How to Apply: Submit cover letter and resume via email to: [email protected]
About AFSCME Council 13
Pennsylvania Public Employees Council 13, AFSCME, AFL-CIO (AFSCME Council 13) is the largest public employee union in Pennsylvania. Established in 1973, Council 13 works to improve wages, benefits, and working conditions for public and private non-profit employees who protect and serve the citizens of the Commonwealth. We represent more than 35,000 members employed at the state, county, township, borough, and city level, as well as in health care and social service facilities. Along with our affiliated local unions, we provide resources in representation, collective bargaining, organizing, political and legislative advocacy, and education to ensure members’ respect and dignity in the workplace.
Overview
The Human Resources/Assistant Benefits Fund Manager performs advanced professional work supporting both the Human Resources function and the administration of the AFSCME Health & Welfare Fund and Council 13 employee benefit programs. This hybrid position serves as the organization's primary Human Resources professional while assisting in the day-to-day management of the Health & Welfare Fund. The human resources functions of this position will report to the Council 13 Executive Director/Administrator and the benefits fund management functions will report to the Benefits Fund Manager.
Primary Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary Human Resources professional for the organization, providing advice and guidance to executive and senior management on employee relations matters.
- Interpret personnel policies, collective bargaining agreements and employment regulations for union-represented and non-represented employees.
- Administer employee leave programs, including FMLA and other federal, state, and employer-sponsored leave benefits.
- Lead internal investigations involving employee conduct, workplace concerns, harassment, discrimination, and policy violations.
- Develop recommendations regarding disciplinary actions and ensure consistent application of personnel policies.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
- Develop, implement, and maintain Human Resources policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Develop and maintain accurate and current job descriptions for all positions.
- Design and implement recruitment strategies, advertise vacancies, coordinate interviews, and facilitate the hiring process.
- Coordinate employee onboarding, orientation, and training programs.
- Maintain confidential personnel records for active employees, retirees, and former employees.
- Coordinate employee performance evaluation processes and professional development initiatives.
- Participate in labor-management activities and support collective bargaining as assigned.
- Maintain confidentiality while handling sensitive personnel information.
- Assist the Benefits Fund Manager in the daily administration of the AFSCME Health & Welfare Fund and health benefits for Council 13 employees.
- Support administration of prescription, dental, vision, disability, and healthcare benefit programs.
- Assist in maintaining productive relationships with participating employers, Trustees, consultants, third-party administrators, and benefit vendors.
- Assist with preparing reports, Trustee meeting materials, and operational documentation.
- Review benefit eligibility, enrollments, status changes, and participant records.
- Assist in monitoring benefit utilization, claims experience, and operational performance.
- Coordinate employee healthcare enrollments, retirements, COBRA administration, and benefit communications.
- Assist with Open Enrollment activities and employee benefit education programs.
- Support preparation of governmental filings, audits, and regulatory compliance activities.
- Serve as a resource to employees, retirees, employers, and bargaining representatives regarding benefit questions.
Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, Labor Relations, Finance, Healthcare Administration, or a closely related field.
A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in Human Resources, employee relations, benefits administration, or a related field is required. Experience working in a unionized environment, administering employee benefit programs, Taft-Hartley benefit funds, or public-sector employment is strongly preferred.
An equivalent combination of education and experience demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Thorough knowledge of Human Resources principles, employment law, employee relations, and personnel administration.
- Working knowledge of labor relations, collective bargaining agreements, and grievance administration.
- Ability to conduct objective workplace investigations and prepare comprehensive investigative reports.
- Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills with the ability to build productive working relationships.
- Knowledge of employee benefit programs, including medical, prescription, dental, vision, disability, retirement, and leave administration.
- Familiarity with ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, FMLA, ADA, and other applicable employment and benefit regulations.
- Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and organizational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while maintaining strict confidentiality.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
- Experience with Microsoft Office applications, Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), and benefits administration software.
- Demonstrated commitment to providing high-quality service to employees, retirees, employers, union members, and organizational leadership.
Physical Requirements
Work is generally performed in an office environment and requires regular use of a computer and standard office equipment. The position requires attendance at meetings, training sessions, labor-management meetings, and occasional travel throughout Pennsylvania. Evening meetings and extended work hours may be required during Open Enrollment, recruitment activities, collective bargaining, or other peak operational periods.
Pay: $62,852.32 - $102,000.08 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- In what field(s) of study did you receive college degree(s)?
- Do you have any experience working with labor unions, administering employee benefit programs, or Taft-Hartley benefit funds?
Education:
Experience:
- Human Resources and benefits administration: 5 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
