Benefits & Support Services Liaison

Full time / $80,000-$95,000 annually / IATSE / New York, NY

United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, IATSE is accepting applications for the position of Benefits & Support Services Liaison to support the union’s 5,000+ membership across the country.

The Benefits & Support Services Liaison reports to the National Director and works closely with members, Local leadership, staff, and external partners (such as the IATSE National Benefits Funds, USA 829 Pension Fund, etc.) across the nation to best assist all members to navigate, understand, and access their benefits.

This person’s primary objective is to comprehensively educate, research, communicate, and foster accessibility regarding not only the various health and welfare funds available to USA 829 members, but to support members who may seek additional information regarding government benefits at local, state, and national levels. This means that while this employee will become an expert on the Local Union’s benefits—which includes Health Insurance (CAPP Account) and retirement benefits as well as distinct funds for the 401(k), Pension, and Annuity—the right candidate will also spend time learning about and aiding members through research on governmental benefits and programs (such as Social Security, Paid Family Medical Leave, Unemployment Insurance, Workers Compensation, Medicare, etc.) as well as social service organizations across the nation.

The Benefits & Support Services Liaison dreams big, is an enterpriser, and is a constant learner and connector. This person works to find answers and provide help by consistently researching, communicating, and informing the membership about their various funds; changes in important governmental benefits that may impact them on a professional and personal level; and providing information so that members can more easily access their benefits or engage other programs as needed. This liaison will holistically guide members from first enrollment through retirement (and everything in between) with clarity, accuracy of the law and benefit funds/programs, and always with an empathetic and supportive voice.

Description of Duties:

Engage with members directly—both one-on-one and in group settings; this role is available to the USA 829 membership for any questions they have or assistance they need in relation to the union-related and governmental benefits as well as social programs available to them

Provide up-to-date information on the rules and requirements of benefits in all USA 829 covered funds and benefits, which includes: Health Insurance, Pension, 401(k), Annuity, Retirement, and Death Benefits

Research to provide clarity, information, and connections as needed regarding other governmental benefits or programs with which members may need assistance (i.e., Medicaid, Medicare, Workers Compensation, PFML, Unemployment, etc.)

Identify and fill gaps in member knowledge regarding individual and collective understanding of the Funds; liaise with the various Funds as necessary

Offer resources and support to members preparing for or in the process of major life transitions—including parenting, caregiving, and/or retirement

Assist those communicating with and navigating the various benefit institutions if members find themselves unable to resolve issues (i.e., helping to find the correct forms; define and clarify language; provide context and connections to the right person or program)

Network as well as build and retain relationships with various relevant people and resources among support and related organizations across the nation

Collaborate with the Local USA 829 Education Department, the Entertainment Community Fund, and other partners (such as a social service organizations) to develop and host classes and trainings regarding relevant aspects of our benefits, other social services/governmental benefits

Collaborate with the Communications Department and various Benefit Funds to develop helpful, concise in-house materials—including presentations, website development, brochures/pamphlets, benefits-based member orientations, digital content, social media, etc.

Disseminate and communicate information by offering regular in-person and virtual office hours, conversations and presentations on benefit-related matters, and communication strategies to educate and inform the USA 829 membership on their benefits, opportunities, and other relevant information

Requirements

Knowledge and experience with retirement, investment rules and guidelines for 401(k), Annuity, Pension accounts

Knowledge and experience with Medicaid/Medicare, Health Insurance, Workers Compensation, Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML), and Unemployment Insurance rules and guidelines, with the ability to research the various benefits across the states serving our nationwide membership

Working knowledge of and/or familiarity with freelance workers

Familiarity with the film, television, live theater industries a plus

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking and presentations

Exceptional research skills with an ability to translate, compile, and synthesize complex language and guidelines

High level of organization and effectiveness, participate in and lead multiple projects simultaneously to meet deadlines

High degree of computer literacy (such as Microsoft Office) and ability to create documents, posters, presentations, etc.

Keen interest in not only learning about the labor movement (specifically, the IATSE) and the entertainment industry—including the detailed specifics about our members’ work—but regularly finds joy in research and subsequent educational/content development regarding the many programs, external benefits, and opportunities for Local USA 829 members

Can lead a team, but also work independently while setting own and departmental SMART goals

High sense of emotional intelligence; experience working with people from a diverse array of backgrounds

Naturally enterprising, genuinely curious, and a passion for the value and necessity of the labor movement and the workers that fuel the movement

About the Candidate:

The successful applicant will have an associate or bachelor’s degree in human resources, social work, and/or counseling with four plus years’ experience in social work, HR, financial services, insurance services, and/or related fields. Insurance license, certified financial planner, and counseling background a plus.

The salary range for this position is $80K-$95K, plus an excellent benefits package. This position is based in our New York City office.