HR Benefits and Training Specialist

CHESS•Farmington, NM

8d•$55,495 - $60,000

About The Position

The HR Benefits and Training Specialist supports employee benefits and leave programs, coordinates mandatory employee training, and contributes to employee wellness, recognition, and appreciation initiatives. Working collaboratively across campus, the specialist serves as a resource for employees and helps maintain a positive and supportive workplace. Under the direction of the Benefits Manager, the position administers benefits processes, supports employees with benefits and leave questions, coordinates FMLA and short-term disability matters, and assists with onboarding, separations, retiree healthcare, and COBRA. It also leads the college-wide coordination and tracking of mandatory training and supports wellness events, employee awards, and campus-wide appreciation activities. The role develops benefits-related communications, conducts benefits orientations and meetings, supports compliance with college objectives and applicable laws, and performs additional related duties as assigned. Compensation is $55,495–$60,000 DOE; the position is exempt and regular. The position remains open until filled, with application review scheduled to occur on November 2, 2026.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in a course of study related to the occupational field, or commonly associated knowledge and competency gained through completion of such a degree.
At least four years of progressively responsible professional experience in human resources, business administration, employee benefits, or a related field, including administrative, coordination, or program management responsibilities.
Ability to independently coordinate multiple processes, exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and communicate effectively with employees, supervisors, and external benefits providers.
Submit a cover letter with the application.
Submit a CV or resume with the application.
Submit a list of three supervisor references with the application.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of applicable federal and state employment laws and regulations, including FMLA, COBRA, and other regulations related to employee benefits and leave administration.
SHRM-CP certification.
Unofficial transcripts and letters of recommendation are optional application documents.

Responsibilities

Support administration of employee benefits, including processing enrollments and changes, answering employee questions, and resolving routine billing or data discrepancies.
Assist employees with HR topics, including benefits and leave, and resolve issues that arise.
Determine employee eligibility for FMLA and short-term disability; coordinate, track, and communicate with employees about these benefits.
Ensure new employees are enrolled in benefits, remove terminated employees, and coordinate COBRA benefits.
Schedule and conduct exit interviews; guide separating employees on continued benefits, final pay, and other separation matters; coordinate follow-up as needed.
Maintain records of employee hires, changes, and separations, and prepare and distribute related personnel information and documentation to appropriate departments.
Coordinate and track college-wide mandatory employee training, monitor completion, maintain compliance records, and identify outstanding requirements.
Work with departments to establish training requirements and deadlines, communicate expectations, and follow up on incomplete or overdue training.
Administer special projects as directed by the VP of Human Resources and Legal Activities.
Plan and execute wellness events and activities under the direction of the Benefits Manager.
Assist retirees with enrollment in and questions about retiree healthcare benefits.
Serve on the Employee Enrichment and Appreciation Committee (EEAC) and take a lead role in events such as the Thanksgiving potluck, retiree reception, and other campus-wide events.
Coordinate employee awards, including voting and awardee selection with committees, Institutional Research, and other stakeholders; lead the Awards Committee.
Develop and implement communications to employees and retirees about benefit changes, open enrollment, FMLA, the Affordable Care Act, the Wellness Fair, and other benefits topics.
Conduct new employee benefits orientations, provide enrollment follow-up, hold one-on-one benefits meetings as needed, and provide candidates with general benefits information during interviews when requested.
Ensure compliance with college objectives and applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
Serve as liaison between employees and New Mexico State insurance providers and COBRA.
Assist payroll with research and resolution of short-term disability eligibility and payment matters.
Track and maintain Sick Leave Bank balances, transactions, and membership.
Prepare benefits information for annual employment contracts.
Coordinate payment of and track banked overload credits and Embedded Honors credits for faculty.
Perform related duties as assigned.