Benefits of working at VCU |
All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes: comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefit, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more. Learn more about VCU’s benefits here. |
Duties & Responsibilities |
The Benefits Associate will serve a pivotal role in coordinating benefits programs, including workers' compensation claims for Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). This position will coordinate the entire workers’ compensation process from claim initiation to claim resolution. The associate will ensure VCU is in compliance with laws and regulations and collaborate closely with employees, HR Business Partners, management, university partners, the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission, MC Innovations (MCI), a team of specialty service providers who process the injured worker’s accident report, and university counsel. Primary Responsibilities Administer workers' compensation claims from initiation to resolution, which includes filing accident reports, responding to inquiries from the Workers’ Compensation vendor (MCI), and partnering with VCU’s Health & Occupational Safety (HOS) on claims tracking and resolutions Serve as the main point of contact for employees regarding workers' compensation issues by providing guidance and support throughout the claims process Collaborate with HR Professionals, Health & Occupational Safety (HOS), Employee Health Services (EHS), supervisors, and injured employees to ensure accurate and timely reporting of all workplace injuries and illnesses Liaise with the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission and MC Innovations (MCI) to facilitate the timely processing of claims and effective communication among all parties Create and maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all workers' compensation claims ensuring compliance with legal requirements, state policies, and required annual ARMICS testing Perform quality assurance for benefits enrollment for VCU employees involving health care, retirement, flexible spending accounts, cash match plan, disability plans, etc. Direct employees to benefits resources such as plan provisions and programs, eligibility requirements, benefits enrollments, mid-year qualifying events, job status changes, service date adjustments, etc. Develop subject matter expertise in the areas of benefits administration and HR compliance to ensure continuous process improvement of programs, standard operating procedures, and resources Respond to all benefit inquiries received via phone, email, and HR Ticketing System Submit benefits enrollments and changes into VCU and other third party systems Provide backup and additional coverage for benefits and leave administration and other areas of human resources Perform other duties as assigned. |
Qualifications |
Minimum Qualifications Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate complex information to both employees and stakeholders Strong organizational, mathematical, and time management skills to manage multiple claims and other required job duties simultaneously to meet required deadlines Attention to detail and accuracy in record-keeping and documentation Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion Problem-solving and decision-making skills to assess required actions for workers' compensation claims and other areas of responsibility Proficiency in using computer software and databases to track and report on claims and benefits Ability to work independently and as part of a team, collaborating with various stakeholders
Experience in benefits or human resources operations Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration or related field preferred, or equivalent applicable training and experience Knowledge of Commonwealth of Virginia benefits and workers’ compensation policies and procedures, or experience in benefits and workers’ compensation at another institution or private organization Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.
Preferred Qualifications CEBS, PHR, SHRM-CP or other HR certification Previous experience in workers' compensation administration or a related role preferred Knowledge of federal and state benefits laws and regulations
Additional Information - This position may be eligible for hybrid work after 3-6 months of successful performance in the role.
|