Benefits, Leaves, & Accommodations Manager

California State University, Bakersfield; Bakersfield (CA); Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Best-in-class benefits

CalPERS retirement

CSU tuition waiver

Up to 24 vacation days per year

Sick leave with unlimited accrual

15 paid holidays per year

Job summary

California State University, Bakersfield is seeking a Benefits, Leaves and Accommodations Manager to oversee the day-to-day administration of employee benefits, leaves, and disability accommodations for the University and its auxiliaries. The role reports to the AVP for Human Resources & Payroll Administration and ensures timely, accurate service in line with laws and CSU policies.

The position requires staff guidance, coordination with campus partners, and leadership in open enrollment, ACA

Responsibilities

• Manage daily administration of CSU employee benefit programs for the campus and its auxiliaries and related transactions, including enrollment changes, qualifying life events, eligibility determinations, benefit deductions, and separation or retirement-related benefit processes within the scope assigned to the campus.
• Review escalated employee benefit questions and transaction discrepancies; research records in CHRS, State Controller's Office systems, vendor systems, and other sources; determine corrective action within delegated authority; and ensure appropriate follow-through.
• Oversee benefits billing and collections activities, including accounts receivable documentation, payroll deduction or collection arrangements, employee communications, and follow-up on outstanding balances.
• Coordinate campus Affordable Care Act administration by reviewing eligibility and compliance reports, resolving discrepancies, monitoring required notifications, and ensuring accurate and timely records.
• Serve as the primary operational liaison with the Chancellor's Office and benefit plan or system partners regarding specific program requirements, transactions, reporting, and problem resolution; elevate policy or systemwide interpretation issues as appropriate.
• Coordinate annual open enrollment, the benefits fair, and other benefit communications and activities by developing implementation timelines, reviewing information and materials for accuracy, assigning and monitoring related tasks, coordinating event logistics, and responding to escalated questions.
• Monitor the accuracy and timeliness of benefits data and transactions, conduct periodic reviews and reconciliations, and ensure identified errors are corrected and documented.
• Respond to CalPERS-related audits, process requests for service credit purchases, and provide retirement-related information to staff and faculty as needed.

Job description

• On-site (work in-person at business location) 1

Benefits, Leaves, & Accommodations Manager

CLASSIFICATION TITLE: Administrator I

UNION CODE: M80

FT/PT: Full-time

PAY PLAN: 12-month

WORKPLACE TYPE: On-site (work in-person at business location)

ANTICIPATED HIRING RANGE: $7,834 - $9,167

• However, offer amount will be commensurate with candidate’s experience, education, skills, and training.

CSU CLASSIFICATION SALARY RANGE: $4,135 – $12,288

PAY BASIS: Monthly

BENEFITS: CSUB offers a best-in-class benefit package for eligible employees that includes an array of medical plans, choice of dental plans, vision coverage, retirement participation in CalPERS, CSU tuition waiver, up to 24 vacation days per year, sick leave with unlimited accrual, 15 paid holidays per year and more! See our benefits website for additional information.

CANDIDATES ELIGIBLE TO APPLY: Open to all qualified applicants

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT: FOR PRIORITY CONSIDERATION, applications must be received by October 13, 2026 ; however, the position will remain open until filled.

POSITION PURPOSE: Under the administrative direction of the Assistant Vice President for Human Resources & Payroll Administration, the Manager of Benefits, Leaves & Accommodations manages the day-to-day administration of employee benefits for the University and its auxiliaries, as well as the University’s leave of absence and disability accommodation programs. The manager interprets and applies applicable laws, collective bargaining agreements, CSU policies, and established procedures; assigns and reviews staff work; resolves escalated operational and case-specific issues; and helps ensure employees receive timely, accurate, consistent, and equitable service.

The position monitors daily operations and participates in ongoing program work as needed. The manager develops and implements procedures for the assigned functional areas, provides guidance to employees and managers, coordinates with campus and Chancellor's Office partners, monitors service and compliance measures, and recommends modifications to departmental or campus practices.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Benefits Administration

• Manage daily administration of CSU employee benefit programs for the campus and its auxiliaries and related transactions, including enrollment changes, qualifying life events, eligibility determinations, benefit deductions, and separation or retirement-related benefit processes within the scope assigned to the campus.
• Review escalated employee benefit questions and transaction discrepancies; research records in CHRS, State Controller's Office systems, vendor systems, and other sources; determine corrective action within delegated authority; and ensure appropriate follow-through.
• Oversee benefits billing and collections activities, including accounts receivable documentation, payroll deduction or collection arrangements, employee communications, and follow-up on outstanding balances.
• Coordinate campus Affordable Care Act administration by reviewing eligibility and compliance reports, resolving discrepancies, monitoring required notifications, and ensuring accurate and timely records.
• Serve as the primary operational liaison with the Chancellor's Office and benefit plan or system partners regarding specific program requirements, transactions, reporting, and problem resolution; elevate policy or systemwide interpretation issues as appropriate.
• Coordinate annual open enrollment, the benefits fair, and other benefit communications and activities by developing implementation timelines, reviewing information and materials for accuracy, assigning and monitoring related tasks, coordinating event logistics, and responding to escalated questions.
• Monitor the accuracy and timeliness of benefits data and transactions, conduct periodic reviews and reconciliations, and ensure identified errors are corrected and documented.
• Respond to CalPERS-related audits, process requests for service credit purchases, and provide retirement-related information to staff and faculty as needed.

Leave of Absence & Accommodations Administration

• Manage the day-to-day administration of employee leave programs, including FMLA, CFRA, Pregnancy Disability Leave, CSU family and medical leave provisions, disability leave, parental leave, and other applicable contractual or statutory leaves.
• Review leave requests and supporting documentation; determine eligibility and applicable leave designations within delegated authority; ensure required notices are issued; and monitor certification, recertification, exhaustion, and return-to-work timelines.
• Manage disability accommodation cases by coordinating the interactive process, gathering and assessing relevant information, identifying effective accommodation options, documenting case activity, and facilitating implementation of approved accommodations.
• Evaluate escalated leave and accommodation questions, apply established laws, policies, collective bargaining agreement provisions, and procedures to individual circumstances, and provide guidance to employees, managers, and HR staff.
• Coordinate with Employee & Labor Relations, Payroll, Safety & Risk Management, Workers' Compensation, supervisors, health-care providers, and other parties when leave, pay, benefits, work restrictions, or return-to-work requirements overlap.
• Monitor active cases, statutory and contractual deadlines, documentation requirements, and follow-up activities to support timely and consistent case resolution.
• Review sensitive or complex matters with the AVP and appropriate partners when the issue is novel, precedent-setting, high-risk, or may require an exception to established policy or practice.
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure leave and medical records are retained separately and handled in accordance with legal, CSU, and departmental requirements.
• Directly supervise assigned staff, including participating in selection, onboarding, training, work assignment, scheduling, performance management, and professional development activities.
• Establish work priorities and service expectations; monitor daily operations, deadlines, caseloads, and backlogs; redistribute assignments when necessary; and ensure adequate coverage for essential functions.
• Provide technical direction and consultation on benefits, leave, and accommodation processes; assist staff in resolving unusual operational problems; and determine when matters require escalation.
• Prom