Human Resources Benefits Specialist

Position Summary

This position assists in the department's benefits functions and employee benefits processes.

Essential Duties

• Assists in the administration of benefits and compensation; resolves employee benefits issues; enrolls new employees; resolves billing or data errors.
• Provides support to employees in various HR-related topics such as benefits and leaves and resolves any issues that may arise.
• Determines employee eligibility for FMLA and short-term disability benefits; Coordinates, tracks and communicates with employees regarding their FMLA and Short-Term Disability benefits.
• Ensures new employees are enrolled in benefits programs; removes terminated employees and coordinates COBRA benefits.
• Schedules and conducts exit interviews for separating employees; communicates continued benefits options and final pay.
• Maintains records of new hires, changes, and separations of employees.
• Coordinates training for compliance and employee development.
• Administers special projects as directed by the VP of Human Resources and Legal Activities.
• Assists the Benefits Manager in planning and executing Wellness events and activities.
• Works with retirees on enrollment in and questions related to retiree healthcare benefits.
• Serves on the Employee Enrichment and Appreciation committee (EEAC). Serves a lead role with EEAC events, including the Thanksgiving potluck, retiree reception, and other campus-wide events.
• Coordinates and facilitates employee awards, including voting and selection of awardees by working with committees, Institutional Research, and other stakeholders as needed. Serves as the head of the Awards committee.
• Develops and implements strategic communications with employees and retirees regarding benefit changes, open enrollments, the Family Medical Leave Act, the Affordable Care Act, the Wellness Fair, and other benefits-related topics.
• Conducts new employee benefits orientation.
• Ensures compliance with college objectives and with state and federal laws and regulations.
• Serves as liaison between employee and New Mexico State insurance providers and COBRA.
• Assists payroll with research and resolution eligibility and payment of short-term disability benefits.
• Tracks and maintains Sick Leave Bank balance, transactions, and members.
• Prepares benefits information for annual employment contracts.
• Coordinates payment of and tracks all banked overload credits and Embedded Honors credits for all faculty.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of an Associate's degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.
• Must have sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with having had a similar position for two to three years.
• SHRM-CP Certification is preferred.