SEIU Local 500
 

Member Benefits Associate

Based in Gaithersburg, MD

 

SEIU Local 500 is a progressive labor union, organizing and representing over 20,000 workers in the public service in Maryland and Washington, DC. We are a proud affiliate of Service Employees International Union (SEIU), the fastest-growing union in North America. 

Purpose of Position:
The Member Benefits Associate will work under the direction of the Director of Member Services and Operations and/or the Executive Director. The Member Benefits Associate will process all requests and inquiries and promote all member benefits defined in collective bargaining contracts and supplemental benefits from vendors and the Service Employees International Union. 

This is a bargaining unit position.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Performs a wide range of duties as assigned by the Director of Member Services and Operations and/or the SEIU Local 500 Executive Director. Examples below are a general summary of the work required and should not be treated as a total and complete list of expected duties to be performed by employees in the classification. 

1. Answers, responds to, and relays telephone calls, emails, and website forms submitted.
2. Assists with and/or monitors email accounts for the Member Services Department.
3. Assisting and advising members with applications for benefits defined in any collective bargaining agreement related to leave banks, funds, and/or benefit programs sponsored by a 3rd party vendor or the International.
4. Processes member requests/forms for benefits by the specified deadlines.
5. Adheres to and provides guidance for members based on the Rules of Procedure for specific benefits.
6. Prepares and maintains files of forms/applications for benefits.
7. Prepare all documents, files, and agendas to be sent to the employer to process requested benefits.
8. Creates and designs reports, labels, merge files, and import and export documents from various sources as needed, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail, particularly legal and compliance deadlines.
9. Actively ensures the security of confidential information of the Local and members. 
10. Advises the Director of Member Services and Operations of any potential issues or possible processing issues with the benefits administration.
11. Performs other duties as assigned to assist the Member Services Team and SEIU Local 500.

Scope and Nature of Supervision

• Must be able to act and organize time with extreme independence.
• Ability to take the initiative in communicating and problem-solving with bargaining unit employers, members, and staff.
• Must be able to demonstrate and maintain effective interpersonal working relationships with members, employers, staff, management, community partners and/or consultants. 
• Must be able to take direction on projects as assigned and meet established deadlines.
• The ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Reports to the Director of Member Services and Operations.

Education and Background

• Minimum - High School Diploma or GED required.

Previous Work Experience

• One to two years of office experience with a background in public or customer service.
• Preferred familiarity with the functions of unions and commitment to the goals and ideals of the labor movement.

Specialized Knowledge and Training

• Requires strong communication skills (both written and verbal) and organizational and consultation skills necessary to work effectively with others.
• Excellent telephone skills.
• Relevant experience in administrative support, including meeting support, clerical support, and member benefits processing. 
• Ability to complete multiple projects with shifting priorities and to meet deadlines under pressure.
• Skill in the use of Microsoft Office programs, including Microsoft Outlook, Access, Word, and Excel. 
• Must be willing to expand technology skills and quickly adapt to changing systems.

This is a non-exempt bargaining unit position and non-hybrid.

Salary: $53,177.83 – $71,390.28

Probationary Period: Six (6) Months

SEIU Local 500 offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits, including 100% employer-paid health benefits (95% of the cost difference for dependents), 100% employer-paid pension, and a generous paid leave policy. 

To Apply: 
Please email your résumé and cover letter to: HumanResources@seiu500.org. Please, no calls.

SEIU Local 500 encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, or disability. SEIU Local 500 works to ensure fair treatment of applicants and employees and actively enforces policies against discrimination and sexual harassment.