Benefits Specialist

Duke Careers•Durham, NC

1d•$27 - $43

About The Position

Duke University is seeking a Benefits Specialist to support the delivery of employee benefits programs across the university and health system. In this role, you’ll provide guidance to employees, process benefits transactions, and help ensure programs are administered accurately, efficiently, and in alignment with HR policies. You’ll serve as a trusted resource for employees navigating benefits questions and changes—handling complex inquiries, resolving issues, and supporting initiatives like open enrollment. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys customer service, problem‑solving, and contributing to a positive employee experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field (or equivalent experience)
1–2 years of experience in employee benefits or HR
Proficiency in computer systems and latest office technology
Practical and extensive experience will be considered in lieu of a degree
Or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience
Strong customer service and communication skills
Ability to analyze issues and propose process improvements
Ability to handle complex or escalated employee inquiries with professionalism

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting benefits administration and enrollment processes
Familiarity with HR systems and benefits transactions

Responsibilities

Act as a customer service consultant handling more complex issues requiring specialized benefits knowledge, escalating cases to a Benefits Analyst when appropriate.
Assist employees in the completion of all necessary forms to enroll in or make changes to Duke benefit programs.
Perform benefits administration activities to support 'core' transaction processing including, but not limited to health and welfare benefits enrollment, retirement, and educational benefits.
Identify communication and operational issues arising during day-to-day administration activities / contact with customers and propose solutions to the Human Resource Information Center (HRIC) Manager and the Benefits Administration and Communcations Manager as appropriate.
Assist with group presentations explaining details of specified benefit programs for new hire orientation along with other educational initiatives.
Provide technical support and guidance to HRIC staff, sharing technical and legislative knowledge to ensure staff are up to date.
Seek to continuously develop and improve levels of knowledge and expertise, coordinating with the Benefits Administration & Communication Manager for training as required.
Make recommendations for process improvements to continuously improve efficiency and customer service.
Provide support to Benefits Manager and Plan Managers for special projects, including open enrollment, annual benefit statement production, performing research and other tasks as needed.