Using Your Benefits: Family Friendly Resources
Family Friendly Resources
Family Friendly Resources
Supporting working parents and parents-to-be
Your HR Benefits Team is here to help you understand your benefits options and how to take advantage of them throughout your employment.
Considering your Options
Many times, family planning and related resources can evoke questions about what benefits are available to you. Here are a few resources and options to take into account.
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Determine if you need additional Short-Term Disability through AFLAC in advance. AFLAC benefits can coordinate with NJ Temporary Disability Insurance and offer you additional wage replacement for your own recovery period, such as during a leave of absence due to maternity or personal illness.
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Tenure Track Faculty may review the Modified Tenure Timeline Due to Qualifying Life Event Policy to explore this potential option and eligibility requirements.
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Take care of your health and ensure that you are in a good position to become a parent. Well-Being at Work can help support your journey.
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Review your health insurance coverage and let us know if you have questions.
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Research and explore different paths to parenthood and get advice from others
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Review your finances and consider meeting with a financial advisor.
Pregnancy and Fertility - Carebridge
Adoption
State of New Jersey Department of Children and Families
Adopting Learning Articles from Carebridge EAP
Expecting a New Baby
Growing your family is one of the most exciting times in your life! The HR Benefits Team is committed to providing benefits and resources to guide you through this transition.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I take time off for maternity or paternity leave or bonding time to care for my newborn child?
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Kean University offers maternity, paternity, and bonding leave.
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See leave definitions for a quick overview.
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Details regarding your leave of absence (LOA) entitlements may be reviewed in the LOA Policy and Procedures.
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You may also review benefits and protections for new and expectant parents. Depending on your union, you may be eligible for additional leave.
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Your benefits team members will provide you with details as they apply to you. We encourage you to schedule an appointment to learn more.
Can I use my Paid Time Off (PTO) such as sick, vacation, or comp days while on leave?
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Yes, you can use any earned PTO while you are on an approved leave of absence.
When may I apply for NJ Temporary Disability Insurance (as a Wage Replacement)?
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You may opt to apply for this benefit from the start of any unpaid leave of absence (and you are not required to use your PTO in advance, though you have the option to do so).
Can tenure track faculty request to extend their tenure track probationary period if they go out on approved maternity/paternity leave?
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Yes, Tenure Track Faculty may review the Modified Tenure Timeline Due to Qualifying Life Event Policy to explore this potential option and eligibility requirements.
If my doctor recommends work restrictions during my pregnancy, how do I request an accommodation?
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Many women that continue to work throughout pregnancy do so without any significant issues. However, your doctor may recommend temporary work restrictions for you based upon your particular medical needs and your job. Your ability to keep working with or without accommodation depends on your overall health, your unborn baby's health, and the sort of work you do.
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The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation, including but not limited to chairs, stools, additional bathroom breaks and restrictions on what they can carry, for pregnant or breast-feeding employees. For more information on the PWFA, click here. For information on the location of on-campus lactation rooms, click here.
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To request an accommodation related to pregnancy, please reach out to Lorice Thompson-Greer at 908-737-3309 orlgreer@kean.edu.
Where can I find information regarding breastfeeding support upon my return to work?
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To request an accommodation related to breastfeeding, please reach out to Lorice Thompson-Greer at 908-737-3309 orlgreer@kean.edu.
When can I add my baby to my health plan?
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Changes in health coverage due to life events, such as the birth of a child, may be made within 60 days of the event date.
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Employees who want to make plan changes will be able to access Benefitsolver through the myNewJersey portal. Those who do not have a myNewJersey account must create one in order to access Benefitsolver.
Adding a dependent to your health plan:
Employee Guide to Logging into Benefitsolver
The Company Key is SHBP/SEHBP (all capital letters). Please note that rates may also be viewed in the portal.
Dependent Documentation Requirements
What additional support is available to me?
Having a strong support system is like having a lifeline as a new parent. It’s essential to surround yourself with resources and people who can guide and assist you on your parenting journey.
Here are some valuable resources to help you with self-care, establish a network of support and to empower you to become the parent you want to be.
State Health Benefits of NJ - Reproductive Health Information Hub
Horizon Prenatal & Newborn Care Resources
Babies and New Parents - Carebridge
Virgin Pulse Journey of Learning Articles: Pregnancy and Parenting
Virgin Pulse One on One Coaching
Flexible Spending Accounts – Tax$ave
Telemedicine through your health insurance
Work & Parenting - General Resources
For school aged children
Work-Life Balance
During this time, ensure that you are also focusing on your holistic well-being
Navigating Parenting - Carebridge
Carebridge Employee Assistance Program
Where can I find Child Care for my infant or toddler?
Carebridge EAP can assist you in finding resources
Kean Child Care and Development Center
(ages 2 ½ to 5) on site at Union Campus
Pre-College Programs for Youth
Pre-College and Summer Youth Programs at Kean
GSSRP - Group Summer Scholars Research Program
The Galleries at Kean - Pre-College Program
Higher Education Opportunities for Dependent Children
Planning Ahead
Re-evaluate your life insurance needs to make sure you have adequate coverage
Voluntary Term Life and AD&D Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts – Tax$ave
Questions
If you have questions regarding a leave of absence and related benefits, please feel free to contact Lorice Thompson-Greer at 908-737-3309 orlgreer@kean.eduor, Yrelys Tapanes at 908-737-3313 or ytapanes@kean.edu.
Confidential appointments are available both in person and via zoom.