Benefits & Leave Specialist

General Dynamics NASSCO is a proud member of the General Dynamics Marine Systems business unit. In addition to ship construction, our capabilities include advanced ship repair, conversion, and maintenance for both commercial and national defense assets. We encourage you to learn more about our open positions and how you can become part of the important and exciting work we do here at NASSCO. Come join our team! 

We currently have an exciting opportunity in our Human Resources department. This position specifically is located in Norfolk, Virginia. We are looking for a Benefits and Leave Specialist. The hours are 0700 -1600.

Shift : ALL

Security Clearance: No Clearance

1. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND PURPOSE (Job Description)

The Benefits and Leave Specialist, in coordination with Human Resources Shared Services Manager, General Dynamics’ (“GD”) Corporate Headquarters and other third-party vendors, administers and communicates the company’s suite of benefit programs. The Benefits and Leave Specialist serves as a primary point of contact, subject matter expert and liaison between vendors and employees relative to the company’s benefits programs including plan options, policy features, enrollment and other requirements.  The Benefits Administrator administers and tracks all absence management relative to Workers Compensation, FMLA, STD, LTD, and FMLA.  Has a familiarity with a variety of the field’s concepts, practices and procedures.

2. POSITION DEMANDS (Education/Training)

Typically has a BA/BS in Business Administration or a related field or AA/AS plus 2 years directly related experience, or 6 years directly related experience in employee benefits.  PHR or Certified Benefits Specialist (CBT) designation preferred.

POSITION DEMANDS (Required Experience)

• Experience and success working with health and welfare plans in a large company.
• Must have thorough knowledge of benefit programs, and maintain extensive knowledge of general benefit information relative to best practices, technical and current trends. Must be willing to increase technical knowledge and skills in order to maintain effective administration of benefit programs for NASSCO-East.
• Must have understanding of the principles and procedures of human resources administration.
• Ability to respectfully, accurately and timely respond to requests and inquiries in person and over the telephone.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, and exercise high level of interpersonal skills in handling sensitive, complex and confidential personnel issues and employee situations. 
• Must be able to speak clearly and persuasively in both positive and negative situations, must demonstrate group presentation skills and be able to conduct meetings.
• Ability to work independently and develop realistic action plans, demonstrating initiative and time management skills. Ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner, and gather and analyze information skillfully.
• Ability to demonstrate accuracy, thoroughness and follow-through to ensure quality.
• Must be resourceful and information seeking to leverage all GD, NASSCO, Fidelity and other provider resources.
• Proficiency in using computer systems and software relevant to the job duties. Capability required in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook), Fidelity, Sedgwick, and PeopleSoft.
• Basic knowledge of relevant laws and regulations applicable to Health and Welfare plan administration, including FMLA, ADA, ACA, COBRS, STD, LTD and IRS regulations.
• Ability to adapt to changes in the work environment, manage competing demands and able to deal with frequent change, delays or unexpected events.

3. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

4. WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports to the Human Resources Shared Services Manager.
• Advises employees at all levels on all issues concerning benefits.
• Maintains contact with the various departments within NASSCO.  Also maintains extensive contacts with the vendors and the General Dynamics Service Center.
• This position has no direct reports.

5. PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as liaison with various insurance carriers and fosters effective relationships with client representatives. Acts as a resource to employees to ensure their understanding and compliance with benefits policies and regulations. Keeps management advised of potential problem areas and recommends / implements solutions as appropriate.
• Work with Human Resources Shared Services Manager and GDHQ to develop, implement and communicate wellness programs and employee engagement strategy.
• Provide exceptional customer service support to internal and external customers.
• Assist in development of communication tools to enhance understanding of benefits plans. Coordinate educational webinars and on-site meetings.
• Administer Leaves of Absences including Workers’ Compensation, FMLA, STD and LTD. Maintain accurate and detailed records. Liaise with supervisors and leadership as required.
• Liaise with Human Resources Shared Services Manager to ensure annual benefits enrollment, including all preparatory work during annual renewal and preparation and delivery of annual enrollment orientation presentations are timely, accurate and ensure employee understanding of benefit programs.
• In conjunction with Human Resources Shared Services Manager, develop and maintain content of benefits portion of employee orientation for represented and non-represented employees. Conduct employee benefit portion of employee orientation.
• Ensure employee understanding of benefits programs by regularly generating communication and counseling employees/dependents as situations arise. Handle benefit inquiries to ensure quick, equitable, and courteous resolution.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for benefit providers, brokers, third party administrators, and employees for all benefits issues.  Responsible for the processing of the Disability Plans, working with vendors on problems and issues and assisting employee regarding their claims and issues. 
• Works with the various vendors in keeping NASSCO’s supply of their brochures and booklets in stock.    
• Maintain the employees benefit files and comply with corporate policies and federal and state laws and regulations.
• Document and maintains detailed written procedures on all duties and responsibilities.
• Work under broad direction and performs additional responsibilities and duties as assigned.

6. ACCOUNTABILITY

Accountable to the Human Resources Shared Services Manager for administering the Company’s benefit plans and programs, protecting Confidential Human Resources Information and Sensitive Personal Information and working within general guidelines on broadly defined projects. 

7. UNIQUE/ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Regular, reliable attendance on-site is an essential function of the job. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.  While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to fingers, handle or feel objects or controls, stand for extended periods of time, and to talk and hear.  The noise level in this environment is usually moderate.  

General Dynamics NASSCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.

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If you have a disability that impacts your ability to complete the job application process and would like to request an accommodation, please contact our Human Resources Department.

For Norfolk, call (757) 543-6801. This contact information is for accommodation requests only, not to inquire about the status of applications.