Employee Benefits Specialist

Boise State University • Boise, ID

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This role provides consultation, coordination, and assistance on employee benefits and related policies and procedures, acting as a liaison between providers, state employees, and state human resource staff. This classification is for agencies that administer their own agency-unique benefits or administer benefits on a statewide basis. The Human Resources and Workforce Strategy department fosters a thriving campus community designed to enhance well-being, collaboration, innovation, and career growth, with a mission to build and empower an engaged workforce to advance the university’s mission. The department values innovative ideas, work-life balance, and strong connections to the campus community, aiming to make a positive impact on students and the broader community.

Requirements

• 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.
• Experience researching and resolving complex benefit issues.
• Experience interpreting and explaining insurance contract provisions, policies, procedures and regulations.
• Experience researching new developments in benefit programs.
• Experience maintaining a computerized records system.
• Experience developing presentations and conducting group training.
• Good knowledge of group medical, dental, life and disability insurance.
• Experience compiling data and preparing reports.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Administer and interpret employee benefit programs by independently interpreting and applying federal and state regulations, plan documents, and University policies to complex employee benefit situations. Determine eligibility dates, contribution limits, enrollment requirements, qualifying life event provisions, and other benefit requirements, and provide accurate guidance to employees and HR partners.
• Analyze and audit benefits, enrollment, payroll, and eligibility data to identify discrepancies, trends, systemic errors, compliance concerns, and financial risks. Run recurring and ad hoc reports; reconcile information across Oracle HCM, payroll, and benefit vendor systems; investigate discrepancies; and develop recommendations to prevent recurring issues.
• Serve as a functional subject matter expert for benefits administration within Oracle HCM and related systems. Troubleshoot system configuration and production issues affecting eligibility, enrollment, and payroll deductions; analyze system design and business processes to identify root causes; collaborate with internal partners to develop, test, and implement system enhancements; and validate system changes for accuracy and compliance with plan and regulatory requirements.
• Resolve complex and non-standard benefits cases requiring analysis, research, and independent professional judgment. Review system records, plan documents, regulatory requirements, and vendor information to determine appropriate corrective action; coordinate necessary system and payroll corrections; document resolutions; and escalate matters requiring policy-level decisions or higher authority.
• Coordinate with external benefit vendors, payroll, and internal stakeholders to resolve enrollment, premium, deduction, eligibility, and system-related issues. Track issues through resolution, verify that corrections are completed accurately and timely, and identify and address systemic concerns.
• Monitor benefits-related compliance requirements, including ACA, PERSI, dependent eligibility, and other applicable federal, state, and plan requirements. Review eligibility documentation and enrollment activity, identify potential compliance gaps, recommend preventative controls, and support internal and external audits by preparing documentation and responding to inquiries.
• Provide benefits education and consultation to employees, managers, HR staff, and other University stakeholders regarding benefit options, eligibility requirements, enrollment processes, qualifying life events, employment changes, and applicable plan provisions.
• Develop, maintain, and deliver benefits-related training and communication materials, including employee guidance, job aids, process documentation, benefit education resources, and internal procedures. Translate complex regulatory and plan language into clear and accessible information.
• Identify and implement process improvements related to benefits enrollment, onboarding, employee transfers, system processes, and employee communications. Evaluate existing processes for efficiency, accuracy, and compliance; identify recurring errors and workflow bottlenecks; recommend solutions; and collaborate with stakeholders to implement and refine improvements.
• Train and provide technical support to HR staff and student employees on benefits procedures, systems, processes, and appropriate responses to employee questions and issues.
• Participate in Human Resources programs and initiatives that support effective benefits administration, employee service, operational effectiveness, and continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned that support the administration, compliance, education, and continuous improvement of employee benefit programs.

Benefits

• 12 paid holidays AND the University is closed between Christmas and New Year's (requires use of 3 vacation days)
• 12-24 annual paid vacation days for full-time Professional and Classified staff depending on position type and years of service
• 11.96% University contribution to your PERSI retirement fund (Classified employees)
• Excellent medical, dental and other health-related insurance coverages
• Tuition fee waiver benefits for employees, spouses and their dependents

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed