Sr Human Resources Specialist

Position Summary: 

The Senior Human Resource Specialist will play a pivotal role on our HR team, focusing on employee-facing responsibilities related to benefits and leave management. This position requires an in-depth understanding of employee benefit programs and regulations, with the ability to provide exceptional support and guidance to employees navigating complex benefit and leave situations. The ideal candidate will be a proactive problem solver with a strong background in Leave of absences, FMLA, ADA Interactive process, and a commitment to delivering a high level of customer service. 

Work Schedule:  

• Hybrid from one of the following office locations: 
  • Cedar Rapids, IA
  • Mandan, ND 
• Hybrid Schedule: Minimum of working 3 day per week out of an office location and ability to work up to all 5 days a week from an office location.
• Required Days from an Office Location: Tuesday and Wednesday - the third required day will be up to the candidate and their supervisor to choose. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Serve as a key contact for employees regarding policy, and other HR-related questions.
• Provide support to NISC employees and record interactions in CRM tool.
• Serves as backup to HRIS system administrator; generate reports and create new records.
• Plan and execute Open Enrollment and meetings for benefit plans.
• Process payroll changes in system and coordinate with Corporate Services.
• Manage, design and implement Leave of Absences, Family Medical Leave Act, Short Term and Long-Term disability plans.
• Manage pension plan and 401(k) plans.
• Back up to administer medical, dental, vision, disability, group life, section 125 and other employee benefit programs, including processing enrollments, qualifying events, and terminations.
• Facilitate the ADA Interactive process with employees to determine reasonable accommodations.
• Assist employee committees to plan and execute events and activities.
• Conduct new hire orientation related to benefits, policies, and employee resources.
• Develop content for internal employee communications and post blogs and announcements.
• Maintain employee records and other data in the HRIS, including processing hires, status changes, promotions, and terminations.
• Analyze, approve, audit and process payment for benefits billings.
• Assist in planning and coordination of employee recognition program.
• Assist with revision and interpretation of Human Resources policies.
• Conduct ergonomic assessments of workstations, tools, and tasks for new hires, as needed.
• Serve as key contact for Worker’s Compensation cases including filing claims, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, coordinating with insurance carriers, and supporting employees through the claim process.
• Serve as “subject matter expert” for multiple applications/ product area.
• Serve as mentor to other employees in applications and processes.
• Commitment to NISC’s Statement of Shared Values.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Preferred: 

• 5+ years of related experience preferred.
• Knowledge and understanding of FMLA and leave of absence practices, general HR policies and practices, employee benefits, and the legal environment of human resource administration.
• Working level knowledge of business-related software applications and services.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong ability to organize and prioritize.
• Ability to collaborate with others and work as part of a team.
• Excellent telephone/video call/email etiquette and an ability to deal effectively with employees and/or HR-related vendors.
• Excellent research and problem-solving skills with an excellent attention to detail.  
• Strong ability to set and manage internal and external customer expectations.
• Strong conflict management skills.
• Moderate level presentation and training skills.
• Basic level ability to mentor others.
• Basic level negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to showcase a high level of empathy and ability to build trust with others.
• Possess a strong intuition and knowledge base for leading and sustaining change.
• Commitment to confidentiality and possesses an excellent sense of professionalism when handling sensitive HR data.
• Ability to travel potentially 2 times a year. 

NISC’s Shared Values & Competencies: 

• Integrity – We are committed to doing the right thing – always.
• Relationships – We are committed to building and preserving lasting relationships.
• Innovation – We promote the spirit of creativity and champion new ideas.
• Teamwork – We exemplify the cooperative spirit by working together.
• Empowerment – We believe individuals have the power to make a difference.
• Personal Development – We believe the free exchange of knowledge and information is absolutely necessary to the success of each individual and the organization. 

Benefits: 

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with $100 monthly contributions from NISC.
  • Like to walk? Improve your overall wellness knowledge? Ability to earn up to $800 additional dollars into your HSA each year through our Wellness Rewards program.
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) thru Paylocity.
• Fully covered life insurance up to x3 annual base salary.
• Fully covered short- and long-term disability.
• 401(k), traditional or Roth, with employee match up to 6% and employer 4% salary base contributions.
• PTO accrual levels dependent on years of service, 120 Life Leave Event hours, 9 paid holidays and an annual holiday week.
• $2,500 Interest-FREE technology loan program.
• $25,000 employee educational assistance program.
• Volunteer, Wellness, Family Events and other employee fun supplied by our committees.
• Employee Assistance Program; assisting employees and dependents with virtually any life event
• Benevolence Committee to support employees with financial hardships like unexpected medical bills, funerals and other unfortunate hardships. 

Education Preferred: 

Bachelor’s Degree in a human resource, business-related field or equivalent experience. 

Other Qualifications/Certifications Preferred but not required: 

SHRM Certification, preferred.

Minimum Physical Requirements: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the essential functions of this position, employees must be able to see and communicate.  Employees are regularly required to maintain a stationary position, move, and operate computer keyboards or office equipment.  

Disclaimer: 

Management may modify this job description by assigning or reassigning duties and responsibilities at any time.