Benefits Assistant

Benefits Assistant (2 positions available) The George Mason University, Department of Human Resources, invites applications for two Benefits Assistants. George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason's academic and culturally inclusive environment.Current Mason students are not eligible to be considered for this position. About the Department:To support the University's mission through the development and implementation of benefit policies and program that help to attract and retain faculty and staff. Administer the University's sponsored benefit plans.About the Position:To provide a high level of customer service to applicants, staff, and faculty of George Mason University (GMU). Work to problem-solve issues that arise within the benefits department. Assist with special projects and tasks assigned.Position details/working hours:1 position - 40 hours per week for 6 months; then, variable, up to 20 hours per week.1 position - variable, up to 20 hours per week.Responsibilities:Benefits Customer ServiceResponsible for answering phone calls from faculty, staff, and benefit vendors assisting with their inquiries or directing the call to the appropriate department;Provide information on all benefits offered including group health, dental, life, disability, and retirement;Remain available to assist faculty and staff via scheduled appointments, walk-ins, virtual meetings, emails, and phone calls;Assist in active member annual open enrollments for health and other benefits;Answer all emails and phone calls within 24-48 hours so employees can make informed and timely decisions;Provide excellent customer service to faculty and staff in a friendly and courteous manner, following established guidelines and procedures; andEmployee is required to navigate the web and GMU databases (Banner and Cardinal) to problem solve and answer questions as well as provide direction to faculty and staff related to their benefits.Data EntryProcess new hire enrollment paperwork for faculty and classified staff, which includes health, retirement, and 403(b) supplemental retirement plan transactions;Process qualifying mid-year events (QME) and make changes in GMU's internal databases, Cardinal and Banner;Process Personnel Action Forms;Submit designation of beneficiary forms to Securian;Process optional life insurance forms in Banner;Process termination paperwork in Banner and determine deduction adjustments; andTransactions and adjustments need to be processed accurately and timely. A strong attention to detail is required.Audits and ReportsAssist in auditing and downloading end-of-the-pay period reports such as premium rewards, retirement plan 457 deferral changes, and the Hybrid Retirement Quarterly report;Proactively review audit reports regularly;Proficient at using GMU's internal databases (Cardinal and Banner) and the Virginia Retirement System database to download reports and make data changes; andAttention to detail is required to ensure employees' changes and election contributions match the audit reports.Benefits OrientationsServe as a back-up for classified staff benefits orientations; andCommunicate benefits to employees individually and in groups, explaining how the benefits work and helping employees understand how to select, use and maximize their options.MiscellaneousAssist with specials projects as needed; andRemain flexible to work on special projects and tasks as assigned.Required Qualifications:High school diploma or equivalent;Experience using the internet, web-based portals, and standard office computer systems;Skill in providing effective customer service;Skill in effective and respectful verbal, written, and interpersonal communication; ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy when communicating with individuals at all levels of the organization.Ability to demonstrate significant attention to detail and perform work with a high degree of accuracy.Ability to multi task and prioritize daily activities;Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative team environment;Ability to work with challenging people; andAbility to exercise integrity and maintain confidentiality in working with sensitive information.Preferred Qualifications:Some college coursework, particularly in HR; andRelated HR and benefits experience.

For full consideration, applicants must apply at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and upload a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references with contact information.

"Great Careers Begin at Mason! George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in both academics and research. Mason holds a top U.S. News and World Report "Up and Coming" spot for national universities and is recognized for its global appeal and excellence in higher education.Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason's diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition."

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.