Job Description

Benefits Specialist

Primary Purpose:

Under general direction, the Benefits Specialist is responsible for overseeing the administration and management of all types of leaves. This includes short term disability (STD), long term disability (LTD), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), California Family Rights Act (CFRA), California paid leave, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), military leaves, and all other types of leaves. The Benefits Specialist will also perform a variety of other human resource functions within the areas of benefits administration.

Essential Functions:

Leave Administration:

• Administer all employee leave programs, including FMLA, ADA, parental leave, medical leave, personal leave, and other leave types.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local leave laws, as well as company policies.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees and managers regarding leave eligibility, documentation requirements, and return-to-work procedures.
• Coordinate with HR, payroll, benefits, and third-party leave administrators to ensure accurate leave processing.
• Maintain up-to-date and confidential records of leave requests, approvals, and communications.
• Track leave balances, pay time reporting, timelines, and deadlines; provide regular updates to management.
• Assist in developing and updating leave-related policies, procedures, and employee communications.
• Conduct audits to ensure leave records are accurate and compliant.
• Support ADA accommodation processes as needed in collaboration with HR and legal teams.

Benefit Administration:

• Responsible for daily administration of a designated Benefit Plan portfolio, such as health, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance, FSA/HSA, disability, wellness programs, etc.
• Serve the primary point of contact for employee benefits inquiries, providing guidance and support.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, etc.).
• Assist in planning and executing annual open enrollment, including employee communication, website and system updates.
• Maintain and update benefits data within the HRIS system; ensure accurate recordkeeping and reporting.
• Prepare and distribute required benefits documentation (Summary Plan Descriptions, compliance notices, benefits statements).
• Support audits, filings, and other regulatory reporting requirements.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree. (Two (2) years of full time experience in the same/similar position is equal to one (1) year of completed post high school education coursework.)
• One (1) year of experience in HR leave administration, benefits administration, or related HR function.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of benefits administration and account reconciliation.
• Strong working knowledge of leave administration and laws i.e. STD, LTD, FMLA,CFRA and related job protections rights laws.
• Excellent customer service skills with strong compassion and empathy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong problem solving skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task to meet deadlines.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Banner and Argos experience.
• Positive attitude, proven ability to work successfully with diverse populations and demonstrated commitment to promote and enhance diversity and inclusion.
• Experience and sensitivity in working with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Demonstrated experience in advancing social justice, equity, and inclusion in a university setting.
• Ability to engage and integrate culturally responsive practices and knowledge in their work.

University of the Pacific recognizes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is foundational to the success of our valued students and employees. We prioritize policy and decision-making that demonstrates awareness of, and responsiveness to, the ways socio-cultural forces related to race, gender, ability, sexuality, socio-economic status, etc. impede or propel students, faculty, and staff.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative but not definitive of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requires extended periods of sitting and repetitive hand/wrist motion while using computer keyboard and phone. Occasional standing, walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping and reaching. Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment/Work Week/Travel:

Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment with use of computer and phone. Work performed during standard business hours. Additional time may be required to meet business needs and deadlines. Limited travel offsite to meetings or conferences.

Hiring Range:

$22.68 - $30.04 per hour. We consider factors such as, but not limited to, scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, internal equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Background Check Statement:

All applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment are required to execute a release and authorization for a background screening.

AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: University of the Pacific complies with California Assembly Bill 810, requiring candidates accepting conditional job offers to disclose any final administrative or judicial findings, ongoing proceedings, allegations, resignations under investigation, or appeals related to sexual harassment or misconduct within the past seven years.