"Benefits Coordinator or Benefits Specialist"

SUMMARY

JOB DESCRIPTION

BENEFITS COORDINATOR: This is an entry-level position responsible for performing work in support of various human resource benefits programs. Responsible for providing benefits information to employees, retirees, vendors, and oversight agencies. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Benefits Manager.

BENEFITS SPECIALIST: This is a professional position responsible for performing advanced work in support of various human resource benefits programs. Responsible for counseling employees on benefits programs concerning employee insurance, retirement plans, and savings plans, and advising the university community regarding policies and procedures. Serves an active role in reviewing current departmental policies and procedures and recommending changes. Works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Benefits Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS - BENEFITS COORDINATOR

High school diploma or equivalent is required. Some college coursework in human resources, general business, accounting, or a related field is preferred. Two years of related experience is required. Experience in human resources, benefits administration, or a related area is required. Texas higher education or state agency experience is preferred. Additional education may substitute for years of experience on a basis set forth by the Department of Human Resources.

QUALIFICATIONS - BENEFITS SPECIALIST

Bachelor’s degree in business, human resources management, or a related field is required. Related experience may be substituted for required education on a basis set forth by the Department of Human Resources. Two years of related experience is required. Experience in human resources, benefits administration, or a related area is required. Texas higher education or state agency experience is preferred.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS - BENEFITS COORDINATOR

• Provides administrative support of human resource benefits.
• Serves as contact for employees, retirees, vendors, and oversight agencies regarding benefits enrollment, changes, terminations, and general questions on programs.
• Assists in planning, coordinating, developing and presenting information to employees concerning university benefits programs during benefits orientations, training modules, and annual enrollment information sessions.
• Enters benefits information in databases, human resources information system (HRIS), and spreadsheets.
• Reviews Electronic Personnel Action Forms (EPAFs) for employee hires, changes, and terminations to determine benefits eligibility.
• Assists in developing, reviewing, revising, and implementing departmental policies, procedures, and forms related to benefits.
• Assists in regular data reviews and testing system changes. Verifies, validates, and corrects data as needed.
• Assists with processing and filing various departmental records.
• Compiles and prepares various monthly, quarterly, annual, special, and ad hoc reports related to benefits activities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS - BENEFITS SPECIALIST

• Interprets and explains university policies and procedures related to benefits and retirement programs to faculty, staff, and departments.
• Serves as primary contact for employees, retirees, vendors, and oversight agencies regarding benefits enrollment, changes, terminations, and general questions on programs.
• Counsels employees concerning university benefits programs.
• Contacts and counsels employees when benefits eligibility changes and ensures applicable paperwork is completed.
• Enters benefits information in databases, human resources information system (HRIS), and spreadsheets.
• Plans, coordinates, develops, and conducts benefits orientations, training modules, and annual enrollment information sessions.
• Assists in regular data reviews and testing system changes. Verifies, validates, and corrects data as needed.
• Reviews Electronic Personnel Action Forms (EPAFs) for employee hires, changes, and terminations to determine benefits eligibility.
• Investigates employee problems with program vendors, acting as employee liaison.
• Assists in maintaining required records of employee benefits selections, verifying payroll records with benefits information changes, and reviewing information concerning new and updated laws and policies applicable to benefits programs.
• Prepares, analyzes, and oversees the submission of various monthly, quarterly, annual, special, and ad hoc reports related to benefits.
• Reviews current departmental policies and procedures related to benefits and recommends changes.