POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Benefit Specialist
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1339
GRADE 42
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Assistant Director of Human Resources, Benefits
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Benefits Specialist works with employees and their departments regarding the University’s benefits package, including the state retirement systems, medical and dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, voluntary benefits, and the state’s cafeteria plan. The Benefits Specialist processes enrollments, terminations, and changes to enrollments, maintains and updates the University database for specific benefit programs, prepares related payment reports and payment requisitions, and administers COBRA.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Experience: A high school diploma or the equivalent is required; a Bachelor’s degree is preferred. With a high school diploma or the equivalent, three years of progressively responsible administrative experience in Human Resources is required; with a Bachelor’s degree, one year of progressively responsible administrative experience in Human Resources is required. Experience with benefits administration is preferred.
Skills: Effective verbal and written communication skills are required. Effective interpersonal skills are required. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications is required. The ability to learn and use an administrative business system, such as Banner, is required. Must have knowledge of or have the ability to acquire knowledge of relevant employment laws. Must be detail-oriented, highly organized, and have the ability to work independently. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Ensures that faculty and staff are given accurate information and appropriate assistance regarding benefits by providing requested information, assisting with the benefit enrollment process and making changes in enrollments, distributing insurance identification and prescription drug cards, providing assistance with benefit problems, and providing assistance with filing claims as needed.
2. Ensures the accuracy of benefit transactions, assures compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and assures the appropriate use of University funds by maintaining an accurate database of benefit coverage, monitoring benefit enrollments, changes in enrollments, payroll deductions, and insurance carrier invoices and prepares monthly payment requests for long term disability, life insurance, stop-loss insurance, pre-certification, and medical and dental administrative fees.
3. Coordinates continuing coverage of benefits requiring a payroll deduction if employees are on leave without pay.
4. Prepares or reviews and provides estimates of vacation and sick leave payouts to potential retirees.
5. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
6. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as directed.
7. Helps to assure the overall success of the Office of Human Resources by performing all other duties as assigned by the Assistant Director of Human Resources-Benefits
SUPERVISION
The Benefits Specialist is supervised by the Assistant Director of Human Resources, Benefits.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED MAY 2021
