Posting Details

Position Information

Job TitleBenefits SpecialistDepartmentHuman ResourcesFull Time/Part TimeFull-TimeRequisition NumberS20336Open Date01/15/2020Close Date01/29/2020Salary Information

$50,000 to $55,000 annually

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Benefits EligibleYesEligible for OvertimeNoPosition Summary

The benefits specialist administers the employee benefit plans of the university, resolves or refers employee benefit questions and problems, as appropriate, and makes adjustments and corrections to HR systems and files supporting documentation. This position also administers the benefit plans through data support, reporting, and actual plan decision-making. The benefits specialist will assist in maintenance of the HR/Benefits website. The benefits specialist will process necessary transactions to support regular business processes.

This is a full-time, two-year term limited position.

Education RequiredBachelor's DegreeMajor/DisciplineSubstitution for Education RequirementMay substitute additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis in lieu of the education requirement.Education PreferredExperience Required3 yearsType of Experience

Related experience in benefits administration with some experience in insurance claims assistance, electronic benefits enrollment and eligibility systems, retirement plan administration, and/or leaves of absence administration.

Substitution for Experience RequirementEducation may not be substituted for the experience requirement.Experience Preferred

- Experience in plan design, strategy, and plan operations, including compliance requirements and negotiating in difficult situations
- Experience in insurance claims assistance, electronic benefits enrollment and eligibility systems, retirement plan administration, and leaves of absence administration
- Experience working in a call center and/or ticket request driven environment

License/Certification RequiredLicense/Certification Preferred

GBA – Group benefits associate
CEBS – Certified employee benefits specialist
PHR/SPHR – Professional in human resources/senior professional in human resources

Skills Required

- Proficiency in Excel
- Knowledge of data systems and administration
- Excellent communication skills both oral and written
- Attention to detail and focus on accuracy
- Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality
- Ability to think critically and problem solve
- Ability to work independently
- Excellent customer service skills
- Intermediate knowledge of benefits laws, regulations, and requirements

Skills Preferred

- Proficiency in Publisher or other website software
- Proficiency in Powerpoint and/or Access
- Data analytics
- Ability to collaborate with stakeholders across campus as well as service providers
- Strategic thinking
- Ability to maintain positive vendor relationships
- Banner knowledge

Internal / External Contacts

Internal Contacts: Frequent email telephone, and in-person contact with faculty and staff
External Contacts: Direct, regular contact working with external vendors

Physical Demands

Prolonged typing and computer use

Working Conditions

General office environment; occasional early/late work hours may be required, especially during enrollment season (April)

Essential Personnel

This position is considered essential during a campus emergency. The incumbent in this position is expected to support campus during emergency situations, and, may be required to provide related essential services remotely or on site before, during or after a campus emergency.

Rice University Standard of Civility

Serves as a representative of the University, displaying courtesy, tact, consideration and discretion in all interactions with other members of the Rice community and with the public.

Security Sensitive

As defined under the Texas Education Code and Rice Policy No. 425, this position is security sensitive and employment in this position is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

Special Instructions to ApplicantsQuick Link for Postinghttp://jobs.rice.edu/postings/22628 Job Functions

Essential Functions

- With knowledge of precedent, analyzes and interprets policy and program documents for necessary information
- Interacts and serves as the primary contact to resolve employee benefit issues / inquiries regarding eligibility, coverage and enrollment
- Serves as first employer level escalation for resolving employee benefit issues through benefit vendors
- Organizes and participates in campus health fairs
- Conducts annual enrollment and new hire meetings
- Develops strategic plan for vendor educational meetings
- Plans, organizes, and hosts meetings
- Maintains the HR/Benefits website
- Generates benefit program reports and metrics
- Has accountability for administrative processes for assigned areas
- Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions or Information

- Analyzes policies and program documents for necessary information to provide basic benefits and eligibility information to employees
- Answers incoming calls and written requests for benefit information and transactions promptly and accurately
- Assists in the annual benefit enrollment process, health and benefit fairs
- Conducts new hire orientation and annual enrollment meetings
- Provides regular reports and data reconciliations
- Provides assistance in supporting the HR / Benefits website
- Supports PTO reconciliation
- Publicizes benefit programs
- Performs all other duties as assigned

Applicant DocumentsRequired Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Are you aware that this is a two year, full-time term limited position?
   • Yes
   • No
2. * Do you have a bachelor's degree or additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis in lieu of the education requirement?
   • Yes
   • No
3. * Do you have three years of related experience in benefits administration with some experience in insurance claims assistance, electronic benefits enrollment and eligibility systems, retirement plan administration, and/or leaves of absence administration?
   • Yes
   • No
4. * The annual hiring salary for this position will be between $50,000 and $55,000. Does this salary level meet your expectations for this position?
   • Yes
   • No