Employee Benefits Specialist

Apply now Job no: 498557
Work type: Classified
Location: Boise, ID
Categories: Administration and Business Operations, Human Resources, Development, Mid-Level

Job Summary/Basic Function:

To provide consultation, coordination, and assistance on the State's employee benefits and related policies and procedures and act as a liaison between providers, state employees and state human resource staff; perform related work. This classification is intended for use by agencies that administer their own agency unique benefits or administer benefits on a statewide basis.

Department Overview:

Human Resources and Workforce Strategy fosters a thriving campus community designed to enhance well-being, collaboration, innovation, and career growth. Our mission is to build and empower an engaged workforce to advance the university’s mission. Join us and be part of a collaborative environment where innovative ideas are valued, work-life balance is prioritized, and strong connections to the campus community are built. Together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of our students and the broader community.

Level Scope:

Regularly works on tasks that are varied and complex. Applies full range and job knowledge; frequently adapts procedures, techniques, tools, materials, and/or equipment to meet specialized needs; may serve as lead; performs broad and/or focused assignments under general supervision; originality and ingenuity are often required to help establish procedures in functional area; relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish assigned tasks.

Essential Functions:

60% of Time the Employee Benefits Specialist must:
● Serves as a liaison between state employees, state human resource staff members and the various providers as the primary point of contact for employees. The incumbent interprets and provides guidance relating to benefits, coverages and contract provisions to employees, agency management, and human resource personnel. Researches and recommends benefit plan and contract term modifications. May reconcile and submit reports to insurance companies, coordinate Workers' Compensation audits and premium negotiations, and monitor and recommend guidelines for dealing with unemployment claims.
● Interprets, provides guidance, and trains employees, managers and staff on benefits, and related policies and procedures. Coordinates implementation of benefits or related policy and procedure changes; develops benefit orientation and other informational materials and coordinates their dissemination and the promotion of benefits programs. May conduct regular meetings with agency personnel to research and implement methods in which to better respond to questions, issues and concerns of employees and agency personnel and identify ways in which to better educate employees on benefit coverages and procedures.
● May perform the following responsibilities: reviews legislation and recommends changes to retirement plan and/or policies and procedures; provide administrative support to the Retirement Plan Administrative Panel and coordinates retirement benefits; coordinates with PERSI on legislative matters, reciprocity issues, and payroll audits; prepares data for Internal Revenue Service, Department of Labor, and actuarial reporting; coordinates automated system changes with the State Controller's Office and department information systems staff; conducts pre-retirement workshops; prepares retirement plan Annual Report; coordinates semi-annual panel meeting agenda and records and processes minutes; coordinates nomination and election of new panel members; revises employee handbook; calculates and processes payment of retirement benefits and contribution refunds, buy back, and rollovers; evaluates individual eligibility; provides advice and guidance on retirement options; prepares and submits tax forms; compiles Annual Participant Contribution Account.

35% of the time the Employee Benefits Specialist must:
● Answer benefit questions; respond to emails, phone calls, and in-person
● Assist employees with completing enrollment forms
● Track changes to benefit eligibility
● Process updates and adjustments for benefit changes
● Determine eligibility for the Tuition Fee Waiver benefits
● Participation in team engagement; Involvement and collaboration in Human Resource programs across campus

5% of the time the Employee Benefits Specialist must:
● Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

● Good knowledge of: personnel administration practices; group insurance program design, benefit levels.
● Some knowledge of insurance funding.
● Experience: analyzing statistical and financial reports and data; researching and resolving complex benefit issues; interpreting and explaining insurance contract provisions, policies, procedures and regulations; researching new developments in benefit programs; maintaining a computerized records system.
● Experience: developing presentations and conducting group training.

Minimum Qualifications:

Good knowledge of: group medical, dental, life and disability insurance.

Experience: compiling data and preparing reports.

Preferred Qualifications:

● Experience in HR/Benefit related field.
● Knowledge and use of Excel.
● Exemplary Customer Service Skills.

Salary and Benefits:
 
Salary of $21.50/hr. Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package, including (but not limited to):
Required Application Materials:

Please submit a Cover Letter indicating your interest and a Resume stating your qualifications for this position.

About Us:

Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We’re a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.

Boise State is proud to be recognized by Forbes as the only Idaho employer listed in the top 100 of all national midsize and large employers. We’re building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.

Learn more about Boise State and living in Idaho’s Treasure Valley at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/

 

 

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Applications close: Mountain Daylight Time

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Equal Employment Opportunity
Boise State University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. Boise State University is building a culturally diverse faculty and staff and strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and covered veterans. As a federal contractor, the University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. View Boise State's complete Pay Transparency Policy Statement. Boise State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 426-1616 or hrs@boisestate.edu.
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