Harvard University


Description:

05-Apr-2024

Benefits Representative

University Administration

65373BR

Job Summary

Harvard University Benefits, Compensation and Well Being department is responsible for the design, delivery and administration of University benefits aimed at supporting the long-term health and financial security of our employees. We provide customer service, communications, and education to ensure that Harvard employees can make the most of our fantastic benefits. We serve nearly 20,000 plan participants including faculty, staff, and retirees, as well as their spouses/domestic partners and dependents.

The Benefits Representative is a member of the Benefits Contact Center. This individual spends the majority of their time responding to employee questions and issues regarding the Harvard Employee Benefit programs. These inquiries may come through via phone, email or in person. In addition, this person will provide additional administrative duties as assigned. This is an ideal opportunity for someone looking to leverage their customer service experience in a dynamic and collaborative Benefits office.

Position Description

• Answer employee benefits questions and resolve individual benefits issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Ensure individual service levels for availability are met.
• Research second-level issues using internal resources and vendor contacts as required. If necessary, escalates issue for resolution using pre-defined processes.
• Document all issues and questions using the case management tool and following office procedures.
• Reply to written inquires to Benefits office email box following department guidelines. Escalate questions for resolution using pre-defined processes.
• Participate in special projects as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• 3+ years of customer service experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

In addition to the Basic Qualifications above, the ideal candidate will demonstrate the following strongly preferred skills and experience:

• Experience in an Employee Benefits Office is preferred.
• In order to serve Harvard’s diverse population, experience working with a community of non-native English speakers is desirable, but not required.
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Presentation skills
• PeopleSoft experience is preferred, but not required
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Ability to handle complex and confidential information with discretion
• Experience , preferably in an employee Benefits Office

Working Conditions

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only).

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Additional Information

Please note that Harvard University cannot provide Visa Sponsorship or Work Authorization for this position.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

General Administration

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

403038 Staff Assistant III-Specialist

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

------------

Salary Grade

054

Department

Benefits Compensation and Wellbeing

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)

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