Benefits Specialist

Department

OPS HR - Benefits Service Center

About the Department

The University of Chicago offers a wide variety of benefits programs and resources to its employees. From our health plan options and wellness programs, to our continuing education opportunities and competitive retirement plans, the University is committed to providing benefits that matter to you at each stage of your employment.

Job Summary

This role provides specialized business support for the development, implementation and administration of cost-effective benefits programs such as pension plans and life, health and disability insurance.

Responsibilities

• Under general supervision, administers the University’s Health and Welfare, and Retirement benefits.
• Counsels staff, faculty, retirees, and their families in their initial plan enrollments, making changes to their benefits during the year (family status changes), during open enrollment, and at retirement/termination of their employment at the University via telephone, e-mail, and one-on-one contact.
• Reviews, approves, processes/finalizes the enrollment/disenrollment of medical, dental, vision, flexible spending, health savings accounts, life disability and retirement benefits for active staff, faculty and retirees via Workday, while ensuring they meet specific policies and guidelines.
• Serves as the primary resource for interpretation of all benefits.
• Assists with the resolution of health and welfare benefit issues for active staff/faculty, retirees and health plan providers regarding enrollment and coverage matters via e-mail and phone.
• Interacts with unit administrators regarding employee benefits for new hires and current employees.
• May manage and/or administer one or more designated benefit plans.
• Conducts benefit presentations for employees and new hires, and additional projects as needed per the Director of Benefits and Benefits Manager.
• Provides specialized business support for the development, implementation and administration of cost-effective benefits programs such as pension plans and life, health and disability insurance.
• Supports staff, faculty, retirees, and their families in their plan enrollments, making changes to their benefits during the year (especially during open enrollment), and at termination of their employment at the University via telephone, e-mail, and one-on-one contact.
• Following established policies and procedures, administers employee benefits programs. Assists employees with benefit questions and problems. Assists in the maintenance of benefits records and documents.
• Has limited knowledge of federal and state laws pertaining to a specific subject area.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications
 

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or a related field.

Experience:

• Benefits, human resources, or business related experience.
• Background in a variety of benefits services, such as health and welfare, medical, and retirement.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Maintain broad-based knowledge of all benefit plans offered by the University.

Preferred Competencies

• Work in a high call and email volume environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Distinguished presentation skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Superb customer service skills.
• Accomplished analytical skills.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Effectively communicate information that may not be well received.
• Research, analyze and present data and recommendations in an organized and logical manner.
• Outstanding level of confidentiality, judgment, discretion and diplomacy while working with various individuals at all levels of the organization.

Working Conditions

• Remote, one day in office per month.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• References Contact Information (2) (required)

Job Family

University Human Resources

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

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FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

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Pay Range

$29.75 - $31.75

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.