Benefits Manager

Are you passionate about human resources and want to make a difference?

If so, DEQ has an open opportunity for a Benefits Manager.

• This is an anticipated vacancy.

This position is expected to be available on August 1, 2024.*

This position currently qualifies for a hybrid telework option with routine office and remote workdays. The NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) trusts our employees to be self-motivated and successful in hybrid/remote roles. Telework options are subject to change at the discretion of management.

The Benefits Manager serves as the agency's subject matter expert on rules and policies with respect to benefits, leave and time administration. This position performs human resources analytics, interprets and applies policy and processes, provides training and guidance to HR staff and others, and administers the state benefits.   This position serves as the technical expert for employee benefits, time, and leave.  This position interfaces with management and employees on various Human Resources topics.  An employee in this position performs work at an independent, professional level and provides excellent customer service.

Other Key Responsibilities:

• Reviews, interprets and administers the State benefit program for DEQ.

• Reviews, interprets and administers the time and leave programs.

• Reviews, audits and creates standard operating procedures, designs curriculum and training for HR staff, managers and employees in the subject areas of responsibility.

• Creates, compiles and creates customized monthly reports related to time, leave, benefits for HR and Leadership.

• Reviews, audits and analyze data and information in the HRIS system for compliance.

• Functions as the Worker's Compensation Administrator.

• Coordinates with OSC/BEST Shared Services, OSHR and others to troubleshoot and resolve complex issues and requests related to benefits, time, payroll, separations, retirements, State Health Plan, Workers Compensation, etc.

• Provides consultation on a variety of programs, benefits, etc. such as federal Family Medical Leave, Short Term Disability, Worker's Compensation, leave policies, State Health plan and NC Flex Benefits.

• This position is responsible for coaching and training managers, members of the HR team and employees on how to effectively and efficiently initiate and complete tasks in HRIS and other HR related systems with respect to the areas assigned, such as leave and insurance, benefits administration, workers compensation and ensures adherence to applicable policies, procedures, state and federal labor laws and regulations.

• Oversees annual Open Enrollment each year and assess Qualifying Life Events (QLE) for staff.

• Handles unemployment claims.

• Verifies applicable service credits.

Division of Human Resources:

The DEQ Division of Human Resources develops, administers, and maintains programs and services that assist and enhance employees' abilities to carry out the DEQ mission and further DEQ initiatives. The Human Resources division interprets, monitors, and assists with federal and state human resources-related compliance activities. DEQ Human Resources' goal is to provide excellent customer service in consultation, advisement, and execution of HR programs, policies, and procedures that foster a growing and learning work environment.

The NC Department of Environmental Quality:

The primary mission of the DEQ is to provide science-based environmental stewardship for the health and prosperity of all North Carolinians. The DEQ is the lead stewardship agency for the protection of North Carolina's environmental resources. The organization, which has offices from the mountains to the coast, administers regulatory programs designed to protect air quality, water quality, and the public's health, and works to advance in all-of-the-above energy strategy that fits North Carolina's needs. DEQ also offers technical assistance to businesses, farmers, local governments, and the public and encourages responsible behavior with respect to the environment through education programs provided at DEQ facilities and through the state's school system. DEQ touches the lives of all North Carolinians in many ways to enhance and ensure our quality of life. Please visit our website at the Department of Environmental Quality for more information.

If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit www.studentaid.gov to learn more.

Recruitment Range:  $51,616 - $76,083

This position is located at:  217 West Jones Street, Raleigh NCThe Knowledge, Skills and Abilities listed below, along with the Minimum Education and Experience requirements, are REQUIRED to qualify for this position.   We will not review resumes in lieu of Experience and Education listed on the application.  Click these links for additional information: Introduction to the Job Application and Addressing Knowledge, Skills and Abilities.  (Note: These links refer to Dept. of Public Safety process; this process is the same for Dept. of Environmental Quality.)

To qualify for this position, applicants must document on the application that they possess ALL of the following:

• Demonstrated experience in administering or providing guidance regarding a benefits program(s), such as: health insurance, FMLA, unemployment, and/or workers compensation.

• Demonstrated experience in entering and/or auditing time entries and/or data in an HRIS, Time system, or employee database.

• Documented experience creating or compiling benefit, time, and/or leave related reports.

• Documented experience creating benefit, time, and/or leave related standard operating procedures, trainings, and/or presentations.

Some state job advertisements include the phrase "or equivalent combination of education and experience" in the minimum education and experience requirements.  If that language appears below, you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See oshr.nc.gov/experience-guide for details.

Bachelor's degree, typically in Human Resources or related field from an appropriately accredited institution and 2 years of experience required; or High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and 5 years of progressive experience in Human Resources; or equivalent combination or education and experience.The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is an Equal Opportunity Employer who embraces an Employment First philosophy which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws and Executive Orders.

DEQ uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.

• Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, to their applications.

• If applicants earned college credit hours but did not complete a degree program, they must attach an official transcript to each application to receive credit for this education.

• If applicants earned a foreign degree, foreign degrees require an official evaluation for U.S. equivalency, and must be submitted to Human Resources for verification. There are several organizations that perform this specialized service, feel free to use any service of your choosing. The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) has several options on their website that can provide credential verification: https://www.naces.org/members

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account and click "Application Status."  If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted by management.  If you are no longer under consideration, you will receive an email notification.  If there are any questions about this posting other than your application status, please contact jennifer.homan@deq.nc.gov.