Colgate University · 4 hours ago
Human Resources Associate, Benefits
Hamilton, NY
Full-time
Onsite
Entry Level
$22/hr - $24/hr
2+ years expColgate University is seeking a Human Resources Associate for Benefits to provide support in benefits administration and leave administration. The role involves conducting benefits orientations, assisting employees with insurance and leave questions, and managing various benefit-related tasks.
EducationUniversities
Responsibilities
Conduct new hire benefits orientations and follow up to ensure timely receipt of benefit enrollment forms and accurate payroll deductions. Update the online benefits system with enrollments and changes
Assist employees and retirees with questions and issues related to insurance plans and leave programs in accordance with HIPAA privacy regulations. Resolve enrollment issues as needed
Prepare pension and long-term disability (LTD) eligibility letters and ensure appropriate information is shared for timely payroll deductions
Provide support during the annual Benefits Open Enrollment period, including coordinating all aspects of mailings (ordering supplies, envelope preparation, printing requests, web uploads, etc.) and following up with HR staff and employees
Assist with processing Paid Family Leave (PFL) and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requests, including submitting claims, processing correspondence, and tracking leave usage
Review monthly benefit plan enrollment reconciliations and coordinate resolution of discrepancies
Assist with processing Workers’ Compensation claims, including filing claims, managing lost-time and benefit payment arrangements for payroll purposes, coordinating with the WC carrier on bill reviews, processing payments, reviewing and paying the NY Hospital surcharge, and tracking claims for reporting and analysis (e.g., OSHA logs and internal reviews)
Assist with processing disability claims by coordinating timely filing, managing lost-time and benefit payment arrangements for payroll purposes, serving as a liaison between employees and carriers, ensuring follow-up medical documentation is obtained, and providing information regarding long-term disability claims
Prepare termination letters as provided by audit reports and submit updates in the online benefits system
Assist with processing Work-Related Tuition Benefits, Tuition-Free Courses, and CHEG including distributing forms, preparing approval letters, notifying payroll of classes scheduled during work hours, and tracking and processing reimbursements
Serve as primary backup for the HRA–Payroll area and Administrative Department Coordinator during peak times and in the absence of other staff members
Complete special projects and assignments as needed (e.g., brochures, mailings, and special events)
Works as a member of a team and provides coverage and assistance as required
Qualification
Required
2+ years of experience in an administrative or professional role
Ability to maintain accuracy while managing a high volume of assignments and frequent changes in priority
Strong organizational skills are required
Ability to take initiative and identify solutions to problems
Proficiency with MSOffice Word and Excel required
Ability to demonstrate a high degree of integrity and manage and maintain confidentiality
Ability to work with a sense of urgency to meet deadlines and address competing priorities
Must possess the ability to be flexible and multi-task in a busy team oriented environment
Ability to exchange information clearly and accurately through written and verbal channels
Demonstrated ability to effectively problem solve and make decisions using sound judgment
Demonstrated customer-oriented mindset
Must be capable of working collegially with a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, visitors and business associates on a daily basis
Associate's degree or combination of education and experience from which comparable skills were attained is required
Preferred
Prior HR experience strongly preferred
Familiarity with Google Docs/Sheets preferred
Prior experience using an HRIS or ATS system preferred
Familiarity with federal and state employment function laws, regulations and policies is helpful
Company
Colgate University
Colgate University is a liberal arts institution distinguished by academic excellence and interdisciplinary inquiry.
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Renee Madison
VP For Equity & Inclusion
Recent News
Central New York Business Journal
2025-10-30
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