WORK OBJECTIVE:

This position performs responsible work in the design and administration of the Authority’s employee and retiree benefit programs. Work involves providing direction and participating in activities related to retirement: group health, dental, optical and life; accidental death and dismemberment; disability; and pre-tax spending accounts administration. Work includes interpretation of federal and state regulations governing benefits programs, as well as Authority policies and procedures. Work is performed with considerable independent judgment and initiative under the supervision of the Director and is reviewed through conferences, reports and observation of results achieved.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment to the position. • Conducts individual and group benefit orientations for new hires. • Conducts individual and group open enrollment meetings for active employees and retirees. • Process benefit paperwork for active employees and retirees, relating to new hires and qualifying events. Monitors Medicare eligibility for retirees and process required plan changes. • Maintains medical waiver forms. • Provides customer support for employees, retirees and beneficiaries regarding benefit plans and claims issues. • Acts as Company liaison to representatives of health and welfare benefits providers and NYS Retirement and Deferred Compensation Programs. • Responsible for the setup and implementation of all benefit plans. Monitors and determines appropriate modifications to the Human Resources Information Systems. Works closely with MIS to determine best methods for communication, data management, data automation and best use of current technology. • Manages various employee and retiree benefit programs such as group insurance, e.g., life, medical, dental, vision, accident and disability, LTD, Flexible Benefits Plans and conducts Open Enrollment process and all other benefit changes (Medicare eligibility, etc.) and COBRA. • Coordinates the development, implementation and communication of benefit plans due to changes in policies, procedures and collective bargaining agreements. • Administers pension plans (ATU, Teamster Plan, and “Old Metro” salaried plan). Responsible for all employee distributions of the plans. • Participates in labor relations as required. • Resolves payroll and benefit issues. • Maintains and processes premium equivalent information for annual premium increases and premium changes due to collective bargaining changes. • COBRA administration. • Responsible for ACA reporting, Creditable Coverage Disclosure, and other required benefit reporting. • Preparation of the design of RFP’s, written communication and implementation procedures and coordination with the Procurement Department. • Coordinates wellness initiatives. • Performs a variety of other related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

Thorough knowledge and experience in administering pension plans and New York State Retirement System. Thorough knowledge of health care and other employee benefit programs. Knowledge of Human Resources Information Systems in order to ensure maintenance of accurate records. Thorough understanding of federal, state and local regulations pertaining to relevant human resource payroll, employment and benefit related matters. Knowledge of Authority personnel policies and practices in order to provide advice and resolve problems. Excellent interpersonal skills, strong verbal and written communication skills in order to make presentations, obtain information and prepare reports. Proficient in the use of MS Office (especially Excel and Word). Passing a basic level skills test in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word may be required. Knowledge of Lawson a plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds).

ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is performed in usual office conditions with rare exposure to disagreeable environmental factors.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

An associate’s degree in business administration with concentration in Human Resources and a minimum of five (5) years of increasingly responsible Human Resources experience in the area of benefits administration, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Professional Human Resources certification preferred. Experience in union and non-union settings preferred.

NOTE:

TO APPLY: Send NFTA employment application, resume and cover letter specifying the job number 152-24-N to: NFTA Human Resources 181 Ellicott Street Buffalo, NY 14203 Or email to: application_intake@nfta.com

OTHER:

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer