Benefits Specialist

Human Resources advances the University’s mission by attracting, developing, and supporting a highly qualified and diverse workforce. The department is committed to providing exceptional service with integrity and professionalism while fostering a workplace where employees feel respected, supported, and valued.

Reporting to the Director of Benefits, the Benefits Specialist supports the administration of the University’s benefit programs for approximately 1,100 employees. These programs include health, dental, retirement, life, workers’ compensation, short-and long-term disability, paid time off, employee and dependent education assistance programs. and other related plans.

Responsibilities include:

• Administers benefit plans including health, dental, vision, life, FSA, HSA, EAP, COBRA, and life benefits continuation coverage.
• Assists employees and retirees with benefit-related matters; explains benefit provisions; responds to inquiries from employees, retirees, dependents, and external vendors regarding benefits programs.
• May conduct employee information presentations including benefits orientations for new employees.
• Serves as liaison between employees, internal HR teams, and external benefits vendors and retirement providers to resolve eligibility, coverage, and claims-related inquiries and provides appropriate follow-up communication regarding benefit-related questions.
• Tracks, documents, and resolves open benefit issues to ensure timely and accurate resolution.
• Maintains accurate benefits and payroll-related records through ongoing audits, data validation, and reconciliation activities to ensure accurate employee eligibility, enrollment, and coverage information.
• Participates in testing and implementation of system updates, vendor integrations, and benefit plan changes impacting eligibility processes.  Partners with IT to troubleshoot system issues, business process errors, and integration discrepancies.
• Coordinates benefits-related payroll deductions, including deductions in arrears, and works with Payroll to resolve discrepancies and ensure accurate processing within payroll deadlines. 
• Prepares correspondence and other written materials as required; develops, updates, and maintains forms, documents, records, and materials necessary for the administration of benefit programs and communication of benefits information to employees; coordinates the timely distribution and delivery of materials; receives and routes mail.
• Administers and coordinates activities related to retirement, retiree benefits, disability, leave of absence, and other benefit plans.
• Ensures benefit plan administration activities are conducted in compliance with applicable federal and state regulations, including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, Medicare, Medicaid, and COBRA requirements.
• Provides guidance to employees and retirees regarding benefit eligibility, enrollment, coverage, and claims-related matters and facilitates resolution of benefit-related concerns.
• Supports the planning, communication, and administration of the annual open enrollment process.
• Documents and maintains standard operating procedures and job aids.
• Maintains benefits records and documentation in accordance with University record retention requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. The frequency and schedule of on-campus and remote work will be determined in consultation with the supervisor and may be adjusted based on departmental and operational needs.

Remote work is only considered for residents of MA, VT, NH, ME, CT, RI, or NY.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field and a minimum of four years or progressively responsible experience administering group employee benefits including programs, including customer service, benefits administration, and regulation compliance, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.   
• Proven record of providing customer service-oriented approach to benefit related issues and inquiries.   
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse constituencies at all levels within the University and external providers.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and strong organizational skills including attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and HRIS system.
• Experience utilizing HRIS systems to maintain benefit records, conduct audits, and ensure data integrity.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and provide responsive customer service to individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience utilizing Workday HRIS for benefits administration, reporting, and data management.
• Experience administering benefit programs in compliance with ACA, ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125 and other applicable federal and state regulations.
• Previous experience with self-insured benefit plans.
• Previous experience in higher education.
• Experience administering benefits in a unionized environment.   
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All offers to external applicants are contingent on the candidate’s completion of a pre-employment background check screening to the satisfaction of Wesleyan University.

Wesleyan University, located in Middletown, Connecticut, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, political belief, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or non-position-related criminal record. We welcome applications from women and historically underrepresented minority groups. Inquiries regarding Title IX, Section 504 or any other non-discrimination policies should be directed to Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, Title IX and ADA/504 Coordinator.

Wesleyan University complies with the Clery Act and maintains records of campus crime statistics and security policies. Copies of Wesleyan University’s Clery Act Report are available on request and online at https://www.wesleyan.edu/publicsafety/clery.html.

Experience is taken into consideration in the determination of salary offers.  For more information visit https://www.wesleyan.edu/hr/handbook/compensation-practices/index.html

Wesleyan offers a broad range of employee benefits and development opportunities, including comprehensive group insurance plans, wellness programs and incentives, generous paid time off and retirement plans, flexible work schedules, employee and dependent tuition programs for those who qualify.  

Detailed information on the benefits of working at Wesleyan is located at: https://wesleyan.edu/hr/careers/prospective-resources.html.