Benefit Specialist
The University of Texas at Arlington

Job Info

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Posting Number:

S05860P

Position Title:

Benefit Specialist

UTSystem Title:

Benefits Specialist

Department:

Talent, Culture, & Engagement

Location:

Arlington

Job Family:

Human Resources

Position Status:

Full-time

Work Hours:

Standard

Work Schedule:

Monday-Friday; 8:00am-5:00pm.

Open to:

External and Internal

Salary:

Salary is commensurate based on qualifications and relevant experience up to $55,000.

Duration:

Funding expected to continue

Pay Basis:

Monthly

Benefits Eligible:

Yes

Benefits at UTA:

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees at the University.
https://www.uta.edu/hr/employee-benefits

To help you understand the full value of these benefits, we have created a tool that calculates the total worth of your compensation package. This tool takes into account all of the benefits that you are eligible for, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. To access this tool and learn more about the total value of your benefits, please click on the following link:
https://resources.uta.edu/hr/services/records/compensation-tools.php

University Information:

The University of Texas at Arlington is located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metroplex, a vibrant and diverse metropolitan area that is home to over 7 million people, one of the fastest-growing tech economies in the United States, and a wide array of arts, entertainment, and cultural activities. UTA is a comprehensive teaching, research, and public service institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through scholarship and creative work. The University is committed to providing access and ensuring student success, and to a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization of discoveries by our community of scholars. With an enrollment of more than 40,000 students, UTA is the second largest in the University of Texas System. As a result of its combination of rigorous academics and innovative research, UTA is designated as a Carnegie R-1 "Very High Research Activity" institution. UTA ranks No. 4 nationally in Military Times' annual "Best for Vets: Colleges" list and is among the top 30 performers nationwide for promoting social mobility of its graduates (U.S. News & World Report, 2023). UTA is designated by the U.S. Department of Education as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), and it has one of the top 5 most ethnically diverse undergraduate student bodies in the United States (U.S. News & World Report, 2023). Its approximately 270,000 alumni, including some who occupy leadership positions at many of the 24 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in North Texas, contribute to UTA's $22.2 billion annual economic impact on Texas.

Furthermore, UTA is poised to experience widespread growth in the near future. The university recently launched the first phase of its RISE 100 initiative aimed at recruiting 100 new tenure-system faculty to amplify research standing and position UTA as a leader in key scholarly areas; more details are available at https://www.uta.edu/administration/president/strategic-plan/rise100. The successful candidate for this position will have the opportunity to join UTA during an exciting period of growth and contribute as the university broadens its impact.

Job Summary:

Assist employees with benefit questions and resolve benefits issues. Processes employee and benefits data including initial insurance and retirement elections, family status changes, and retirement while following UT System and University Policies and Procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responds timely to routine benefit inquiries from faculty, staff and retirees via the benefits inbox, calls, and walk-ins.
• Advise and provide benefits and retirement information to employees.
• Respond timely to benefits and retirement inquiries, troubleshoots and resolves issues.
• Provide customer service to and collaborate with leaders, employees, HR, payroll, leave management, records, HRIS (Human Resources Information Systems), and external vendors.
• Timely and accurately maintain, and/or process benefits enrollments, eligibility, BAS activity, tasks, deductions, data, records, activities, testing in Benefitfocus, PeopleSoft, ACA system, & SGELIG.
• Manage Benefits Task List daily via the online My UT Benefits platform to process enrollments, qualifying life events, and invalid data corrections.
• Provide retirement counseling by meeting with employees to determine TRS or ORP retirement eligibility, discuss retirement program enrollment, and assist with the retirement process.
• Conduct benefits/retirement orientations, benefit information sessions, annual enrollment, benefits & wellness fair, and presentations.
• Comply with employee benefits and retirement laws, regulations, and UT System policies and procedures.
• Process death claims, surviving spouse benefits, and support orders.
• Performs other duties assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field or equivalent human resources experience.
• Three (3) years of employee benefits and retirement experience including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long-term disability, flexible spending, Life insurance, 403(b) and 457(b).
• Two (2) years of employee benefits customer service experience that is timely with a focus on assisting employees with resolving benefits issues and benefits-related inquiries.
• Experience with public speaking and presentation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Five (5) years of direct employee benefits and retirement experience including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long-term disability, flexible spending, Life insurance, 403(b) and 457(b).
• Completion of specialized certification or training in benefits administration such as CBP, BEBS, SHRM-CP, or PHR.
• Proficiency with MS Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Proficiency with People Soft and Benefitfocus.
• Experience with Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) and or Optional Retirement Program (ORP) retirement plans.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of employee benefits and retirement laws, regulations, filings, compliance, and UT System policies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Professional analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply benefits regulations and the Office of Employee Benefits Administrative Manual procedures and policies.
• Ability to engage and educate employees about benefits offerings.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Exceptional customer service skills and follow through.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive data.
• Ability to execute, implement, monitor, and complete multiple tasks successfully in accordance with established timelines.
• Ability to communicate with all levels within the University.
• Intermediate knowledge of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and HRIS system software.

CBC Requirement:

It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington to conduct a criminal background check on any applicant who is under final consideration for employment with the University.

EEO Statement:

It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA or The University) to provide an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. In accordance with federal and state law, the University prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. The University also prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally-protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure the University's compliance with this policy.

ADA Accommodations:

The University of Texas at Arlington is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to 817-272-5554 or email ADADocs@uta.edu.

Number of Vacancies:

1

Minimum Number of References Required:

3

Maximum Number of References Accepted:

3

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Applicants must include in their online resume the following information: 1) Employment history: name of company, period employed (from month/year to month/year), job title, summary of job duties and 2) Education: school name, degree type, and major.

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