Title: Human Resources Benefits Specialist

State Role Title: Human Resource Analyst I

Hiring Range: $51,242 to $83,269

Pay Band: 4

Agency: VA Dept of Transportation

Location: Hampton Roads District Office

Agency Website: jobs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Hampton Roads District is seeking a Human Resources Benefits Specialist to administer the Commonwealth's employee benefit programs and leave policies available in state government, as well as Federal policies to VDOT staff.

Core responsibilities for job & position:

Counsel employees regarding benefit programs to meet their needs for retirement planning. Implement and develop various communication techniques for the employee population. Review notification letters from VRS and ensure employees retiring receive all necessary forms and extended coverage information. Consult with employee regarding health coverage, options and costs and required time to notify. Answer questions about continuation of other benefits and disability credits. Key disability credit balances into system. Ensure payroll coordinator has calculated leave payout. Track retirement applications in process and those that are completed. Verify VNAV reports to ensure they are accurate and complete and coordinate corrections with Shared Services team. Prepare cost letters for purchase of service.

Administer Worker's Compensation program resolving policy or work-related issues, return to work issues and accessibility to ADA. Monitor claims through database and provide reports regarding trends of work-related issues. Verify data entry of accident and injury database content and maintain data as needed going forward. Coordinate with Shared Services team to process transactions as needed.

Provide oversight for all aspects of employee claim processes from initial report to final claim payment for VSDP, WC, ADA, FMLA, Return to Work. Provide advice and guidance to employees and supervisors in all areas of disability case management. Work with supervisors to identify transitional work assignments that can be performed. Monitor work schedules and leave, and update databases.

Plan, direct and lead open enrollment sessions and communications using various media to deliver the message. Conduct training on relevant benefit programs and or issues as changes occur. Provide technical advice and training to employees, managers, payroll and HR staff to ensure the office has a competent back-up to cover the full scope of operations during times of need.

Ensure accuracy and timely processing of all benefit and employee related payroll and personnel transactions by coordinating data submittals with the Shared Services team within established timelines. Upload and post benefit and employee related data in personnel records in conjunction with Shared Services to ensure proper recording and maintenance of personnel files. Coordinate with Payroll and the Shared Services team to resolve data discrepancies. Track injury and illness data reported by management, complete reports including OSHA 300, OSHA 300-A, and distribute in accordance with VDOT policies. Perform OSHA recordkeeping.

Work with Total Rewards Team and Department of Human Resources Management on benefits issues, policies and changes. Inform and explain programs to individual employees. Plan, develop, coordinate and conduct new employee orientation and other informational presentations for classified and wage employees. Ensure policy interpretations and consultations are consistent. Work with participants seeking changes to insurance plans and collect supporting documentation. Coordinate with Shared Services team to process benefits changes in systems. Promote online use of benefits programs and systems at all times in order to reduce administrative tasks and paper process.

Provide advice and guidance to employees and managers on leave programs offered by the Commonwealth. Research issues related to leave and leave balances and provide assistance in order to resolve problems.

Required skills for job & position:
• Ability to organize, develop and prepare statistical reports derived from daily data updates.
• Ability to organize, develop and prepare information summaries in case resolution.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Skill in the use of computers and software applications.
• Skill in providing good customer service and providing guidance and direction to employees and managers.
• Ability to analyze claim submissions, determine eligibility and provide guidance and direction to customer groups.
• Knowledge in the coordination of disability coverage and Worker's Compensation benefits.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of Human Resource Management with emphasis on Worker's Compensation, third party sick leave and Family Medical Leave benefits.
• Ability to interpret medical and legal terminology as it relates to Worker's Compensations and Risk Management.
• Knowledge of the principles and application of disability benefits, return to work processes and case management.
• Ability to develop database spreadsheets.
• Knowledge of Virginia Worker's Compensation Act, applicable case law and related Federal and State law and procedures.

This position is designated as essential to emergency operations and may be required to work outside of normal work hours, on weekends and holidays during emergency situations which may include but are not limited to inclement weather, disaster response and emergency operations to ensure the safety of the traveling public.

We have Shared Values and a Code of Ethics. Your success in our organization depends upon modeling these values, therefore please review them and, if in agreement, we welcome you to apply.

In addition to a rewarding work experience, VDOT offers excellent health and life insurance benefits, pre-tax spending accounts, state funded Short- and Long-Term Disability, paid holidays, vacation, tuition assistance, free wellness programs, and a state retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching.

Once on boarded, this position may be eligible for telework opportunities; availability, hours, and duration of telework shall be approved as outlined in the Commonwealth telework policy.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to organize, develop and prepare information summaries in case resolution.
• Skill in the use of computers and software applications.
• Knowledge in the coordination of disability coverage and Worker's Compensation benefits.
• Knowledge of the principles and application of disability benefits, return to work processes and case management.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of Human Resource Management with emphasis on Worker's Compensation, third party sick leave and Family Medical Leave benefits.
• Ability to analyze claim submissions, determine eligibility, provide guidance and direction to customer groups.
• Ability to develop database spreadsheets.
• Knowledge of Virginia Worker's Compensation Act, applicable case law and related Federal and State law and procedures.

Additional Considerations

• Experience with State benefits and leave programs, detailed elements of Risk management, Insurance Claims processing, Program Administration, and HR software databases as well as use of transactional spreadsheet resources.
• PHR or CBP certification.
• A combination of training, experience, or education in Business Administration, Human Resources or related field desired.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Fingerprint-based criminal history background check, DMV driving record check, references, and work history will be required prior to employment. Valid Driver's License Required.

Position is designated as essential and, as such, will be required to work outside normal hours, weekends, and holidays during emergency situations which may include but are not limited to inclement weather, disaster response and emergency operations. Travel may be required.

DHRM has also published a companion guidance document for the Alternative Hiring Process for persons with disabilities.

VDOT utilizes a market-based pay program, which has been approved by DHRM. Therefore, advertised rates of pay may or may not align with the Commonwealth pay bands.

State applications will only be accepted as submitted online by 11:59 p.m. on the closing date through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Job Board/Recruitment Management System (RMS).

Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment.

The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided in the application and optional resume; therefore, those who fully represent their qualifications and work history will be more successful with obtaining an interview. Submitting an incomplete application and/or resume lacking job history and relevant experience detail may impact interview eligibility. State applications submitted via email, postal mail, fax, or in person will not be considered.

We are a “Virginia Values Veterans” (V3) official certified company and state agency that provides hiring preference to Veterans and Members of the Virginia National Guard in support of Executive Order 29, (2010). If you are a Veteran or Virginia National Guard Member, we urge you to respond accordingly on your state application.

Contact Information

Name: David Keesee

Phone: 757-956-3291

Email: David.Keesee@vdot.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.