Maryland Judiciary · 22 hours ago
Benefits/Retirement Specialist
Annapolis, MD
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid Level
$71K/yr - $71K/yr
3+ years expThe Maryland Judiciary is committed to providing a supportive work environment and is seeking a Benefits/Retirement Specialist. This role is responsible for the full performance level of work ensuring the effective execution of HR transactions, health benefits, and retirement programs across the Judiciary.
Office Administration
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Determine the type of transaction that will be processed: new hires, State transfers from other state agencies and from the University System, rehires, reinstatements to previous position, reinstated promotion or reinstated demotion. Overlap appointments for PINs that are already occupied. Promotion, promotional transfer, demotions to include Voluntary in the same position number or voluntary in different position number. Involuntary demotions the same pin or involuntary demotion in a different position number. Transfers which include Transfer within same jurisdiction or lateral transfer which is a transfer from different agency code within the judiciary. Position Identification Number (PIN Switch) transfer from one position number to another within the same agency code in the judiciary. Reclassifications, Separations from service which include Retirement, resigned State service, resigned without proper notice, resigned in lieu of termination, terminated with prejudice, end of temporary assignment, annual contract not renewed, transfer to another State agency, transfer within the Judiciary, approved military leave of absence
Process transactions in the Human Resources Information System (HRIS - CONNECT). Determine the reason code for action, if probationary period is required and if an employment contract is required. Enter the position expiration date for temporary and seasonal temporary employees. Determine the entry on duty date and leave earning adjustment date for reinstated employees and contractual bailiffs
Review and process, name changes, probationary reports, extended probationary reports, and contract renewals processed via CONNECT by the Jurisdictions. Make necessary changes to HRIS system
Records management and maintenance of employee’s HR files, medical files, I-9’s and terminated employee files
Special Salary Adjustments – Bailiffs and Special Police Officers – Process salary adjustments for Bailiffs and Special Police Officers once they have received their special police commission and/or when they qualify for the longevity pay rate change
Assisting the office with duties to include FMLA, Parental Leave, Leave Bank and FAMLI
Processes FMLA, Parental Leave, Leave Bank and FAMLI which includes receiving requests, tracking requests, entering requests into CONNECT, and generating designation notices to employees
Answers general questions regarding FMLA, Parental Leave, Leave Bank and FAMLI
Interpret policy and procedures for Judiciary employees regarding health benefits. Provide all Judiciary employees and judges with information health benefits, coverage and procedures. Serve as Health Benefits Coordinator for the Maryland Judiciary. Assist employees with open enrollment as well as enrollment, advising them of new options. Resolve benefit problems, review & approve new enrollment application, advise terminating employees of COBRA and LAW benefits. Assemble and review all supporting documentation to establish eligibility for State health benefits and attach to the enrollment worksheet for processing. Coordinate and process retroactive adjustment for, transfers, newborns, marriage, reinstatements, etc. Calculate the required premium amount due to health benefits, collect funds and payments, and send with the retroactive adjustment form and required documentation to health benefits for processing. Attend annual health benefits open enrollment training. Coordinate with other Human Resources staff the distribution of open enrollment materials for Judiciary employees. Function as a liaison between employees and the Department of Budget and Management, Health Benefits Department. Assist employees with online resources and help answer questions with downloading forms
Utilize the DBM online health benefits system to review and verify the status of pending action, view health benefit selections, deductions, etc. Complete reports within the system. Determine effective dates of coverage; verify dependent information and
Assist current and former employees with Retirement questions, problems, enrolling as a new member, beneficiary changes, claiming credit within State Retirement Pension System (SRPS), claiming military credit, claiming credit for unused sick leave, purchase of service, refunds, payment of contribution deficiencies, applying for disability, service retirement and death benefits. Stay informed of changes, procedures and regulations. Function as a liaison between employees and the Maryland State Retirement Agency. Attend required Retirement meetings and meet face-to-face or virtually with employees/retirees as needed
Designated retirement coordinator’s prime responsibility is to assist members in the completion and submission of retirement forms. Coordinators sign retirement forms verifying member information such as work history, salary and unused sick leave balances submitted to MSRA. Coordinators carefully review all forms and supporting documents before submitting them to MSRA; notarize forms when necessary; include the coordinator’s contact information on all documents; and submit forms to MSRA in a timely manner
Assist in the preparation and delivery of Onboarding Sessions for Employees, Law Clerks and Judicial Appointments. Responsible for the review and distribution of Judiciary policies and procedures, assist with completion of Health Benefits, Pension and Supplemental Retirement forms. Ensure proper completion of withholding form for CPB, I-9 form completion on the first day of employment and the correct documentation is obtained and reviewed for the I-9 within 3 days of hire. Provide Identification Badge request form and directions. Advise employees of parking, leave bank, FMLA, federal and state laws and reporting of workplace injuries, and distribute information on the State Employees Credit Union (SECU). Prepare and maintain new employee orientation folders
Request, review and monitor the completion of new hire orientation documents processed by the HR Liaisons such as emergency contact, employment eligibility verification (Form I-9), confidentiality agreement, employment contracts, etc. Review documents for completion, accuracy and ensure Judiciary, State and Federal Guidelines are being met. Enter forms into HRIS as received and place in HR file. Create and monitor a tracking and follow-up system for incomplete or inaccurate documents
Develop and improve presentations and trainings for new and current employees and judges (HR Insights, New Supervisor and Manager Orientation, Retirement Basics, Financial Wellness, HR Connections, Judges’ Pre-retirement Seminar, etc.)
Assists with Judiciary employee compliance with the State Ethics financial disclosure program and exemptions process
Assists with researching, developing, implementing, and measuring the effectiveness of employee engagement and wellness initiatives (food trucks, flu clinics, blood drives, etc.)
Process judicial appointment transactions and onboarding for Judges and Senior Judges. Review the judicial administrative processing form to determine if the newly appointed Judge is a current State employee. If current State employee, send a request for Information to current agency. Determine the judicial salary using the judicial salary schedule. Contact Judge Designate to determine the swearing in date. This date is to be used as the effective date of judicial appointment. Request from the Judge Designate other necessary information needed to process the new judicial appointment transaction. Contact the Clerk of the Court to verify the Judge Designate's swearing in date. Using the administrative processing form, State transfer information, and information provided by the Judge-Designate, process the appointment in CONNECT
Assemble the judicial orientation packet according to the orientation checklist. The day of orientation, oversee the event and conduct the transaction unit portion of orientation
The senior judge appointment notification paperwork will be delivered to be processed. A senior judge appointment is processed as hourly contractual appointment in in CONNECT. The appointment is processed in the HRIS system as a rehire
Provide services such as assist employees and the Public with online Maryland Judiciary information. Respond to inquiries in writing and via telephone for active and inactive employees, supervisors, other state agencies and the general public concerning, benefits, retirement, status of pending actions, salary verifications, interpretation of HR rules, regulations, policies and procedures, etc
Provide advice, assistance and on-site training to HR Liaisons as necessary to ensure Judiciary, State and Federal Guidelines are being met. Assess the needs of the HR Liaisons for assigned jurisdiction and provide updates and/or suggestions to the HR Liaison committee to address at future meetings. Create and provide a user manual to assist HR Liaisons in their new positions
Assist with auditing of HR processes, I-9’s, employee files and DVA benefits audit, ACA reporting, and confidentiality forms
Support and take direction from the Director and Deputy Director of Human Resources and Manager of Benefits & HRIS. Develop strong partnerships with HR management staff as well as all HR units
Complete MFA Security Partner Training. Provide Service Desk support to SPS users by resetting passwords, or assisting employees with setting up their Profiles, and Multi Factor Authentications
Other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university
Three (3) years of human resources experience
Must be able to obtain the following certifications within six (6) months of hire: Certified State Retirement Coordinator and SPS-ABC Certification
Must obtain Notary Public commission
Knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices associated with public personnel administration
Knowledge of research techniques used in collecting, tabulating, evaluating, and presenting data
Knowledge of the provisions of the Judiciary policies, rules, and regulations
Knowledge of equal employment opportunity laws
Knowledge of the Maryland legislative and personnel budgeting process
Knowledge of State of Maryland Health Benefits program
Knowledge of HR-related laws, such as, but not limited to, FMLA, Parental Leave, Leave Bank and FAMLI
Knowledge of various State of Maryland retirement pension systems
Knowledge of computer systems, HRIS applications, and Microsoft Office
Knowledge of the methods and techniques of systems testing and documenting outcomes
Knowledge of the methods and techniques used in testing of system design modifications and action plans
Skill in analyzing data to ensure system integrity
Skill in troubleshooting to resolve issues
Skill in running and monitoring system processes to update employee records and other business processes
Skill in Microsoft Office products to include, but not limited to Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc
Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply complex technically oriented laws, regulations, rules, and policies
Ability to resolve complex personnel problems by applying various methodologies and deciding between several alternative solutions
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and through the presentation of concise and comprehensive analyses and reports
Ability to deal with difficult people
Benefits
Generous benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, tuition assistance, continuing education programs, employee assistance programs, and State Retirement and Pension plans.
Telework, up to 2 days per week, may also be available.
Company
Maryland Judiciary
Maryland Judiciary fosters integrity and transparency through innovative, accessible court systems and justice partners.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Jason Thomas
Chief Technology Officer
Brittany Clark, MS
AOC Operations Analyst
Recent News
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