Human Resources Specialist 1 (Benefits), Trainee 1/2

NOTE: To apply for this job, please email your cover letter, and resume to [email protected]. Please include the Title and Vacancy ID# you are applying for in the subject line of your email. Applicants that do not submit their cover letter and resume to [email protected] will NOT be considered.Vacancy ID: 227291Link to Apply: https://statejobs.ny.gov/public/vacancyDetailsView.cfm?id=227291Duties Description:Employee Benefits has the lead role for administering the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP), one of the largest public employer health insurance programs in the nation covering more than 1.2 million lives. This position will play an important role in ensuring the continued success of the comprehensive health insurance programs.The Human Resources Specialist 1 or Trainee 1 / Trainee 2 (Benefits) duties in the Policy Unit of the Employee Benefits Division will include but are not limited to the following: * Answering inquiries received from the Department's Public Information Office (PIO) * Training both internal EBD staff and agency Health Benefits Administrators (HBA) * Reviewing all Power of Attorney and Guardianship documents received by EBD from outside New York State and maintaining a list of requirements for verifying and approving these documents * Researching any inquiries from EBD staff regarding Department policy * Updating approximately 150 Policy Memos to ensure accuracy and compliance with state and federal mandates and laws and Department rules and regulation. * Drafting, reviewing, and working with Counsels Office for approval of any new Policy Memos needed. * Responding to inquiries submitted by State employee unions and members of the Legislature. * Reviewing and providing feedback to EBDs Communications Unit on all draft publications to ensure they are consistent with NYSHIP policy.Minimum Qualifications:NY HELPS:This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.At a future date, it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in an NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.NON-COMPETITIVE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (NY HELPS):Human Resources Specialist Trainee 1 Benefits:Four years of experience planning, coordinating, and managing various employee benefits (such as health, dental, vision, and life insurance; and workers' compensation, income protection, and disability benefits); establishing and applying eligibility requirements; and arranging and communicating to enrollees the details of each benefit.Substitute: Associate degree may substitute for two years of specialized experience; bachelor's degree may substitute for four years of specialized experience.Human Resources Specialist Trainee 2 Benefits:Five years of experience planning, coordinating, and managing various employee benefits (such as health, dental, vision, and life insurance; and workers' compensation, income protection, and disability benefits); establishing and applying eligibility requirements; and arranging and communicating to enrollees the details of each benefit.Substitute: Associate degree may substitute for two years of specialized experience; bachelor's degree may substitute for four years of specialized experience; master's degree may substitute for five years of specialized experience.Human Resources Specialist 1 Benefits:Six year