"Benefits Specialist - Human Resources"

Benefits Specialist - Human Resources

Join Our Campus Community!

Thank you for your interest in joining the University of Wyoming. Our community thrives on the contributions of talented and driven individuals who share in our mission, vision, and values. If your expertise and experience align with the goals of our institution, we would be thrilled to hear from you. We encourage you to apply and become a valued member of our vibrant campus community today!

Why Choose Us?

At the University of Wyoming, we value our employees and invest in their success. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance. Benefits include:

• Generous Retirement Contributions: The State contributes 14.94% of your gross salary, and you contribute 3.68%, totaling 18.62% toward your retirement plan.
• Exceptional Health & Prescription Coverage: Enjoy access to medical, dental, and vision insurance with competitive employer contributions, that include 4 deductible options to suit your needs.
• Paid Time Off: Benefit from ample vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and paid winter closure.
• Tuition Waiver: Employees and eligible dependents can take advantage of tuition waivers, supporting continuous education and professional growth.
• Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs: Stay healthy with wellness initiatives, counseling services, and mental health resources.

At the University of Wyoming, we are committed to creating a supportive and enriching workplace. To learn more about what we offer, please refer to UW's Benefits Summary.

JOB TITLE:

Benefits Specialist

JOB PURPOSE:

Coordinate and support daily, on-site operations and administrative services for the University of Wyoming's benefits and leave programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Benefits Administration

• Coordinate daily administration of benefit programs, including eligibility, enrollment, premium billing when necessary, and open enrollment.
• Communicate benefit information to employees, promote wellness initiatives, and provide guidance on insurance eligibility, life events, and coverage adjustments.
• Maintain accurate benefit records, and update partner platforms; generate reports and ensure data integrity.
• Serve as the primary contact for employees, supervisors, payroll, and state partners, maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.

Leave Management

• Coordinate and determine appropriate team referral to leave types (FMLA, ADA, LWOP, sabbatical, workers' compensation).
• Verify eligibility, coordinate and authorize appropriate leave, calculate duration, and ensure compliance with federal/state leave laws.
• Monitor allowable time away and support employees through the return-to-work process.
• Support primary staff with ADA and FMLA administration.

Employee Support & Orientation

• Facilitate New Employee Orientation, ensuring clear communication of eligibility, enrollment deadlines, plan options, and required documentation. Deliver engaging and informative presentations covering medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability programs, retirement plans, wellness initiatives, leave programs, and any other employer-sponsored benefits.

Compliance & Reporting

• Process workers' compensation claims; ensure timely intake, documentation, submission, and necessary follow-up.
• Coordinate and monitor unemployment claims in a timely and accurate manner, ensuring compliance with state regulations and UW policy.
• Process tuition waiver applications and support documents for eligible employees in accordance with program guidelines.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:

• Other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES:

• Attention to Detail
• Independence
• Judgment
• Integrity
• Analysis/Problem Identification
• Collaboration
• Consistency

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and work experience

Experience: 1 year of human resources (HR) or related work experience

Required licensure, certification, registration, or other requirements: HR Certification preferred, but not required - willing to train the right candidate!

This position will remain open until filled. Priority consideration will be given to those that apply and submit a complete application packet by January 15th, 2025. Additionally, incomplete application packets may not be considered - please be sure to include all the noted required materials while applying!

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience delivering presentations or facilitating training sessions, such as new employee orientation or benefit education sessions, or comfortable with public speaking.
• Prior experience in a higher education.
• Ability to interpret policies and procedures and explain them clearly to employees and supervisors.
• Experience working with data systems and maintaining accurate records.
• Familiarity with employee benefit and leave programs or a strong willingness to learn complex regulatory requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal skills.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS:

Complete the online application. The department additionally requests candidates upload the following document(s) for a complete application:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume or C.V.
3. Contact information for four work-related references (references will only be contacted if you are selected as a finalist for the position).

WORK LOCATION:

On-campus: This position provides vital support to campus customers, and the successful candidate must be available to work on campus.

WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS:

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the United States, as sponsorship for work authorization or work visas is not available for this position.