office/clerical environment Required
• Experience in human resources or leave administration Preferred

• Ability to communicate with others in an effective and tactful manner
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, troubleshoot, and solve problems
• Accuracy with computation and employee data
• Ability to write routine correspondence and speak effectively when counseling employees
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask in a high-volume processing environment
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Flexibility and adaptability to change
• Ability to represent Gwinnett County Public Schools in a positive and professional manner
• Strong computer skills with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office required
• Knowledge of People Soft preferred

Provide assistance in the organization, coordination, and implementation of all benefits and leave administration processes, through processing benefits and leave information and assisting employees with benefits and leave-related issues.

• Evaluate and counsel employees on benefit and leave options and comply with local and federal guidelines including, but not limited to, section 125 guidelines of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), extended leave of absence, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) compliance, personal disability, Sick Leave Bank, Workers Compensation, adoption, and military.
• Process the employee benefits People Soft worklist in a timely and accurate manner.
• Assist new hires with items related to onboarding.
• Submit optional payroll forms for needed updates.
• Maintain leave information in the Leave Database in Lotus Notes.
• Produce the monthly Short-Term Disability payroll.
• Assist employees when returning from a leave of absence regarding work restriction and benefits elections.
• Assist with the weekly placement list.
• Process electronic Personnel Action Request (ePAR) forms for leave of absence in the People Soft system and other systems in an accurate and timely manner.
• Update the People Soft notepad to ensure employees are paid appropriately while on a leave of absence.
• Process leave request forms in a timely and accurate manner.
• Communicate with employee and principal or program manager on approval or denial of leave.
• Work with the Human Resources Benefits and Leave Administration Leadership team to determine Short-Term Disability and Sick Leave Bank eligibility, if applicable.
• Assist with all functions and activities related to the annual Open Enrollment process as assigned.
• Communicate benefit plan changes to employees completing annual Open Enrollment.
• Provide world-class customer service.
• Counsel employees on all benefits related issues.
• Maintain and manage all incoming communication relating to benefits.
• Research, review, and respond to customer inquiries in an accurate and timely manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit for extended periods of time. The employee is also required to talk, hear, stand, and walk. The employee may be required to use hands to touch, handle, feel, and/or reach. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee is required to operate a motor vehicle in performance of duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.