Employee Relations Assistant

The duties that the incumbent of the vacancy will be expected to perform. Duties Description Under the supervision of the Employee Benefits Management Unit (EBMU) Director and/or the Flexible Spending Accounts Program Manager, the Employee Relations Assistant will assist in the development, implementation and oversight of benefit programs resulting from negotiations with the state employee unions. These benefit programs are associated with the NYS Health Insurance Program, and the State's wellness and pre-tax employee benefit programs. Assignments related to NYSHIP will involve working with the Plan's Program Administrators (vendors), the Department of Civil Service Employee Benefits Division, the Division of the Budget, and the state employee unions. Assignments related to the wellness and pre-tax benefit programs will involve working with vendors, NYS Agencies, and state employees to provide excellent customer service. The incumbent will become well versed in the administration and management of the pre-tax benefit programs, as well as develop a deep knowledge of the NYSHIP benefits and eligibility requirements. Assignments related to the wellness program may include promoting wellness benefits, arranging and attending events and webinars, while promoting healthy lifestyle and motivating employees to improve their well-being. The incumbent will represent the NYS Office of Employee Relations (OER) on various Joint Committees on Health Benefits, develop proposals and strategy for OER to use in negotiations with the state employee unions, analyze the impact of proposed health insurance and tax legislation, and research emerging developments in health care and employee benefits. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Develop working relationships with program vendors, state agency staff (Department of Civil Service Employee Benefits Division, Office of the State Comptroller, Division of the Budget), and each union Joint Committee on Health Benefits.
• Work with vendors to resolve member issues and respond to participant inquiries.
• Organize and attend Joint Committee meetings, working with the unions to schedule the meeting and develop an agenda, ensure the attendance of Civil Service or Vendor staff to appropriately address the agenda items, act as meeting facilitator and follow-up on action items from the meeting.
• Provide support for unit activities and participate in the implementation of any negotiated benefit design changes or new benefit programs.
• Help to develop and review communication and promotional materials explaining existing benefits, benefit changes, or new benefit programs to enrollees/participants.
• Understand the State's procurement process and work with OER staff and staff from DCS, DOB and OSC to develop and review Requests for Proposals. Review and evaluate proposals submitted in response to RFP's for NYSHIP benefits or services, and for pre-tax benefit programs.
• Oversee the administration of health benefits and pre-tax benefits to ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements and with State and Federal requirements. This involves monitoring and reporting on vendor performance, as well as reviewing and analyzing vendor reports on enrollment and utilization.
• Participate in the development of collective bargaining demands by conducting benefit and cost analyses and preparing argumentation for each proposal.
• Participate in Joint Labor-Management projects such as the annual HMO review process and the annual rate renewal briefing.
• Conduct employee informational meetings and make in-person or remote presentations.
• Other duties as required. The minimum qualifications required for this vacancy. Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree and two years of relevant experience.
• Experience in employee benefits field or labor relations preferred.
• Health insurance and/or pre-tax program experience preferred.
• Excellent communication and writing skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe and PowerPoint.
• Ability to manage competing priorities.
• Strong problem-solving skills.

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Substitutions:

four years of specialized experience or associate's degree and two years of specialized experience may substitute for bachelor's degree; J.D. or master's degree may substitute for one year of specialized experience; Ph.D. may substitute for two years of specialized experience. Additional comments regarding the vacancy. Additional Comments Work Hours and Telecommuting will be discussed during the interview.

The Office of Employee Relations does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or other protected class status in the admission to, access to, or employment in their programs or activities.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

The Office of Employee Relations/Labor Management Committees provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify HR@oer.ny.gov or 518-473-3467.NOTE

ON TELECOMMUTING

The Office of Employee Relations/Labor Management Committees employees may be approved for a maximum of 50% telecommuting, however, they are required to apply and obtain approval through management in accordance with The Office of Employee Relations/Labor Management Committees Telecommuting Program Guidelines. Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.