Benefits Administrator - George Mason University

Department: Human Resources

Classification: HR Analyst 1

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Pay Band: 04

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

Human Resources supports the University's mission through the development and implementation of policies, programs, and practices that attract, retain, and reward faculty and staff.

About the Position:

The Benefits Administrator provides employee benefits administration to the University's employees, administers employee benefits programs within federal, state, and university guidelines, communicates with employees, resolves benefits-related issues, and collaborates with other University departments and external vendors.

Responsibilities:

Benefits Administration

• Administers employee benefits programs, including group health, dental, life, disability, and other programs offered at George Mason University to faculty and staff;
• Advises and informs faculty and staff employees of the details of the University's benefits programs;
• Conducts weekly benefits orientations for both new faculty and staff when needed;
• Communicates and processes employee retirements for both faculty and staff;
• Participates in outreach educational programs, such as Pre-Retirement Seminars;
• Resolves benefits-related issues and responds to queries and requests promptly within 48 hours;
• Maintains and creates records, reports, and documentation following federal, state, and provider regulations; and
• Provides timely follow-up as needed to employees, University partners, and vendors.

Employee Extended Absence Management

• Advises employees on Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Virginia Sickness & Disability Program (VSDP) eligibility, and benefits;
• Coordinates all Family Medical Leave, VSDP, and long-term disability actions between employees, departments, and external vendors/stakeholders; and
• Keeps employees informed of changes to their benefits.

Retirement Management

• Conducts pre-retirement presentations to eligible employees;
• Gathers data from university and state systems to determine retirement eligibility and the specific retirement plan to administer benefits accordingly;
• Advises and explains the University's retirement benefit plan policies, procedures, and legal requirements to eligible employees and beneficiaries, such as life insurance, health insurance, retirement fund payouts, health insurance credit, applying for Medicare, perks, and privileges;
• Conducts one-on-one meetings with retirement applicants and beneficiaries about the retirement process, eligible benefits, and options;
• Assists employees in completing and submitting retirement documents, including the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) online retirement application process;
• Communicates with state, third-party vendors, and other HR representatives to gather information and resolve any issues;
• Enters data into multiple University and state systems promptly for a smooth transition;
• Administers benefits to all retirees and dependents under the Optional Retirement Plan;
• Liaises with the financial institutions to verify and compile data for the administration of retirement benefits, as needed;
• Maintains records of retirees and beneficiaries;
• Maintains a solid understanding of the University's retirement policies and benefits;
• Interprets financial data and applies it to retirement benefit plan policies and related documentation;
• Works closely with employees over several months to ensure all documentation is submitted and data entered correctly and on time;
• Provides excellent customer service while practicing patience and understanding in what can be an overwhelming transition for employees; and
• Ensures employee data is organized.

Workers' Compensation

• Communicates and processes workers' compensation inquiries and claims;
• Stays updated on extended and long-term cases;
• Submits claims to the state's 3rd party claim administrator;
• Assis