Benefits Specialist

Duke University; Durham (NC); Hybrid; USD 27,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke University in Durham, NC is seeking a Benefits Specialist to provide benefits administration support to University and Health System personnel, delivering student, staff, and faculty benefits guidance and customer service with accuracy.

The role supports open enrollment, coordinates with the Benefits Administration & Communication Manager and HRIC, and assists with complex benefits transactions as needed, contributing to process improvements and high-quality employee experiences.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of experience in employee benefits or HR.
• Proficient with computer software and office technology.
• Minimum education as described; equivalent experience considered.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a customer service consultant for complex benefits issues.
• Assist employees with enrolling or changing Duke benefit programs.
• Support core benefits processing including health, retirement, and education benefits.
• Assist with open enrollment and benefits projects as needed.
• Provide training and guidance to HRIC staff on benefits knowledge.
• Identify process improvements to enhance efficiency and service.

Skills

Customer service

Benefits knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management

Tools

Computer software

Electronic office technology

Job description

Provide benefits support and guidance to employees throughout their employment journey.

Be You.

Perform a variety of administrative and clerical duties involved in the delivery of employee benefits to University and Health System personnel.

The position requires the application of HR policies in the areas of HR, pay, and benefits and is responsible for providing customer service response to inquiries and escalated issues.

In addition, the Benefits Specialist will provide special project support (e.g. open enrollment) in coordination with the Benefits Administration & Communication Manager and will also provide support to the Human Resource Information Center (HRIC) data management team on complex benefits transactions as needed.

Work Arrangement

Hybrid

DEPARTMENTAL PREFERENCES

Benefits Administration Experience Preferred.

Disability and Life Insurance program administration experience preferred.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

B.A. from an accredited institution preferably in Human Resource Management or a related field Practical and extensive experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Experience

1-2 years of experience in employee benefits / HR Proficient in computer software and latest electronic office technology.

Or An Equivalent Combination Of Relevant Education And/Or Experience.

Be Bold.

Work Performed

• 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. Primarily supports voluntary benefits such as life and disability insurance and Kiel program. Secondarily supports our tuition programs.


• 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 Communications 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.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.

Choose Duke.

Anticipated Pay Range:

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $27.17 to USD $43.51. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy- related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: [e-mail]; phone: [phone]).