Benefits Specialist I
About The Position
Be a part of One Great Team—collaborative, resourceful, intentional, and impact-driven. As a Benefits Specialist I, you’ll be more than a policy expert—you’ll be a trusted guide, a problem-solver, and a values-driven leader. You’ll help employees navigate the complexities of leave programs, while also contributing to strategic initiatives that shape the future of our HR services. UT Austin provides an outstanding benefits package, including but not limited to: Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%) Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with employer matching funds Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b) Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning, plus professional conference opportunities Tuition assistance Expansive employee discount program, including athletic tickets Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff ID card Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card For more details, please see: https://hr.utexas.edu/prospective/benefits and https://hr.utexas.edu/learning-development/resources/employeeexperience . Security sensitive; criminal background checks conducted on selected candidate. Hiring decision is contingent upon applicant clearing checks. Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer without sponsorship. Hybrid work available: Work from home 1-2 days per week Purpose The Benefits Specialist I is part of the University’s HR Services team. Our mission is to deliver a world-class campus, student, and innovation experience through operational excellence. As a Benefits Specialist I, you’ll be at the heart of that mission—supporting our people with care, integrity, and purpose.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of experience in HR administration or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
- High level of integrity and confidentiality.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and HR systems.
- Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer without sponsorship.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with leave and WCI programs.
- Experience with Workday.
- Experience with service delivery platforms such as Service Now and Amazon Connect.
- PHR certification or related training.
- Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish.
- Experience in higher education or the public sector.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a subject matter expert and liaison between employees, HR partners, Payroll, the Provost’s Office, the ADA Coordinator, WCI claims adjusters, and the UT System Office of Risk Management. You’ll provide clear, compassionate guidance on eligibility, leave and WCI programs, and more.
- Lead and support initiatives such as training sessions and the development of educational materials. You’ll help demystify leave and WCI programs and empower employees to make informed decisions
- Use Workday, ServiceNow, and other systems to resolve issues, streamline processes, and improve the employee experience.
- Prepare reports and HR analytics that audit for compliance, track customer data and enhance our programs.
- Facilitate customized training sessions that reflect our values and culture.
Benefits
- Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)
- Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options
- Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
- Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with employer matching funds
- Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)
- Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
- Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning, plus professional conference opportunities
- Tuition assistance
- Expansive employee discount program, including athletic tickets
- Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff ID card
- Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
