Benefits Coordinator or Benefits Specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University (TX) – Nacogdoches, Texas

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

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

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS - BENEFITS SPECIALIST

1. Interprets and explains university policies and procedures related to benefits and retirement programs to faculty, staff, and departments.
2. Serves as primary contact for employees, retirees, vendors, and oversight agencies regarding benefits enrollment, changes, terminations, and general questions on programs.
3. Counsels employees concerning university benefits programs.
4. Contacts and counsels employees when benefits eligibility changes and ensures applicable paperwork is completed.
5. Enters benefits information in databases, human resources information system (HRIS), and spreadsheets.
6. Plans, coordinates, develops, and conducts benefits orientations, training modules, and annual enrollment information sessions.
7. Assists in regular data reviews and testing system changes. Verifies, validates, and corrects data as needed.
8. Reviews Electronic Personnel Action Forms (EPAFs) for employee hires, changes, and terminations to determine benefits eligibility.
9. Investigates employee problems with program vendors, acting as employee liaison.
10. 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.
11. Prepares, analyzes, and oversees the submission of various monthly, quarterly, annual, special, and ad hoc reports related to benefits.
12. Reviews current departmental policies and procedures related to benefits and recommends changes.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS - BENEFITS COORDINATOR

1. May assist with leave administrator functions for FMLA, leave pools, ADA, and other related leave benefits.
2. May reconcile financial data and reports related to payroll benefits deductions and vendor changes.
3. May collect payments of premiums from employees, as needed.
4. May train and provide work direction to student workers.
5. Serves as back up to professional staff as needed.
6. May represent the department on various university committees.
7. Assists with special projects when assigned.
8. Performs other related duties as assigned.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS - BENEFITS SPECIALIST

1. Assists with processing and filing various departmental records.
2. May perform leave administrator functions for FMLA, leave pools, ADA, and other related leave benefits.
3. May reconcile financial data and reports related to payroll benefits deductions and vendor changes.
4. May train and provide work direction to student workers.
5. May collect payments of premiums from employees, as needed.
6. May represent the department on various university committees.
7. Assists with special projects when assigned.
8. Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES - BENEFITS COORDINATOR
The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

1. Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, university policies and procedures.
2. Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, federal, state, and local laws, statutes, regulations, codes, and standards related to area of responsibility.
3. Skill in using computer applications including spreadsheet, database, and word processing software.
4. Skill in completing assignments accurately with attention to detail.
5. Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend solutions.
6. Ability to set priorities and complete assignments on time.
7. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
8. Ability to establish and maintain a good rapport with university faculty and staff, students, and the general public.
9. Ability to explain policies and procedures to staff and the public.
10. Ability to accurately prepare and maintain records, files, and reports.
11. Ability to work with and maintain confidential information.
12. Ability to learn office and university-specific software.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES - BENEFITS SPECIALIST

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

1. Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, university policies and procedures.
2. Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, statutes, regulations, codes, and standards related to area of responsibility.
3. Skill in using computer applications including spreadsheet, database, and word processing software.
4. Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions.
5. Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend effective solutions.
6. Ability to analyze complex information and develop plans to address identified issues.
7. Ability to accurately prepare and maintain records, files, and reports.
8. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
9. Ability to explain policies and procedures to staff and the public.
10. Ability to establish and maintain a good rapport with university faculty and staff, students, and the general public.
11. Ability to work with and maintain confidential information.
12. Ability to set priorities and complete assignments on time.
13. Ability to learn office and university-specific software.

Salary grade varies with position level:
Benefits Coordinator - Grade 15
Benefits Specialist - Grade 14

Stephen F. Austin State University recognizes the potential for accidents in performing job-related tasks. SFASU promotes a safe working environment. Employees will be responsible for completing assigned tasks safely and efficiently. Employee evaluations will include safe job performance.

This is a security-sensitive position subject to criminal record check.

This is an IT-sensitive position subject to the Computer and Network Security policy.