HR Benefits Specialist

Overview

The Human Resources Department of the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), the Massachusetts public defender agency, is excited to announce a new role on the Benefits Team - the Benefits Specialist. This position will be based in Boston but will be eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

We fight for equal justice and human dignity by supporting our clients in achieving their legal and life goals. We zealously advocate for the rights of

individuals and promote just public policy to protect the rights of all.

Our Values

Courage • Accountability • Respect • Excellence

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION MISSION STATEMENT

CPCS is committed to protecting the fundamental constitutional and human rights of our assigned clients through zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, and the fullness of excellent legal representation. We are dedicated to building and maintaining strong professional relationships, while striving to accept, listen to and respect the diverse circumstances of each client, as we dedicate ourselves to meeting their individual needs. It is our CPCS mission to achieve these goals, and in furtherance thereof, we embrace and endorse diversity, equity and inclusion as our core values as we maintain a steadfast commitment to: (1) Ensure that CPCS management and staff members represent a broad range of human differences and experience; (2) Provide a work climate that is respectful and supports success; and (3) Promote the dignity and well-being of all staff members. CPCS leadership is responsible for ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion. The ability to achieve these goals with any level of certainty is ultimately the responsibility of each member of the CPCS community.

AGENCY OVERVIEW

CPCS is the state agency in Massachusetts responsible for providing an attorney when the state or federal constitution or a state statute requires the appointment of an attorney for a person who cannot afford to retain one. The agency provides representation in criminal, delinquency, youthful offender, family regulation, guardianship, mental health, sexually dangerous person, and sex offender registry cases, as well as in appeals and post-conviction and post-judgment proceedings related to those matters.

The clients we represent are diverse across every context imaginable and bring many unique cultural dimensions to the matters we address. This reality creates a critical need for CPCS staff to be culturally competent and able to work well with people of different races, ethnicities, genders and/or sexual orientation identities, abilities, and limited English proficiency, among other protected characteristics.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Human Resources Department of the Committee for Public Counsel Services is committed to providing excellent support and customer service for all our employees in a client-centered work environment characterized by dedication to the agency mission and a deep respect for diversity and inclusion.

We are excited to announce a new position within the HR Benefits Team, the Benefits Specialist, a key position in the Human Resources Department. We are seeking applicants with demonstrated HR skills and knowledge to support the overall employee experience at CPCS. The Benefits Specialist will act as the Department liaison with a variety of providers of state benefits and assist the Benefits Manager in overseeing all aspects of Leaves of Absence and Reasonable Accommodation process and lead other benefit administration functions. The Benefits Specialist will work closely with the HR generalists and will regularly communicate with CPCS employees as well as individuals in other state agencies and organizations.

The Benefits Specialist will report to the Benefits Manager. This position will be located in Boston but eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

Qualifications

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field and at least four (4) years of human resources experience, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and skills; and,
• Access to home internet access sufficient to work remotely.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

• Fundamental knowledge of a broad array of HR topics related to employee benefits, compensation, hiring, and onboarding.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office systems, including Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, Windows, and the Internet; knowledge of PeopleSoft HRIS preferred;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and to exercise considerable judgment and discretion;
• Excellent customer service and communication skills;
• Knowledge of both Federal and State FMLA, ADA, ACA, and EEO regulations;
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task, performing multiple tasks independently and concurrently;
• Ability to take initiative, to work well independently and as a team member;
• Ability to handle a wide variety of duties and work within the HR team to provide best customer service to CPCS staff; and,
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including experience making presentations.

COMPENSATION

CPCS offers a competitive compensation, benefits, and pension package; a diverse and inclusive culture; colleagues and co-workers who are committed to and passionate about their work; and the opportunity to serve. CPCS work culture also promotes work/life balance, providing work from home options and flexible hours. Salary Range: $80,598.00 - $118,361.00.

Responsibilities

RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties of the Benefits Specialist include, but are not limited to:

• Acting as the subject matter expert on leaves administration and support the Benefits Manager with managing all leaves of absence;
• Assisting in overseeing the Reasonable Accommodation process;
• Supporting the Benefits Manager with coordinating and managing Wellness Programs;
• Working as a key member of the CPCS HR team supporting on-boarding, benefits, and departures;
• Assisting with employees leaving the agency, including around health insurance, pension, and other documentation;
• Serving as the Healthcare GIC/FSA Coordinator, managing all benefit programs, including the implementation of our Annual Open Enrollment;
• Serving as the Commonwealth SMART Plan coordinator, responsible for managing and inputting monthly SMART Plan deductions into HRCMS;
• Serving as the Commuter Benefits coordinator, managing benefit elections, troubleshooting issues, resolving problems, and running reports to verify data accuracy deductions;
• Handling new hire paperwork for the MA State Retirement Board and serving as a resource for employees regarding issues related to the MA State Retirement system;
• Assisting the HR Team with special projects as assigned and provide back-up for other HR staff when needed;
• Providing excellent customer service to all who interact with the HR Unit by responding in a timely, accurate, respectful, and professional manner to customer service questions and requests; and,
• Other duties as assigned.

EEO Statement

The Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran or military status, genetic information, gender identity, or sexual orientation as required by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other applicable federal and state statutes and organizational policies. Applicants who have questions about equal employment opportunity or who need reasonable accommodations can contact the Chief Human Resources Officer, Sandra DeBow-Huang, at sdebow@publiccounsel.net